Cavs Edge Pacers in Game 1, 109-108

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 109-108, in Game 1
of the Eastern Conference first-round playoffs Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena.
Two teams that know each other’s strengths and weaknesses put on a show to open
the postseason, with superstars LeBron James and Paul George matching each other
virtually shot-for-shot in a tightly-contested showdown. The Pacers put a scare
into the Cavs as time wound down after entering the fourth quarter trailing
94-84. Indiana outscored Cleveland 24-17 over the final 12 minutes and after a
George three-pointer with 40 seconds remaining, had a chance to steal what would
have been a huge series-opening victory. However, C.J. Miles’ 14-foot jumper
with less than a second on the clock couldn’t find the net, allowing the
defending champions to escape with the win. George led the way for the Pacers
with 29 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Lance Stephenson, a
late-season addition that’s paid some dividends, followed with 16 points, seven
boards and three assists. Jeff Teague pitched in with 15 points, four assists
and two rebounds. Myles Turner and Monta Ellis turned in matching 11-point
efforts, with the former adding eight rebounds, one assists, four steals and one
block, and the latter supplying four boards, one assist and one steal. Thaddeus
Young mustered a modest eight points but posted nine rebounds and four assists.
James paced the Cavs with 32 points, 13 assists, six rebounds and three steals.
Kyrie Irving registered 23 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and
one block. Kevin Love managed 17 points, four rebounds, one assist and two
blocks. Channing Frye produced a bench-leading 11 points, which he supplemented
with two rebounds and two assists. Tristan Thompson pitched in with eight
points, 13 rebounds and one assist. The two teams reconvene on Monday night in
Cleveland for Game 2.