The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline chronicles the longstanding rivalry between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. This fierce competition has seen both teams facing off in regular-season games and the playoffs, with key moments shaping their respective legacies in the league. The rivalry between the Cavs and Pacers is one that spans decades, with numerous high-stakes games, particularly in the Eastern Conference.
The rivalry’s timeline is not just about wins and losses but also about the iconic performances and game-changing moments that have defined the matchups between these two teams. From early contests to intense playoff showdowns, the Cavs vs Pacers games have often been a battleground for both teams, and understanding this timeline allows fans and analysts to appreciate the historical significance of their encounters.
In this article, we’ll walk through the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers rivalry timeline, explore notable regular-season and playoff games, dive into statistical insights, and provide context to why this matchup has such a strong following. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just learning about this rivalry, the history between these two teams is full of rich and memorable moments.
All‑Time Head‑to‑Head Record: Cavaliers vs Pacers
The head-to-head record between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers is a defining aspect of their rivalry. Over the years, the teams have met more than 200 times, with each team trading wins and losses across different eras of the NBA. Historically, the Pacers have held an advantage in terms of total wins in the regular season, but the Cavaliers have often made their mark in the postseason.
Regular Season Record
As of now, the Pacers lead the overall regular season series, with many of their victories coming during the 1990s and early 2000s, before the Cavaliers became a dominant force in the 2010s. The Cavs‘ biggest successes came after the arrival of LeBron James, particularly during his second stint with the team (2014–2018), when they became one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Playoff Record
When it comes to the postseason, the rivalry has taken on even greater significance. Over the years, the Cavaliers and Pacers have faced each other in several key playoff matchups, particularly in the 2010s. The 2018 NBA Playoffs saw one of the most memorable series in their history, when LeBron James led the Cavs to a dramatic first-round win over the Pacers, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest playoff performers in NBA history.
While the Pacers have historically been a tough opponent for the Cavs, it was often in these postseason matchups that the rivalry truly shined. The intensity, passion, and high stakes of playoff games have added layers of drama and excitement to the Cleveland-Pacers rivalry.
Timeline of Key Regular Season Matchups
Historic Regular Season Games
The regular-season games between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers have produced some exciting, unforgettable moments. Early matchups in the 1980s and 1990s were filled with tough, gritty basketball as both teams fought for respect in the Eastern Conference. These games often went down to the wire, with both teams known for their strong defense and physical play.
The Cavs were mostly known for their up-and-coming roster, which included players like Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, and Larry Nance, while the Pacers featured All-Star players such as Reggie Miller, who became a hallmark of their rivalry against Cleveland.
Recent Regular Season Games (2024–2026)
In recent years, the matchups between the Cavaliers and Pacers have remained just as competitive. With the rise of new talent such as Donovan Mitchell for the Cavs and Tyrese Haliburton for the Pacers, the games have been full of electrifying moments. The Cavaliers have started to build a new identity, but the Pacers have consistently been a tough opponent for them.
Notable games in the 2025–2026 seasons included some close finishes, with the Cavaliers winning by a narrow margin during some critical games, often relying on their defensive strength and key scoring from players like Darius Garland.
Head-to-Head Record in Recent Years
In the past five seasons, the rivalry has been marked by a competitive balance, with both teams winning games at home and on the road. The Cavs’ recent success in the playoffs has certainly added some extra spice to their matchups, but the Pacers have always managed to pose a challenge.
Timeline of Playoff Battles — Pacers vs Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Pacers have met in the playoffs several times, and these encounters have produced some of the most intense and memorable moments in NBA history. Among the most famous matchups was the 2018 first-round series, where LeBron James delivered one of his most iconic performances. Let’s take a deeper look at these pivotal playoff showdowns.
2018 Eastern Conference First Round
The 2018 playoff series between the Cavs and Pacers is one that will forever be remembered for LeBron James’ dominance. The series was tight, with both teams winning games on their home courts. Game 1 of the series was particularly dramatic, as the Pacers took a surprising 1-0 series lead on the Cavs. However, LeBron led his team to four straight wins to advance, and his game-winning shot in Game 5 sealed the deal.
This series was a reminder of the Cavs‘ resilience in the postseason, especially with LeBron James carrying the team. For the Pacers, it was a tough loss but a sign of their competitiveness.
Other Memorable Playoff Moments
In addition to the 2018 series, the two teams have had several other memorable postseason battles. The 2004 playoffs saw the Pacers facing the Cavs in the first round, with the Pacers taking the series in four games. It was a matchup that highlighted the Pacers’ grit and determination as a team.
The most recent encounter came in 2025, where both teams fought for a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The series went to six games, with the Cavs coming out on top in a dramatic Game 6. This battle was highlighted by outstanding performances from Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Haliburton.
Greatest Games & Memorable Moments in the Cavaliers vs Pacers Timeline
The rivalry between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers has been full of amazing performances, buzzer-beaters, and jaw-dropping plays. Here are some of the greatest games and moments that have defined their encounters.
Best Regular Season Games
- 2003: A high-scoring game where the Cavaliers narrowly defeated the Pacers 115–113 in overtime. This game featured a spectacular performance by LeBron James, who scored 34 points and made a game-winning shot.
- 2016: Another memorable game in the regular season saw the Cavaliers come from behind to beat the Pacers 98–95, with Kyrie Irving hitting a clutch shot in the final seconds to seal the win.
Legendary Playoff Moments
- 2018: LeBron James’ clutch shot in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Pacers, which sent the Cavs to the next round and was widely considered one of his greatest playoff performances.
- 2025: A thrilling Game 3 in the Eastern Conference semifinals saw Donovan Mitchell score 45 points, leading the Cavs to a comeback victory and giving them a crucial 2–1 series lead.
Statistical Breakdown — Cavaliers vs Pacers Matchups
Analyzing the statistical breakdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers helps to understand how each team has performed in various areas over time. Here are some key stats to consider:
Head-to-Head Metrics
- Points Per Game: Historically, both teams have been known for their solid defense, but the Pacers often have the edge in scoring. Their up-tempo style has been a key to their success against the Cavs.
- Field Goal Percentage: The Cavs tend to shoot at a slightly higher percentage from the field, especially in recent years with their new offensive weapons.
- Rebounds and Assists: The Pacers have historically dominated the boards, but in recent years, Cavs’ big men like Jarrett Allen have made them a more formidable team in the paint.
Why the Cavaliers vs Pacers Rivalry Matters in NBA History
The Cavs vs Pacers rivalry is one of the most intriguing in the Eastern Conference. Although it may not have the same long-standing intensity as other rivalries, such as Lakers vs Celtics, it has been incredibly impactful in shaping the Eastern Conference standings, particularly in the 2000s and 2010s.
The Pacers’ constant challenge to the Cavaliers has prevented Cleveland from having an easy path to the finals in certain years, while the rivalry has pushed both teams to elevate their play and compete at the highest level. The intensity of their matchups has brought out the best in players like LeBron James, Reggie Miller, Donovan Mitchell, and Tyrese Haliburton, making this rivalry one of the most exciting to watch.
Conclusion — Key Takeaways from the Cavaliers vs Pacers Timeline
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline is one of the most exciting rivalries in NBA history, marked by incredible performances, dramatic moments, and thrilling postseason battles. The games between these two teams have shaped their respective histories and left fans with unforgettable memories.
Whether it was LeBron’s leadership in 2018 or the fierce competition in recent years, the rivalry is a testament to the competitive nature of the NBA. As the years go by, we can expect even more exciting matchups as both teams continue to build their rosters and look to make a splash in the Eastern Conference.
FAQ — Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers Timeline
Q: Who leads the all‑time series in Cavaliers vs Pacers history?
A: The Indiana Pacers currently lead the all-time series in regular-season matchups, but the Cleveland Cavaliers have been dominant in recent playoff matchups.
Q: What are the most memorable Cavs vs Pacers games ever played?
A: The 2018 first-round playoff series and the 2003 regular-season overtime thriller are among the most memorable games between these two teams.
Q: How many times have the Cavaliers and Pacers met in the playoffs?
A: The Cavs and Pacers have met in the playoffs four times, with the most recent being in 2018 and 2025.
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