Cleveland Cavaliers/Indiana Pacers Game 4 Analysis & Series Recap
16 Wins A Ring Writers offer 3 different perspectives on Game 4 results: Cleveland 106 — Indiana 102
Cavaliers Series Recap by Ben Belden
What went well
Although the series overall was hard-fought, the Cavaliers finished off the Pacers relatively easily. Throughout the series, the Cavaliers were clicking on all cylinders offensively. LeBron James lead the Cavaliers with spectacular plays, but role players such as Channing Frye, Kyle Korver, JR Smith, and Deron Williams helped by filling in the blanks.
The bottom line, though, is that it is easy for those guys to make shots when James is getting them wide open shots. He was sensational.
What didn’t go well
The Cavaliers only exerted themselves defensively for two quarters this series: the third and fourth quarters of Game 3. It was only after giving up 74 points in a half and facing a steep 25-point deficit that snapped the Cavs out of an apparent slumber. With the Bucks or Raptors on tap next, the Cavaliers will need to take a look at what they have been doing defensively. They will have a little bit of time to so.
In addition, Kevin Love struggled in Games 3 and 4 offensively. From the looks of it, Love will appreciate a few days off from the intensity of playoff basketball to refuel for the second round.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will have to wait about a week to find out who their opponent will be in the second round. For a team with its share of veterans, the increased rest will pay dividends in the second round.
Indiana Pacers Series Recap by Cameron Stewart
What didn’t go well
Defending LeBron James is a fools task and the Pacers found that out the hard way. The Pacers did so much right defensively in game four but there just was no answer for James, who went for 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. James’ go-ahead three-pointer with 1:08 to play effectively crushed a Pacers’ fourth quarter comeback.
The Pacers defended well but the defensive effort went to waste too frequently as the Cavs grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and controlled the glass throughout the game.
Paul George had his worst game in months, scoring just 15 points on 21 shots. After telling C.J. Miles that shots with the outcome of the game at stake belong to George after Game 2, George bricked a potential game-tying three-pointer with 1.9 seconds left that sealed the end to the Pacers’ season.
What went well
The Pacers played their best defense of the series and some of their best defense of the entire season in game four. Jeff Teague’s defense in the fourth quarter was nothing short of elite. Outside of LeBron James, the Cavaliers’ starters shot just 16-of-48 from the field. The Pacers defended the three-point line masterfully, holding the Cavs to just 29 percent on 31 attempts.
It’s almost like playing Lance Stephenson and Glenn Robinson III more minutes (43 minutes combined) in place of Monta Ellis (5:30) allowed Indiana’s defense to be better.
The Pacers got the best outputs of their short playoff stint from complementary players Myles Turner and Lance Stephenson. Turner, who had been a disappointment for the first three games, was good for 20 points on 8-for-10 shooting to go along with 9 rebounds. Stephenson led the team in scoring with 22 points as well as totaling 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
Indiana Pacers Season Recap
The Pacers’ season will be defined by consistent inconsistency, overall dysfunction, the looming cloud of Paul George’s future with the team, and serves as the latest chapter that the franchise can’t get past LeBron James. Their 42–40 record was a microcosm of the team’s good talent but poor fit. There are huge decisions about the franchise that will have to be made in the oncoming months.
Neutral Recap by Max Seng
Why Cleveland Won
As much as we talk about it, it’s still stupefying to watch LeBron James in year 14 cruise to 33, 10 and 4 on the road. That, Kyrie Irving floating in some of the toughest shots of the playoffs and a very strong Deron Williams performance was enough for Cleveland to close out the series. Kevin Love, Tristian Thompson and James combined for 27 rebounds, an interior advantage they’ll need going forward.
But the answer begins and ends with King James. Every cut he made seemed to result in a basket for himself or others, even one turnover he had resulted in a momentum-robbing chase down block on the other end. The performance culminated with James hitting a 3 with 68 seconds left in the game that ended up proving the difference.
Why Indiana Lost
Poor shooting, and poor body language. So many times when coaches are wired up, you hear assistants and head coaches alike scream about getting back, not complaining to the referees, moving on to the next play.
None of that was in play for Indiana today, as every turnover or screen or obstacle put in front of a Pacer was often met with a half-hearted attempt to fight through. They certainly weren’t without their opportunities, but it was clear that Cleveland and the series’ cumulative effect had worn them down mentally.
Combined with the first poor shooting night for Paul George in the series spelled doom for Indiana in the end. They head into one of the most important summers in franchise history.
