The NBA playoffs continued on Sunday, with a series-clinching game happening early in the afternoon. LeBron James and the Cavs had a chance to sweep Paul George and the Pacers in Indiana for game four. The Cavs had the lead for most of the game, but the Pacers weren't going away easy as they took the lead with under a minute left. But LeBron James hit a dagger three after that and hit a clutch free throw to ice the game. The Cavs won the game 106-102 and completed the sweep of the Pacers 4-0. The sweep doesn't show how competitive this series was, as all four games were decided by single digits.
The Cavs will have a little break, as they are waiting for the winner of the Raptors and Bucks series, which is tied at two games apiece.
LeBron is King
LeBron James put on another masterful performance in game four, putting up 33 points, 10 boards, 4 assists, and 4 steals. James was great on the defensive side of the ball, providing energy plays and another one of the patented LeBron chase-down blocks, sending the ball flying into the stands. LeBron was huge in the fourth quarter, getting a steal with little time left to give the Cavs the ball, and hitting a knockdown three to give them the lead. LeBron's clutch factor has been a question mark from the beginning part of his career, but all those murmurs are hushed now, as he is the starter and finisher of every game.
With this sweep of the Pacers, LeBron James notched 10th series sweep, the most in NBA history. James is known to make quick work of teams, especially in the first round. Speaking of the first round, this is LeBron's 21st straight first-round victory, beating out Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan's 20 straight. In his 14th season, LeBron doesn't look like he is slowing down, and he got his team in and out of the first round without adversity or injury.
What's next for Indiana?
The Indiana Pacers have the honor of being the first team eliminated from the playoffs. They gave the Cavs a run for their money all series, being a missed shot away from having this series tied 2-2. The third quarters were a problem for the Pacers, as they were outscored 124-87 in all four games. Their star player Paul George was awesome this series.
He averaged 28 points per game this series and gave LeBron James all he could handle. The big question is whether he will be back next season, as he might not feel like he can win a championship in Indiana. The Pacers lack bench players and that came back to hurt them this series. George will be waiting to see if he makes any of the three All-NBA teams, as he has $75 million waiting for him in Indiana if he makes the All-NBA team. The Pacers will need to convince Paul George to come back or find another star to sign in free agency.
The Cavs had a challenge in the Pacers, but they managed to finish the series in 4 games. They get time to rest and heal up before their next series, which is crucial in the playoffs. LeBron is looking like a man on a mission, so we can expect more dominating performances from him in the playoffs.
