Tyrese Haliburton credited Indiana’s offensive process and energy as the keys to their Game 1 road win over the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night.
After helping lead the Pacers to a 121-112 victory in Cleveland, the All-Star guard emphasized how the team’s approach fueled their strong three-point shooting.
“Felt like we got good shots… and just stepped into them and knocked them down,” Haliburton said. “We came out, played with a lot of confidence, and that led to good things.”
The Pacers hit 19 threes on 52.8% shooting from beyond the arc and had six players score in double figures, including Haliburton’s 22-point, 13-assist outing.
Despite the significance of stealing a game on the road, Haliburton remained focused on the bigger picture.
“You can definitely feel good about it for the night,” he said, “but this is the best team in our conference. They’re going to respond, so we got to be prepared for that going into Game 2.”
Cleveland entered the postseason with the best record in the East and swept Miami in the first round, but Indiana’s fast start and late-game execution set the tone in this second-round opener.
“I loved the way we started the game,” Haliburton said. “Our energy was just right from start to jump.”
He also highlighted the importance of Indiana’s defensive approach, particularly in late-game situations when matched up on switches.
“Coach Carlisle and the staff have really been on me to take a step on that end of the floor,” Haliburton said. “I just tried to be solid, not gamble, not foul if I didn’t have to.”
Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith combined to shoot 9-for-12 from deep, and Haliburton praised both for playing through adversity and maintaining poise.
“Double A was a little sore with his back… I commend him,” he said. “And Drew… his lock-in level is unbelievable right now.”
Haliburton’s own offensive approach centered on making reads inside the paint and deploying his floater to navigate Cleveland’s frontcourt length.
“Just trying to take what the defense gives me and just be solid,” he said. “Watching a lot of film, just trying to capitalize on what I’m seeing.”
Bennedict Mathurin added a pivotal block in the fourth quarter and hit a key third-quarter three-pointer, plays Haliburton said “won’t be talked about enough.”
He also gave credit to the entire Pacers bench for their engagement and preparation, calling out two-way players and veterans like James Johnson for their role in keeping the group ready.
“We just have a great lock-in and buy-in from our group right now,” Haliburton said. “That’s encouraging to see.”
When asked about being called a “pure point guard,” Haliburton responded with humility.
“Being the point guard is like being the mom,” he said. “Your job is to take care of everybody.”
Indiana will aim to take a 2-0 series lead when the two teams meet again in Cleveland on Tuesday.
