The 2025 NBA and NHL playoffs are in full swing, and fans across the country are glued to the high-stakes action. With the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers battling it out in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and the Dallas Stars pushing through a fierce series in the NHL’s Western Conference, this week has delivered memorable performances, clutch scoring, and defining playoff moments.
Let’s break down what happened in these critical games, how stars on each side delivered when it mattered most, and what it means moving forward.
Cavaliers vs Pacers: A Must-Win Moment Turns the Tide
The NBA Eastern Conference semifinals between the Cavaliers and Pacers has been nothing short of thrilling. Entering Game 3, the Indiana Pacers held a commanding 2–0 series lead after narrow victories in Games 1 and 2. But in Game 3, the Cavs score was the story—showing resilience and delivering a blowout win to keep their postseason hopes alive.
In Game 1, played on May 4, 2025, the Pacers closed out the fourth quarter with strong offensive execution and defeated the Cavs 121–112. Cleveland looked sluggish down the stretch, unable to contain Indiana’s balanced scoring. While Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland did their best to keep the Cavs within reach, it wasn’t enough to overcome Indiana’s aggressive pace and transition buckets.
Game 2, held on May 6, was an instant classic. The Cavs score ballooned to a 23-point lead at one point, but the Pacers mounted a furious comeback. The game went into double overtime, and the Pacers eked out a 120–119 win, thanks to clutch shooting from RayJ Dennis and Quenton Jackson, who combined for critical baskets in the final minutes. Cleveland fans were left stunned, not just by the loss, but by the way their team collapsed defensively when it mattered most.
Heading into Game 3, the Cavaliers needed to respond—and they did. On May 9, in front of a roaring home crowd, the Cavs delivered a statement victory, beating the Pacers 126–104. This was arguably Donovan Mitchell’s best game of the playoffs, as he exploded for 43 points and 9 rebounds, leading the charge. The Cavs dominated the second quarter, outscoring Indiana 34–13, and never looked back. The Pacers score suffered as their offense stalled under Cleveland’s newfound intensity and defensive cohesion.
Cleveland’s frontcourt also stepped up, with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen controlling the paint, grabbing key rebounds, and forcing Indiana into difficult midrange shots. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s adjustments were evident as the Cavs pushed the tempo, limited turnovers, and finally played with the urgency the situation demanded.
This win keeps the Cavs in the series, now down 2–1, and shifts momentum back to Cleveland as Game 4 approaches. The Cavs vs Pacers matchup has turned into a battle of wills, and the outcome of Game 4 could very well decide the trajectory of the series.
Dallas Stars Score Big, Then Get Shut Down
Meanwhile in the NHL, the Dallas Stars are in a heated Western Conference semifinal against the Winnipeg Jets. After taking Game 1, the Stars score hit a wall in Game 2, where they were completely shut out. The split in the opening two games highlights just how unpredictable playoff hockey can be.
In Game 1, played on May 7, the Stars earned a 3–2 win over the Jets. Mikko Rantanen scored a natural hat trick in the second period, electrifying the crowd and stunning the Winnipeg defense. It was a masterclass in finishing, as Rantanen capitalized on turnovers and fast-break opportunities to score three unanswered goals. Jake Oettinger, Dallas’ elite goaltender, made 30 saves, preserving the lead late in the third period.
This strong start gave Dallas a 1–0 lead in the series and raised expectations that they would carry the momentum into Game 2.
But on May 9, everything changed. The Dallas Stars score stalled completely as the Winnipeg Jets dominated from start to finish. The Jets shut out the Stars 4–0, with Connor Hellebuyck recording 21 saves for his 49th career shutout. Nikolaj Ehlers led the way offensively with two goals and one assist, and the Jets’ defense suffocated every Dallas power play opportunity.
The loss exposed vulnerabilities in Dallas’ offense, especially on the second line, where turnovers and missed opportunities prevented them from sustaining pressure. It was a frustrating game for the Stars, who couldn’t match the Jets’ physicality or discipline.
Still, the series is now tied 1–1, and Dallas heads home with a chance to regroup and reclaim control. Fans remain confident that Oettinger and the Stars can bounce back. But if Game 2 is any indication, the Stars must tighten up defensively and get their stars back into rhythm fast.
Stars Score and NBA/NHL Playoff Parallels
It’s interesting to note the narrative parallels between the Cavaliers vs Pacers and the Dallas Stars vs Jets series. Both Cleveland and Dallas came into their Game 1s with confidence, took early wins (or close losses), and were then challenged in Game 2 with stinging defeats. Game 3 for both series offered redemption for Cleveland, while Dallas now prepares for that opportunity.
The playoffs are ultimately about adjustments. For the Cavs, adjusting defensively and limiting Indiana’s second-chance points proved to be a game-changer. For the Stars, the focus will be on puck control, power-play conversion, and getting their big names like Rantanen and Robertson to capitalize under pressure again.
Both series are far from over. For basketball fans watching the Pacers score dwindle in Game 3, the warning is clear: never count the Cavs out, especially with a superstar like Mitchell on the floor. And for hockey fans watching the Stars score bounce from dominant to zero, the margin for error is razor-thin.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for These Playoff Warriors?
The NBA and NHL playoffs are where legends are born, and both the Cavaliers vs Pacers and Dallas Stars vs Winnipeg Jets series are delivering drama and top-tier athleticism. With the Cavs fighting back in the East and the Stars looking to recover in the West, the next few games will be decisive for both teams’ championship dreams.
Whether you’re tracking the Cavs score, analyzing the Pacers score, or checking in on the Dallas Stars score, one thing is certain—these playoff battles are just heating up, and the best is yet to come.