INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Cavaliers are the first team to reach the second round of the current NBA playoffs after taking four straight from Indiana.
LeBron James made a 3-pointer with 68 seconds left Sunday and Cleveland hung on for a 106-102 series-clinching victory at Indiana.
James finished with 33 points and 10 rebounds as he became the first player under the current playoff format to win 21 straight first-round games..
After taking a 96-83 lead with 9:29 to go, the Cavs found themselves in a 102-100 deficit with 1:31 left. But James answered with the go-ahead 3-pointer and Cleveland sealed the win on James’ free throw with 1 second left.
Lance Stephenson scored 22 points and Paul George added 15 but missed a 3-pointer. It’s the first time the Pacers have lost a series 4-0 in their NBA history.