Cleveland Cavaliers Barely Survive the Indiana Pacers 109-108
Two seconds left. C.J. Miles breaks away and launches the jumper. The shot is off and time expires as the Cavaliers barely get out alive in a 109-108 victory.
The Cavaliers, led by LeBron James had control almost the whole entire game until the Indiana Pacers erased a 12-point, third quarter lead. James started the game slowly, making only three assists throughout the first nine minutes of action, but that was not the tone he wanted to set. After that, James brought the heat and ended the game with 32 points and 13 assists, dominating as usual. Kevin Love also added 17 points and Kyrie Irving with 23.
Paul George, on the other hand, came into round 1 averaging 32.8 points per game coupled with 54.8 percent shooting in April to help take the Pacers to the postseason. George ended the game with 29 points, seven assists, and went 9-19 on shooting. Lance Stephenson, James’ good pal, also added 16 points off the bench.
On the defensive side, neither team made a mark. The game was a shootout from the very beginning, with the first quarter ending in a Cavaliers 34-29 lead. The Pacers shot 55 percent compared to the Cavaliers 65 percent.
Prior to the game, Cavaliers Coach Tyronn Lue said he believes the Cavaliers can turn their season around after losing 14 of their last 24 leading up to the postseason.
“I’ve been on teams where we were able to hit the switch, but with this team I just think getting back on track, playing Cavs basketball,” Lue said. “And that’s the biggest thing for us. Defensively, offensively, pushing the pace, moving the basketball, that’s who we are. We’ve got to get back to doing that.”
Well, looks like Lue got his wish today with the Cavaliers victory. Nonetheless, there still is a long series to go and both teams are only just getting started.