After a historic win in Game 3, the Cleveland Cavaliers met the Indiana Pacers again on Sunday afternoon for Game 4 of their first-round matchup. Cavaliers came into the game leading the series 3-0, and they wanted to get the job done in Game 4 and proceed to the second round as quickly as they can. Indiana, on the other hand, wanted to show some pride and competitiveness as they tried to win at least one game in this series. Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis was fully packed once again with 18,000 Pacers fans.
The Champions Advance to Conference Semifinals
Indiana started off the game well and had a two-point lead after the first quarter. It was 24-22 for the home team after the first 12 minutes of the match. Kyrie Irving had 10 points for Cleveland in that period. Early in the second quarter Cavaliers went on a 13-5 run and took the lead at 35-29.
They closed out the quarter with an 8-0 run and had a 58-52 lead at halftime. Cleveland outscored Indiana 30-25 in the third quarter and led by 11 points (88-78) after three periods of the game. Kyrie Irving scored 16 of his 28 points in the third quarter – going 5-of-9 from the floor and 5-for-5 from the stripe in the period.
Cavaliers' biggest lead of the game was 13 points (96-83) in the fourth quarter, and it looked like the game, and the series was already over.
But the Pacers didn't quit, and went on a 19-4 run late in the final period and took the lead at 102-100 with under two minutes remaining.
With 1:08 left to play in the game, LeBron James made a three-pointer to give the Cavs 103-102 lead and helped them seal the deal in this match. The final score was 106-102 for the Cavaliers as they now advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Cleveland outrebounded Indiana 48-42 and forced them into making 15 turnovers.
LeBron James with yet another series sweep
LeBron James led all scorers on Sunday afternoon. The four-time MVP finished the game with 33 points, ten rebounds, and four assists. James accomplished the 10th sweep of his postseason career, besting Tim Duncan's nine for the most all time.
He finished this first-round series averaging 32.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 9.0 assists. Game 4 marked his 21st consecutive win in first-round games. Kyrie Irving contributed in Game 4 win with 28 points.
Lance Stephenson led all Pacers in scoring on Sunday. He came off the bench and scored 22 points to go along with six rebounds. Myles Turner added 20 points and nine rebounds while Indiana's leader Paul George was held to just 15 points. George was 5-21 from the field, but he also added seven rebounds and six assists.
This marks the first time the Pacers have been swept in a best-of-seven series.
