The Cleveland Cavaliers beat Central Division rivals, the Indiana Pacers 100-96 at home to snap a two-game losing skid. The Pacers have now lost three games straight. The tight win came in a game that went down to the wire, as both teams stole the lead from each other on multiple occasions throughout the entire game.
The Cavaliers have won all three meetings between these teams this season. Two of those wins came at home and the third came in Indiana.
Cleveland was led by the strong start from Lebron James, and got many contributions late which helped them secure a much needed victory.
Key Players
James started the game extremely hot, scoring 21 points on 9-13 shooting in the first half. James ended the game with 33 points on 14-22 shooting. Kyrie Irving was also key in this win, adding a steady 22 points. Tristan Thompson was huge for the Cavaliers, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 boards, including a couple of crucial offensive rebounds that led to extra points late in the game. Thompson also had a huge block in the final seconds of the game which helped Cleveland avoid a tying basket by the Pacers. The Cavaliers were also lifted by Kevin Love’s 13 points, and J.R. Smith’s 11, including a couple of clutch buckets to give Cleveland a late lead.
Four Pacers players managed to score 10 or more points; however, they were unable to secure the road win against the Eastern Conference’s leading team. The Pacers were led by Monta Ellis, who posted 28 points in an effortful performance. Indiana’s All Star, Paul George, contributed 23 points, six assists, and eight rebounds in a very rounded effort in 35 minutes of play. Chase Budinger and George Hill added 11 points each in the loss.
Tight East Race
Cleveland, who had lost to the Toronto Raptors on Friday evening and the Washington Wizards on Sunday, although James did not play in this game, saw a slip in the NBA’s power rankings this week, falling behind Toronto after their losses. This win, which advances their record to 42-17, helps them regain a two and a half game advantage over the second seeded Raptors. The Cavaliers also regain some of their lost momentum as the season enters its home stretch.
Indiana is amongst the many teams lost in the middle of the playoff race in the East. They currently sit at the eight seed after this loss, which drops them to 31-29 on the season. The Pacers currently sit at a .517 win percentage, which is tied with the sixth seeded Charlotte Hornets, seventh seeded Chicago Bulls, and the ninth seeded Detroit Pistons. The three game losing streak that the Pacers currently hold has pulled them behind in a competitive Eastern playoff race, in which every win is crucial.
The Cavaliers and Pacers will meet one more time in Indiana in April before the end of the season.
Cleveland has a break until Friday, when they look to get revenge on the Wizards.
Indiana will suit up Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
