ESPN.com · May 14, 2025
Pacers pen winning 'script, topple Cavaliers to return to ECF
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CLEVELAND -- Indiana coach Rick Carlisle put it best in summing up his team's finishing punch in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
"The winning team writes the script," he said.
The Pacers' 114-105 victory over the Cavaliers in Game 5 on Tuesday night was similar to the first two games of the series. Cleveland jumped out to a big first-half lead, but Indiana's quick tempo eventually took a toll.
"I have to give our guys credit, they earned this," Carlisle said. "This was one of the best teams in the league. I'm sorry their season had to end like this. They had the perfect season, and we came along and were hot at the right time."