Pacers' pace overwhelms Cavs in Eastern Semifinal opener

Indiana Pacers wasted no time making a statement in Game 1 of their NBA Playoff Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, securing a 121-112 victory in Cleveland. The Pacers started with incredible pace, likened to the "Indy 500," and delivered a "strong opening statement defensively" that immediately stifled the Cavaliers' offense, leading to a "poor shooting performance" from Cleveland in the first half.

Conversely, the Pacers' offense was red hot early. They shot exceptionally well, hitting 60 percent from both the field (24 of 40) and beyond the arc (9 of 15) in the first half – described as one of their best shooting halves of the season – "seemingly scoring with ease" and building a 12-point lead. While Cleveland's shooting was expected to improve, Indiana proved they are not a team that fades away, maintaining their intensity and shooting 10 for 22 in the fourth quarter when some Cavaliers starters were on the bench.

Several Pacers players stepped up significantly. Andrew Nembhard led the team with 23 points and added six assists, showing revitalized shooting form in the playoffs after a lower percentage in the regular season. Aaron Nesmith was highlighted for being in "playoff mode," impacting both ends of the court with 17 points and eight rebounds, including a key blocked shot on Donovan Mitchell and making a three-pointer of his own, despite getting into foul trouble.

For the Cavaliers, the game was marked by struggles. They appeared "a step slow" and "didn't look ready for Game 1," seemingly "surprised by Indiana’s speed" despite having discussed it beforehand. Early miscues, like players colliding, pointed to a lack of readiness or organization. Cleveland finished the game shooting poorly from three-point range, making only 9 of 38 attempts and being "outscored by 30 points from 3-point range."

Mitchell's record-breaking night is not enough

The discussion around Darius Garland's absence loomed over the Cavaliers' performance. Having now missed three consecutive playoff games, potentially due to a "bad foot," the author ultimately concluded that Garland's scoring and playmaking were likely needed for the Cavaliers to keep pace in the fast-paced game, suggesting his absence was a significant factor in their struggles.

Despite this, Donovan Mitchell had a record-breaking night individually, scoring 33 points to surpass Michael Jordan with his eighth straight playoff series opener scoring at least 30 points, though his efficiency, particularly from three (1 of 11), was low. Cleveland's combination of poor shooting, appearing unready, and potentially missing Garland contributed to a difficult start in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.