Cavaliers Defeat Pacers, 117-111, in Game 2

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 117-111, in Game 2 of the
Eastern Conference first-round playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on Monday.
Cleveland haven’t been dominant in either of the first two games, but they took
care of business to go up 2-0 in this opening round. Despite this final
scoreline being close, the Cavaliers were in control for the majority of the
game. In fact, Cleveland led for the final three quarters, with the game never
getting within four points after the first quarter. The third quarter is where
they separated themselves, outscoring the Pacers, 33-20. Cleveland’s offense was
extremely efficient, shooting 55 percent from the field, 42 percent from
three-point range and 87 percent from the free-throw line. The Pacers (0-2) have
put in valiant efforts in both of these opening road games, but they’re leaving
Cleveland in a big hole. Paul George once again carried Indiana, as he collected
32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Jeff Teague finished second on the
team, accruing 23 points, four rebounds and four assists. Thaddeus Young totaled
16 points, three rebounds and six steals. Lance Stephenson was the only other
Pacer in double figures, providing 13 points, two rebounds, four assists and two
steals off the bench. The Cavaliers (2-0) now have a strangle hold on this
series, as they took care of homecourt advantage. LeBron James was the player of
the game, as he accumulated 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, four steals
and four blocks. Kyrie Irving led the team in scoring, amassing 37 points, two
rebounds and two assists. Kevin Love put up 27 points, 11 rebounds and three
assists on an efficient 6-of-7 from the field. J.R. Smith had a recurrence of
his hamstring injury and was unable to return in the second half. Game 3 will be
on Thursday in Indiana.