News
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers Timeline: A Full History of Their NBA Matchups
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline shows a long-standing competition in the NBA’s Central Division. These two teams, based in nearby states, have faced off hundreds of times since the 1970s. Their games often bring high energy due to shared division standings and playoff implications. Fans enjoy the mix of close scores, overtime thrills, and star player duels. This guide covers their regular season and playoff history in detail, with key dates, results, and insights. It aims to give a clear picture of how this matchup has changed over time.
The Early Years: Regular Season Games in the 1970s and 1980s
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline started on December 3, 1976, when the Pacers won 112-109 in a tight game. This marked the first meeting after the Pacers joined the NBA from the ABA. Early games were back and forth, with neither team pulling far ahead. For example, on December 16, 1976, the Cavaliers got their first win, 111-105. Scores stayed around 100 points per team, typical for the era’s pace. By the end of the 1970s, the Pacers had a slight edge, but the Cavaliers built short winning streaks, like two games in 1977. These matchups helped both teams find their footing in the league.
In the 1980s, games got more physical and sometimes went into overtime. A standout was April 15, 1983, when the Cavaliers won 132-124 in double overtime, a high-scoring battle. The Cavaliers had a five-game streak starting that year, showing their growing strength. However, the Pacers fought back with wins like 120-119 in overtime on March 30, 1984. Overall, the decade saw 40 games, with the Pacers winning 22 and the Cavaliers 18. This period set the stage for rivalry, as both teams aimed for playoff spots. Key players like World B. Free for Cleveland added flair to these contests.
The 1990s: Rising Competition and First Playoff Meeting
During the 1990s, the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline heated up with longer streaks and higher stakes. The Cavaliers dominated early, with a six-game winning run from November 1988 to March 1989, including scores like 121-96. They followed with five-game streaks in 1992 and four in 1993. Games often featured overtime, such as the Cavaliers’ 119-115 win on January 22, 1992. High scores appeared, like 132-120 in 1993. But the Pacers turned things around mid-decade, winning close ones like 104-99 in 1994. By the end of the 1990s, the head-to-head was nearly even, with about 25 wins each.
The first playoff clash in the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline came in 1998, a first-round series. The Pacers won 3-1. Game 1 on April 23 was a blowout, 106-77 for Indiana. They took Game 2, 92-86, at home. The Cavaliers won Game 3, 86-77, but lost Game 4, 80-74. Reggie Miller led the Pacers with scoring and defense. This series highlighted Indiana’s experience over Cleveland’s younger squad. It was the only playoff meeting in the 1990s, but it added tension to future regular season games.
Will You Check This Article: Miami Heat vs Detroit Pistons Timeline: A Complete History of Their NBA Matchups
The 2000s: Pacers Take Control in Regular Season
In the 2000s, the Pacers pulled ahead in the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline. They built long streaks, like seven wins from 1999 to 2000, including a 136-88 blowout. Another eight-game run came in 2003-2004, with close victories like 91-90. Overtime games thrilled fans, such as the Pacers’ 109-104 double-overtime win in 2004. The Cavaliers broke through occasionally, like 107-104 in 2004. But Indiana’s defense, led by Jermaine O’Neal, often shut down Cleveland. Over 40 games in the decade, the Pacers won 28, while the Cavaliers got 12. This era showed Indiana’s peak as a contender.
As LeBron James joined the Cavaliers in 2003, the dynamic shifted late in the decade. Games became more competitive. For instance, the Cavaliers won 94-89 in 2005, ending a Pacers streak. By 2007, Cleveland started a five-game run, including 111-106. High-scoring matchups like 118-105 in 2007 highlighted offensive talent. The Pacers still won key games, but LeBron’s impact evened the series. No playoff meetings occurred, but regular season battles built hype for the 2010s.
The 2010s: LeBron James Era and Intense Playoff Series
The 2010s brought the most dramatic chapter in the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline. The Cavaliers had a nine-game streak from 2008 to 2010, with blowouts like 97-73. But the Pacers responded with five wins in 2010-2011, including 117-112. Overtime continued, like 104-98 in 2012. LeBron James dominated, leading to wins like 100-96 in 2016. The decade saw about 40 games, with Cleveland winning 25 and Indiana 15. This period featured stars like Paul George for the Pacers, adding personal rivalries.
Playoffs defined the 2010s in the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline. In 2017 first round, the Cavaliers swept 4-0. Games were close: 109-108, 117-111, 119-114, 106-102. LeBron averaged over 32 points. The 2018 first round went seven games, Cavaliers winning 4-3. Pacers won Game 1 98-80 and Game 3 92-90. Cavaliers took Game 2 100-97 and Game 7 105-101. Victor Oladipo shone for Indiana, but LeBron’s 45-point Game 7 clinched it. These series showcased high drama and clutch plays.
The 2020s: Modern Battles and Recent Playoffs
In the 2020s, the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline reflects rebuilding and contention. Early games were competitive, with the Pacers winning some like 114-112 in 2025 regular season. But the Cavaliers surged, winning three straight in 2025-2026: 120-109 on November 21, 135-119 on December 1, and 120-116 on January 6. High scores returned, like 135 points. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland lead Cleveland, while Tyrese Haliburton stars for Indiana. So far, the decade shows balance, with about 20 games and near-even wins.
The 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals marked a key point in the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline. The Pacers won 4-1. They took Game 1 121-112 and Game 2 120-119 on the road. Cavaliers won Game 3 126-104 at home. But Indiana dominated Game 4 129-109 and Game 5 114-105. Haliburton led comebacks, including a wild Game 2 rally from seven down late. This series flipped recent trends, giving the Pacers their second playoff win over Cleveland.
All-Time Records and Notable Stats
Overall, in the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline, they’ve played 218 regular season games. The Pacers lead with 111 wins to the Cavaliers’ 107. Including 20 playoff games, it’s 121-117 for Indiana. Playoff record is even at 10-10. Overtime games number over 15, with highlights like double-overtime in 1983 and 2017. High-scoring games exceed 250 points combined in some, like 135-130 in 2017. Streaks include Pacers’ eight wins in 2003-2004 and Cavaliers’ nine in 2008-2010. Average scores hover around 100 per team, but recent years see more points due to faster pace.
Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
Players have defined the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline. For the Cavaliers, LeBron James stands out, with epic playoff performances like 45 points in 2018 Game 7. Mark Price in the 1990s and Donovan Mitchell now add scoring. On the Pacers side, Reggie Miller led the 1998 series win with clutch shots. Paul George battled LeBron in the 2010s, averaging high points. Tyrese Haliburton recently fueled comebacks in 2025 playoffs. Other notables include Jermaine O’Neal for defense in the 2000s and Kyrie Irving for Cleveland’s sweeps. These stars bring personal stories to the matchup.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Pacers timeline continues in the 2025-2026 season, with more games likely. The Cavaliers’ recent wins suggest they could build momentum, but the Pacers’ playoff success shows their potential. Both teams focus on young talent, like Evan Mobley for Cleveland and Bennedict Mathurin for Indiana. Division play means at least four meetings yearly, plus possible playoffs. Fans can expect close games, as history shows 40% decided by single digits. This rivalry remains a highlight in the NBA, promising more memorable moments.