Pacers End NBA-Leading Cavaliers’ Winning Streak at 12
Indianapolis, January 13, 2025 — The Indiana Pacers stunned the NBA by snapping the Cleveland Cavaliers’ league-best 12-game winning streak in a thrilling 113-109 victory at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday night. The Cavaliers, who had been dominating the league with their potent offense and airtight defense, were handed their first loss in nearly a month, thanks to a clutch performance from the Pacers’ star forward, Tyrese Haliburton.
Haliburton, who finished with 28 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, played a pivotal role in the Pacers’ fourth-quarter surge. With the score tied at 103, Haliburton hit a critical three-pointer with just 2 minutes left, giving Indiana a lead they would not relinquish. “It was a big moment, but we trusted our system,” Haliburton said after the game. “We’ve been growing together, and this win shows what we can do when we play with confidence.”
The Cavaliers, who had been riding high on stellar performances from star players like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, were unable to contain the Pacers’ offensive efficiency in the final period. Mitchell, who led Cleveland with 32 points, was forced into difficult shots as the Pacers tightened their defense. Mobley, despite a strong double-double performance of 16 points and 12 rebounds, struggled to find space in the paint.
Indiana’s victory not only ended Cleveland’s dominant streak but also pushed the Pacers further into playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We knew this was going to be a tough test, but our guys executed when it mattered most.”
The Cavaliers will look to bounce back in their next game, but Indiana’s statement win has sent ripples through the league, signaling that the Pacers are a team to watch this season.
