Game 5 loss. Cleveland lost the best-of-seven series 4-1. With their backs against the wall, facing the most adversity of the season, the Cavs got off to a nervy start. So did Indiana. The two teams — each with a prolific offense — were a combined 4 of 19 from the field and 0 of 7 from 3-point range in the opening four-plus minutes.

The Cleveland Cavaliers won their second-most games in franchise history this season and entered the NBA playoffs as the Eastern Conference's top seed. And yet, the end of their run still feels like a worst-case scenario.

In a must-win game, the Cleveland Cavaliers knew they had to give it their all. Inside Rocket Arena on Tuesday, it wasn't enough.