Pacers prove Cavaliers aren't invincible

During the regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers embarked on not one, but two 15-game unbeaten runs. They dominated the Eastern Conference with slick offense and a sturdy yet versatile defense. 

Under Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland has become a juggernaut. Atkinson has found a way to get the best out of his roster by implementing a movement-heavy system. Yet, despite sweeping the Miami Heat in four games in the first round of the playoffs, the Cavaliers ran into a brick wall on Sunday.

Sometimes, it's easy to forget the Indiana Pacers made it to last year's Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the eventual champions in the Boston Celtics. 

The Pacers quickly reminded the Cavaliers of that fact Sunday as they secured a shock 121-112 win to take a 1-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

“This is nothing to freak out about,” Donovan Mitchell said after the game, per ESPN. “Understanding that it’s a long game. They made some shots, and you got to come in and give them credit. To make shots on the road, Game 1, set that tone, that’s credit to them. But never hanging your head. Don’t trip. [It’s] pretty much been the message the whole time. Tonight, understanding that look we didn’t play our best basketball. But we’ll be better.”

Cleveland came into this series as the heavy favorite. The Cavaliers are supposed to be the team to give the Celtics a run for their money. 

However, while far less heralded, the Pacers are just as dangerous. Tyrese Haliburton is playing at an insane level since the postseason began. In six games, he's averaging 18.3 points, 11.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds, shooting 45.1% from the field. Atkinson must find a way to slow him down. 

Every team loses games during the playoffs, and Cleveland is no different. Nevertheless, Indiana ended the illusion that the Cavaliers' roster is capable of steamrolling through the East. The Cavaliers are inexperienced in the postseason, and they're still learning how to navigate the ups and downs of a series. 

So while Cleveland may be the better team, it could still find its season being cut short. The Pacers know how to win and have the most in-form player on their side. We're in for a highly competitive contest, which is more than many expected when both teams booked their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals.