One was a stunning collapse of a giant in the Eastern Conference, and the other was a nail-biting Western thriller. The limelight? Specifically, Oklahoma City vs. Denver and Indiana vs. Cleveland both lived up to the expectations.
Pacers Pull Off Stunning Upset, Bounce No. 1 Seed Cavaliers
This was more than just a victory; it was a declaration.
The top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers were defeated 4-1 and their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals was punched by the Indiana Pacers, who finished their series upset with a 114-105 victory, playing with fearless pace and poise.
Indiana rallied from a 19-point deficit in the second quarter thanks to Tyrese Haliburton's incredible play, which saw him score 31 points and masterfully direct the attack. Each item felt deliberate. Each shot was well-planned.
Andrew Nembhard's 18 points went unnoticed, but not by the Cavaliers, who found it difficult to control Indiana's ball movement and floor spacing. Pascal Siakam contributed 21 points and anchored the paint during a pivotal third-quarter run.
It was heartbreak for the Cavaliers. Donovan Mitchell gave it his all, scoring 35 points, making clutch shots, and driving relentlessly, but Indiana's constant pressure in the second half caused Cleveland's offense to crumble. Their once-promising season ends suddenly in quiet.
The Pacers? They continue to march with assurance, unfazed, and obviously eager for more.
Thunder Strike Late, Seize Lead Over Defending Champion Nuggets
Oklahoma City Thunder had delivered the decisive punch in the Western Conference's fierce battle between growing vitality and experience.
The Thunder moved one step closer to unseating the reigning champs with a 112–105 triumph, giving them a 3–2 series lead over the Denver Nuggets. However, this was not just another victory. This was a memorable playoff game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 10 of his 26 points in the closing minutes, demonstrating his clutch play when it most. Each blast had the feel of a dagger. Every motion is intentional and fluid. This Thunder playoff run has been defined by his poise under duress.
It wasn't only Shai, though. Lu Dort made timely three-pointers. Jaylin Williams intentionally broke the glass. Young and unafraid, the Thunder bench came through during the game's most crucial moments.
Nevertheless, it took everything to defeat Nikola Jokić's incredible play, as he put on a legendary performance with 44 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. His footwork? Perfect. His eye? Unrivaled. Nevertheless, OKC's late-game surge was too strong to overcome even that.
The Nuggets are currently in danger of being eliminated. In contrast, the Thunder smell blood.
What Comes Next?
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers will face the victor of the Celtics-Knicks series.
In Game 6, the Oklahoma City Thunder will try to end the series and might play Minnesota, who have already guaranteed their place in the Western Conference Finals.
There are now two major conference players. One new, one old. The best may still be ahead as the playoffs heat up.
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