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By Ron Calhoun
After a 121–112 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves at a critical crossroads. With injuries plaguing the roster and Indiana’s transition offense firing on all cylinders, the Cavs must make rapid and strategic adjustments ahead of Tuesday night’s Game 2 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Pacers Push the Pace — And the Cavaliers’ Limits
Indiana came into Game 1 as the NBA’s fastest-paced playoff team, and they lived up to that billing. The Pacers thrived in transition, shooting over 50% from beyond the arc and capitalizing on Cleveland’s defensive breakdowns. According to analysis by Fear the Sword, the Cavaliers allowed 25 wide-open three-point attempts — a fatal flaw against one of the league’s top shooting squads.
The Pacers’ spacing and speed exposed Cleveland’s tendency to over-help on defense. Miscommunication and over-rotations created gaping holes for Indiana to exploit. The result: an early deficit that proved too deep for the Cavaliers to climb out of.
Injuries Loom Large
Making matters worse, Cleveland’s depth is being tested at a pivotal moment. Forward Evan Mobley is listed as questionable with a sprained ankle, while De’Andre Hunter is nursing a thumb injury. Guard Darius Garland also remains day-to-day with a lingering toe issue. The trio’s status for Game 2 is uncertain — and so are the Cavs’ hopes of evening the series without them.
Strategic Keys to a Game 2 Turnaround
Despite the challenges, basketball minds agree: Game 2 is far from a foregone conclusion. Here’s what Cleveland must do to bounce back:
1. Sharpen Defensive Communication
The Cavaliers must address their defensive coordination — especially in transition. Reducing over-helping and trusting individual matchups could help limit Indiana’s open looks. “We have to talk more and rotate smarter,” guard Donovan Mitchell said postgame. “They made us pay every time we missed an assignment.”
2. Spread the Offensive Load
Mitchell poured in 30 points on 30 shot attempts in Game 1, but the offense became too predictable. Without Garland or Mobley, players like Isaac Okoro, Caris LeVert, and Jarrett Allen must be more involved — particularly through off-ball movement and pick-and-rolls.
3. Slow the Tempo, Control the Clock
Indiana thrives in chaos. To counter, Cleveland must slow the game down, make precise half-court reads, and avoid turnovers. “We can’t let them run. That’s when they’re most dangerous,” said head coach J.B. Bickerstaff during Monday’s practice.
4. Attack the Gaps in Indiana’s Defense
Though the Pacers defend the arc well, their commitment to staying home on shooters leaves space in the midrange and near the rim. Cleveland can exploit this by using pick-and-pop sets and attacking closeouts with purpose.
5. Get the Bench Involved
With injuries thinning the rotation, the Cavaliers need big minutes from role players. Dean Wade, Sam Merrill, and Javonte Green may be called on to provide defensive grit and outside shooting. Their energy could swing momentum in key stretches.
All Eyes on Game 2
Tip-off for Game 2 is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 6, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cavaliers know what’s at stake: fall into an 0–2 hole, or fight back and shift the pressure to Indiana.
“We’ve been here before,” Mitchell told reporters. “It’s about heart. It’s about execution. It’s about responding when your back’s against the wall.”
One thing is certain: the city of Cleveland will be watching — and hoping — for a bounce-back performance.
