On Tuesday night in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Indiana Pacers(4), the Cleveland Cavaliers(1), who trailed in the series 1-0 after dropping Game 1 on Sunday night, were without Darius Garland(toe), Evan Mobley(ankle), and De’Andre Hunter(thumb).
However, for most of the game, it appeared that All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who had a game-high 48 points(16/30 FG), five rebounds, nine assists, and four steals, was going to do enough to help the Cavs to even the series at one, but they fell apart late.
Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, who got the rebound after intentionally missing a free throw, would make the game-winning three with 01.1 seconds, and Indiana would defeat the Cavs 120-119 at Rocket Arena to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Game 3 is Friday night in Indiana.
Cleveland’s largest lead of the game was 20 points in the second quarter, and they took a 14-point lead into the fourth.
After two Mitchell free throws, the Cavs led 119-112 with 57.6 seconds to go, but Indiana closed the game on an 8-0 run, and now they are in complete control of this series.
Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner had 23 points apiece, Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin added 19 points each, and Andrew Nembhard chipped in with 13 points and a playoff career-high 13 assists.
The Cavs’ Max Strus scored 23 points,and Jarrett Allen added 22 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that the Cavs are in a little bit of trouble. Mitchell, who is battling a calf injury, did his best to get the Cavs the win, but he ran out of gas. He needed help, and his teammates could not give it to him.
They could have used Garland’s ballhandling down the stretch, Mobley’s defense and rebounds down the stretch, and Hunter’s scoring, but none of those things were available.
This series is not over, but it could be over for the Cavs if they don’t get back their key players soon.
Only six teams have won a series after dropping the first two games at home, and the Cavs are hoping to be the seventh. The Cavs won a franchise-best 30 games on the road this season, and they will need that road magic to win this series.
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