iStock_000083515123_Full.jpg

BASKETBALL

Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Sweep Paul George, Indiana To Advance In Playoffs

 

Cleveland had no problem advancing in the playoffs with King Lebron James and point guard Kyrie Irving on their team as Cleveland swept Paul George and Indiana winning the series 4-0.

Running his personal streak to 21 straight wins in the postseason’s opening round, LeBron and the Cavaliers completed their four-game sweep of the Pacers – taking the 106-102 win on Sunday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in a contest that wasn’t exactly a thing of beauty. "according to http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/recap-pacers-170423

One game after completing a historic comeback – erasing Indiana’s 25-point halftime lead to win Game 3 on Thursday night – the Wine and Gold nearly had the tables turned on them on Sunday. "according to http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/recap-pacers-170423

Working with a comfortable 13-point lead early in the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers looked poised to cruise to the finish line. But the stingy Pacers – a franchise that had never been swept in a seven-game series – rallied from there, going on a 17-4 run to tie the game at 100-apiece on Thaddeus Young’s short jumper with 2:39 to play. "according to http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/recap-pacers-170423

Just over a minute later, Young tipped in a Paul George miss to give the Pacers their first lead, 102-100, since early in the second quarter. "according to http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/recap-pacers-170423

But Indiana’s joy was fleeting.

On Cleveland’s next possession, LeBron James calmly pulled up from beyond the arc and splashed home a three-pointer to give the Cavaliers back the lead. The Cavs wouldn’t trail again, but that doesn’t mean the final moments were easy. "According to http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/recap-pacers-170423

With the Wine and Gold up three, 105-102, with 11 seconds to play, J.R. Smith picked Jeff Teague’s pocket in front of the Cavs bench. But instead of being intentionally fouled, tried a behind-the-back pass to a streaking Kyrie Irving. Paul George tipped and stole the pass and was able to attempt a game-tying triple with 1.9 to play. "according to http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/recap-pacers-170423

George’s three-point attempt hit the backboard and caromed into the waiting arms of LeBron, who split the free throws to seal the deal and send the Pacers packing after a tough four-game set. "according to http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/recap-pacers-170423

For the series, Lebron James averaged  32.8 points, 9.8 boards, and 9.0 assists – doubling-up in all four games of the First Round, including Thursday night’s triple-double in Cleveland’s epic Game 3 win. "according to http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/recap-pacers-170423

Cleveland will await the winner of Milwaukee and Toronto.

Cleveland will be back in action May 1st at Quicken Loans Arena. Who will their opponent be?