Tyrese Haliburton made a game-changing three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, igniting a crucial surge for the Indiana Pacers, who shocked the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers with a 121-112 win during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Haliburton concluded the match with 22 points and 13 assists, coupled with vital defensive plays, including a block of a three-point shot from Max Strus with 2:12 remaining, which he converted into a layup, extending their lead to ten points.

Andrew Nembhard contributed a playoff career-high of 23 points, including five successful three-pointers, for the fourth-seeded Pacers, who shot 19 out of 36 from beyond the arc. In contrast, Cleveland, which averaged 15.9 three-pointers per game during the regular season, only managed to hit 9 of 38.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 33 points, breaking Michael Jordan’s playoff record by scoring at least 30 points in a series opener for the eighth consecutive game.

Additionally, Evan Mobley added 20 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland, who struggled to maintain their lead in the final moments of the game.

At one point in the third quarter, Indiana boasted a 12-point advantage, but Cleveland fought back, even taking a brief lead at 102-101 after a free throw from Strus before Haliburton’s three-pointer spurred a 15-4 run.

All five starters from Indiana scored in double figures, with Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam each adding 17 points.

Game 2 will take place on Tuesday night in Cleveland.