The Cleveland Cavaliers weren’t prepared for Game 1.
Either they went through the motions, overlooked the Indiana Pacers, or weren’t expecting that kind of game.
The fact of the matter is that the Pacers outworked them on both ends of the floor.
Notably, that’s why Jarrett Allen knows that it will now be up to the Cavs to set the tone.
When asked about the Pacers’ physicality, the star big man acknowledged that the playoffs gave both teams a chance to establish their character, and the Cavs didn’t do so (via Evan Dammarell):
“The best part about the playoffs is that you get to draw the line yourself. The playoffs are physical. I don’t think we drew that line yet,” Allen said.
"The best part about the playoffs is that you get to draw the line yourself. The playoffs are physical. I don't think we drew that line yet."#Cavs big man Jarrett Allen on Indiana's physicality in Game 1.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) May 5, 2025
Despite being the best team in the Eastern Conference from start to finish this season, the Cavs still had their fair share of doubters.
They’ve struggled against physical defense in the past, especially in the playoffs, and some claimed they wouldn’t be able to just flip the switch and turn the intensity up a notch at this point in the series.
Unfortunately, that seemed to be the case in Game 1.
Even so, there’s still plenty of basketball to be played.
The Cavs can steal homecourt advantage right back, and while the Pacers have had their number this season, they’re not the kind of team that loses consecutive games very often.
Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter are all listed as questionable for Game 2, and they will most likely be game-time decisions.
Notably, having them on the court will send the right message, letting the Pacers know that they won’t be intimidated, rattled, or bullied, and that they can also play hard.
NEXT: 3 Key Cavs Players Are Questionable For Game 2 Against Pacers
