Tyrese Haliburton made a long-range 2-pointer with 17.7 seconds left to seal the victory for the host Indiana Pacers, who defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-116 on Friday night in Indianapolis. Myles Turner scored a career-high 27 points.
In a six-division structure that places teams in groups of five, the Pacers’ victory momentarily placed them atop East Group A.
The Cavaliers, who had been down by as many as 18 points, used a 34-point third-quarter outburst to cut their deficit to just one heading into the final 12 minutes, 88-87, and set up a tight fourth quarter.
With 2:16 remaining, the Pacers had a 113-106 lead after six lead changes. However, Evan Mobley’s tip-in, Donovan Mitchell’s 14-footer, and Darius Garland’s two free throws cut the lead to one point.
But with 2:04 remaining, Haliburton took control, first making a pair of free throws. With 17.7 seconds remaining, the Indiana star made a 15-footer and then connected from just inside the arc to give the team a 117-114 lead.
Turner stopped Mobley’s layup, giving the Cavaliers possession back and an opportunity to tie. However, Caris LeVert missed a 3-point attempt, and Haliburton then finished with four more foul shots to seal the Pacers victory.
In addition to his team-high scoring total, Turner finished with a team-high nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Haliburton recorded an 18-point, 13-assist double-double.
In a non-tournament game last Saturday, Indiana defeated Cleveland 125-113. Bruce Brown (19 points), Buddy Hield (14), Jalen Smith (13), and Aaron Nesmith (13), all scored in double figures for the Hoosiers.
Mitchell, who did not play in the previous meeting, finished the game with 38 points and a team-high nine assists. Despite his 4-for-7 3-point shooting, the Cavaliers were outscored by the Pacers 45–24 in the paint.
Mobley recorded a double-double for the Cavaliers, who suffered their fourth defeat in their previous five games, with 14 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. LeVert finished with 13 points, Georges Niang with 12, and Garland with 14 as well. Each of Jarrett Allen and Max Strus had ten.
