CLEVELAND—Indiana coach Rick Carlisle put it best in summing up his team’s finishing punch in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“The winning team writes the script,” he said.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (L) celebrates along with forward Pascal Siakam after scoring during the second half in Game 5 of an Eastern Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland on May 13, 2025. Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo
