The Cleveland Cavaliers saw their hopes of an NBA title fade away with Tuesday's loss to the Indiana Pacers, which knocked off the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavaliers went into Tuesday's game with their backs against the wall, facing a 3-1 series deficit. They got out to a hot start, leading 31-19 after the first quarter, but the Pacers came surging back and won 114-105.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell revealed his regret for not getting it done for his home fans. Mitchell shared love for the way Cleveland's fans showed up and supported the team, lamenting that they dropped all three games at home during the series.
“I love playing in this arena, man. We’re 0-3 at home. We let the city down,” Mitchell said. “This place is special. What hurts is that we didn’t get it done at home.”
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 31 points in Tuesday's decisive game, gave credit to his team for keeping their composure after giving up an early lead before the raucous home fans in Cleveland.
Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland
Apr 12, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and guard Darius Garland (10) talk in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
© David Richard-Imagn Images
“We didn't panic after that rough start to the first quarter," Haliburton told reporters after the game. "We talked about how we knew that they were going to throw a haymaker there. But I thought we weathered the storm the right way and got going from there."