LeBron saves Cavs from fourth-quarter collapse vs. Pacers in playoff opener

By Andre Vergara
Published

LeBron James had 32 points and saved the Cleveland Cavaliers from a fourth-quarter collapse in Saturday's 109-108, playoff-opening victory over the Indiana Pacers.

James, who has won 18 straight first-round games, added 13 assists and six rebounds for the top-seeded defending champs. Kyrie Irving had 23 points and two big steals down the stretch.

Paul George led the way for seventh-seeded Indiana with 29 points but had only four in the fourth quarter.

The Cavs led most of the way but the Pacers kept it close and took a late lead on a three from Jeff Teague. But James answered with a dunk to tie it, then found Irving for an assist as the Cavs took the lead for good.

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The Pacers had a chance to take the lead in the final seconds, but James doubled George and forced a pass to C.J. Miles, who missed a jumper at the buzzer.

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"Anyone but Paul George can take that final shot and we live with it," James told ABC's Lisa Salters after the game.

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Pacers coach Nate McMillan said they anticipated the double on George and just didn't execute well enough, while George made it much simpler: "Situations like that, I've got to get the last shot."

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LeBron, however, said George "made the right play" by passing.

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