The Cleveland Cavaliers are no longer undefeated in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
They couldn’t keep up with the Indiana Pacers’ intensity, getting outrun on offense and outhustled on defense in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Nevertheless, as discouraging as that first game of the series was, De’Andre Hunter isn’t ready to sound the alarm just yet.
Following the loss, Hunter doubled down on his confidence in his team.
“We’re good. Not happy to lose but we gonna be ready next game. Whatever we gotta do to be ready. We’ll be better next game,” Hunter said, via HoodiGarland on X.
De’Andre Hunter in his post game interview:
“We’re good. Not happy to lose but we gonna be ready next game. Whatever we gotta do to be ready. We’ll be better next game.”
pic.twitter.com/gvSIAVjcbL— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) May 5, 2025
Notably, this is uncharted territory for the Cavs this season.
Of course, they lost games in the regular season, but they now have to prove what they’re truly made of.
The Cavs have lost three consecutive games to the Pacers and four of five this season.
Indiana is a big matchup problem for Cleveland, especially with Cavs guard Darius Garland out with a toe injury.
The Cavs had the best record in the Eastern Conference from start to finish this season, and there’s no reason to wave the white flag or to think they can’t reverse this situation.
It will be crucial to make a statement and hit the ground running early in Game 2 to prove that they won’t be outworked in this series.
They will have to meet fire with fire, and with Garland out, everybody will have to pick up the slack and take some weight off Donovan Mitchell’s shoulders.
As tough as it may seem, it’s too early to panic.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals Why The Cavs Lost Game 1 To Pacers
