1. “Cleveland played desperate,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said in Friday’s postgame press conference. “They played the way they needed to play. We have to be ready to fight from the beginning of the game. When you’re down 11-0 (to start the game), well, you’re not there … ”

A home team has yet to win a game in the Eastern Conference semifinals series between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers grabbed their first win of the series, trimming the Pacers' lead to 2–1 Friday night as guard Darius Garland, forward Evan Mobley and forward De'Andre Hunter all returned to the lineup.

Following the game, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shared his raw thoughts on the disappointing outcome, as Indiana failed to capitalize on a chance to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.