Pacers Can't Contain LeBron in Game 2
MVP votes may have already been cast, but after LeBron James’ performance on Wednesday night, some writers might be wishing they could change their ballot.
James stuffed the stat sheet with 46 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals to lead the Cavs to a 100-97 win over the Pacers in Game 2 on their first round matchup.
The Pacers were absolutely abysmal in the first quarter, with the Cavs outscoring them 33-18 in the first frame, including 16-1 run from Cleveland to start the game. Victor Oladipo picked up two fouls in the first 70 seconds of the game and missed much of the first half because of foul trouble.
Oladipo certainly struggled, playing just 28 minutes, racking up six turnovers and shooting just 2-of-8 from three-point range. However, he did manage to score 22 points and dish six assists so there were some bright spots to an otherwise bleak performance for the Pacers star.
Despite LeBron’s dominance, the Pacers were still able to make it a close game at the end, chipping away at the lead throughout the game. After their first quarter struggles, they went on to outscore the Cavs in each of the last three quarters. Oladipo even had a chance to tie the game in the final minute, but his three missed and Cleveland got away with the win.
Kyle Korver caused problems for the Pacers all night, knocking down 4 of his 8 threes to for all 12 of his points. The Pacers couldn’t keep up with him off the ball, no matter who was guarding him, and it cost them in the end.
Despite the loss, many positives can be found from the Pacers point of view. LeBron had to have an absolute monster of a game just to eek out a 3 point victory at home. Now, the series comes to Indianapolis tied 1-1 and the Pacers hold home court advantage.
Indiana also has to be happy about how the team has been playing as a whole. Despite the slow start in Game 2, the team was able to steady the ship and find a way back into the game.
Darren Collison had another quietly strong game for the Pacers, dropping 16 points on 7-11 shooting to go along with six assists and five rebounds. Myles Turner also played well offensively, getting 18 points on 7-12 shooting and grabbing 5 boards as well.
In these first two games LeBron showed us that he is going to get his stats, regardless of what the Pacers do to stop him. In Game 1, the Pacers played well enough to win, but in Game 2, they couldn’t get the job done. If the defense can return to form, the Pacers would certainly be favored in a pivotal Game 3.
With the series returning to Indy, the ball is literally and figuratively in the Pacers’ court. Many a time, the Pacers have brought home court advantage back to Indiana, just to give it right back to LeBron. Will this time be different? We’ll just have to wait until Friday night to find out.