In chess, every player starts with the same pieces — equal in number, equal in power. That‘s never the case in sports. Every team is built differently, and success hinges just as much on the pieces as the plan.

The Pacers and Cavs meet for the first time in the playoffs since 2018. Cleveland is coming off the second-best season in franchise history.

Haliburton hit a three on the first overtime possession. It seemed like Indiana was going to roll through the extra frame just like they did the final minute of the fourth quarter, but the Bucks fought back. They responded with a 9-0 run to retake the lead.