Cavs Collapse

Welcome back hoops fans!

This is the 36th edition of The Hoops Insider, where we bring you the latest updates from the world of hoops. Today we cover the cavs collapsing as the number one overall seed in the 2025 NBA playoffs. Let’s hop right into it!

Home Court Horror Show

The Cavaliers lost all three games at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, turning what should have been a fortress into a house of horrors. For a team that dominated opponents throughout the regular season, this home-court meltdown raises serious questions about their playoff mettle.

"This was an absolute choke job," as one analyst bluntly put it, a harsh assessment difficult to dispute. Despite Donovan Mitchell's valiant 35-point effort while playing through an ankle injury, the supporting cast disappeared when it mattered most—Darius Garland managed just 11 points on a dismal 4-of-16 shooting.

Pacers' Balanced Attack

While Cleveland faltered, Indiana demonstrated why they've become legitimate contenders. Tyrese Haliburton controlled the game with 31 points and eight assists, while Pascal Siakam (21 points), Andrew Nembhard (18 points), and Aaron Nesmith (13 points, 13 rebounds) provided crucial support.

The contrast in team basketball was stark—Indiana recorded 26 assists to Cleveland's paltry 10, showcasing the cohesiveness that has fueled their playoff run.

Uncertain Future

For the second consecutive season, the Cavaliers have failed to advance past the second round despite regular-season dominance. This raises fundamental questions about whether this roster can compete for championships.

The front office now faces difficult decisions regarding potential roster changes and whether their current core of Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley can develop the championship mindset needed to translate regular-season success into playoff victories.

As the Pacers advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers enter an offseason filled with uncertainty—64 wins ultimately meaning nothing without playoff success.

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