In an exhilarating game to close the regular NBA season, the "Indiana Pacers" managed to overcome a 23-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a victory over the "Cleveland Cavaliers" with a score of 126:118 in double overtime.
The heroes of the game were Quenton Jackson, who scored 21 points, and Ray Jay Dennis, who added 7 points in the second overtime. His clutch three-pointer and subsequent offensive plays were crucial in securing the win.
Season's Comeback of the Year from “Indiana”
After the "Cavaliers" led 96-73 with 7:35 remaining in regulation time, it seemed the game was decided. However, the "Pacers" made a powerful run of 32-9 and equalized the score with 10.5 seconds left, causing the crowd to hold their breath.
Especially pivotal was the moment in double overtime when Tony Bradley’s shot put “Indiana” ahead with 4:41 remaining — this was the team’s first lead since the end of the first quarter. Dennis then scored the next seven points for his team, making the score 118:111.
Season's Achievement
This victory marked the 50th win of the season for the "Pacers" (50-32), allowing the team to reach such a result for the first time since the 2013–14 season. This is especially impressive considering the absence of two starting players and four key rotation players.
The "Cavaliers" (64-18), despite the loss, remain first in the Eastern Conference. However, the team finished the regular season with three consecutive losses. In the game against “Indiana,” Cleveland played without nine key players. The only starter who played was Jarett Allen, who for the first time in his career played all 82 games in a season.
Despite this, the young players of the "Cavaliers" showed a worthy performance: Jalen Tyson scored a career-high 31 points, Emoni Bates had 25, and Na'Kuan Tomlin, in his first career start, scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
Key Statistics
Jarett Allen did not make his only shot of the game, but finished the season with a rare achievement: he became the third player in NBA history to average at least 13 points per season with over 70% shooting. His stats — 13.5 points and 70.6% field goal percentage.
What's Next?
"Indiana Pacers" are preparing for the first round of the playoffs, where they will face the "Milwaukee Bucks." The "Cleveland Cavaliers" will learn their opponent only after the conclusion of the play-in tournament on Friday evening.
