The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, anchored by the Defensive Player of the Year, Evan Mobley. However, the Cavaliers do not have a guard stopper to contain Tyrese Haliburton, and it shows. As the Indiana Pacers look to take a 3-0 series lead on Friday night, they must use this to their advantage and exploit one of Cleveland's biggest weaknesses.
In the first two games of the series against the Cavaliers, Haliburton averaged 20.5 points, 6 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 2 blocks. Additionally, he shot 61.5% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. Haliburton also hit the game-winning three-point field goal that capped off Indiana's stunning late comeback victory in Game 2.
The series is far from over, but unless the Cavaliers find a solution to their Haliburton problem, it will be incredibly difficult for them to come back and send the Pacers home.
Tyrese Haliburton is proving that the Cavaliers are beatable
The Cavaliers ended the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference and second-best in the league overall. Many considered them legitimate title contenders heading into the postseason, and rightfully so. They ranked as the No. 1 offense in the league and finished as one of the best defensive teams in the league as well. However, they are still beatable, and Haliburton and the Pacers are proving that.
Cleveland does not have anybody they can comfortably put on Haliburton (or any of Indiana's other guards or wings). Factor in Andrew Nembhard's presence, and it becomes even more difficult for the Cavaliers to contain the Pacers' backcourt. Furthermore, the Pacers have gotten tremendous play out of Aaron Nesmith, whose contributions on both sides of the ball have been huge for the team.
The Pacers are in a great spot to make it back to the conference finals. They are up 2-0 against the Cavaliers with the series headed back to Indiana. However, the job is not finished just yet, and the Pacers must keep their foot on the pedal.
For most of the season, the Pacers proved they are among the most resilient teams in the league, and many knew that they would be a tough playoff out. Now that they are just two wins away from their second consecutive conference finals appearance, this has only been proven right. But as long as Haliburton continues to lead the way, the Pacers should feel good about their current status and their outlook for the rest of the playoffs.