With a 64-18 record in 2024-25, the Cavaliers had the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. In the first round, Cleveland cleaned up the Miami Heat 4-0.
The Cavaliers faced the Pacers in the semi-finals of the conference. However, the injury changed the complexion of the Cleveland series. Darius Garland missed out on his fourth straight game with a toe injury. Evan Mobley and De’andre Hunter missed Game 2 with an injury. On the stacked injuries, the Pacers had more grit and determination than the Cavaliers. Losing 4-1 in the semi-finals of the conference is a very disappointing end to Cleveland’s season.
Where did it go wrong for the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Why Donovan Mitchell returned after the game:
“I couldn’t believe it. And yet I don’t want to believe it. I love playing with that damn arena guy. That energy, that crowd. I lost 3 at home, lost town. This place is really special.” 💔
pic.twitter.com/mgntilccxu–¹⁰ (@hoodigarland) May 14, 2025
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst made a radio hit ahead of Game 5 on Tuesday. He discussed how the injury played a factor in why the Cavs didn’t advance to the conference finals. But he pointed to a moment in the series that changed everything. Cleveland had multiple owner leads with less than one minute left for Game 2 and the Pacers. However, the Cavs fantastic the game and lost 120-119. They wasted a 48-point performance from Donovan Michel.
The Cavs not only lost Game 2, but fell 2-0 to start the series. That’s the moment when Brian Windholst believes that everything went wrong for Cleveland. The team didn’t emphasize the game completely. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Deandre Hunter were injured. The NBA Insider explained how teams cannot escape the playoff game when they are not completely healthy. Cleveland did the opposite of it at the end of Game 2.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson noted that his team did not match the Pacers’ “physicality” and “strength.” Indiana dominated the series from start to finish, so they will be in the final of the Eastern Conference. Despite being the number one species in the East, Cleveland season ends with disappointment. The Cavaliers are still maintaining regular season success, but they are still trying to get past the hump in the playoffs.