(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND - For the first time in LeBron James' career, he lost the first game, in the first round of the NBA Playoffs to the Indiana Pacers 98-80.
The onslaught began right from the beginning of the game. The game was tied 4-4 before the Pacers went on a 14-0 run. The Pacers were able to open up a 21 point lead in the 1st quarter, and lead 33-14 after one. The Pacers never looked back. The Cavs were able to pull within 7 points in both the 3rd and the 4th quarters, but the Pacers stayed calm and resilient to pull away late.
The Cavs struggled offensively all night long, especially from behind the 3 point line going 8 for 34. LeBron led the way with another triple-double, 24 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. No other Cavs starter scored in double digits. Larry Nance Jr. off the bench led the way with 10 points. Kevin Love had 9 points and 17 rebounds, shooting 3 for 6 from behind the arch.
The Pacers were led by Victor Oladipo with 32 points, 4 steals, 4 assists, and 6 rebounds. Also contributing in the Pacers starting five, Myles Turner 16 points, Bojan Bogdanovic 15 points, and Lance Stephenson with 12 points off the bench.
Game 2 is this Wednesday, April 18 from Quicken Loans Arena in Downtown Cleveland, starting at 7:00pm.
Kipp Cullin\WTAM 1100