121-112
FINALIndiana
Pacers
65-40|L10: 5-5
Cleveland
Cavaliers
69-22|L10: 5-5
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Eastern Conference
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IND • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #00
9 months ago
On Friday, Mathurin was Indiana’s most effective scorer, shooting over 50 percent from the field and reaching double figures for the third straight game. The negative for those viewing his performance through a fantasy lens is that Mathurin did not provide much beyond points, three-pointers and percentages. That was an issue for him in previous seasons, but Mathurin was slightly better during this past regular season. His production will be key in this series regardless of the fantasy implications. Game 4 is on Sunday, with the Pacers holding a 2-1 lead.
IND • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
9 months ago
After playing well in the Pacers’ two wins in Cleveland, there’s no sugarcoating that Haliburton was ineffective on Friday. Pestered by Max Strus for most of Game 3, the Pacers’ point guard shot 25 percent from the field and committed three turnovers. While Indiana won’t be too concerned about Haliburton, given the overall body of work, he’ll need to be much better in Sunday’s Game 4, especially with the Cavaliers back to full strength.
IND • Power Forward • #43
9 months ago
After shooting 1-of-6 from the field in the first half, Siakam was more productive in the second half of Game 3. However, it was a case of “too little, too late,” as the Cavaliers built a big lead and did not allow it to slip away, as they did in Game 2. Siakam has been relatively quiet through the first three games of this series, with Friday’s point total being his best. With Cleveland returning to full strength on Friday, more production will be needed from “Spicy P” moving forward. Game 4 is on Sunday.
IND • Center • #33
9 months ago
While Turner had a decent night in the points and blocked shot categories, the rebounding left something to be desired. Aaron Nesmith (7/7/1 with one three-pointer) and T.J. McConnell (12/6/7) both recorded more rebounds than the Pacers’ starting center, and Indiana gave up 18 offensive boards on the night. That doesn’t all fall on Turner’s shoulders, but Indiana needs him to be more impactful on the glass, especially with Evan Mobley returning in the Cavaliers’ lineup. He’ll look to rebound when the Pacers host Game 4 on Sunday.
CLE • Small Forward • #1
9 months ago
While Donovan Mitchell’s masterclass and the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter were the biggest storylines of Game 3, Strus’ performance should not be overlooked. After tallying 23 points in Game 2, the sharpshooter shot 4-of-8 from three and recorded his second straight 20-point stat line. Also, Strus was the primary defender on Tyrese Haliburton for most of the night, with the Pacers’ point guard only scoring four points. Cleveland will hope for a similar performance from Strus as they look to even the series at two games apiece on Sunday.
CLE • Center • #31
9 months ago
Allen has double-doubles in his last two outings, grabbing 12 rebounds in Games 2 and 3. With frontcourt sidekick Evan Mobley returning to the lineup after missing Game 2 with a sprained ankle, Allen had a little more room to do what he needed offensively on Friday. The Cavaliers will look to even the series at two games apiece when they visit the Pacers in Game 4 on Sunday.
CLE • Power Forward • #4
9 months ago
Back in the Cavaliers’ lineup after missing Game 2 with a sprained ankle, Mobley was impactful on Friday. While he shot the ball reasonably well, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year was a menace defensively. Mobley recorded six “stocks,” which doesn’t tell the whole story of his impact in Game 3. Keeping him healthy will be paramount for the Cavaliers if they’re to rebound and win this series. The Cavaliers and Pacers meet in Game 4 on Sunday.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
9 months ago
Friday’s game was Garland’s first since Game 2 of the Cavaliers’ first-round series against the Heat. He did look rusty, but the more concerning moment occurred during the third quarter. Garland appeared to have tweaked the toe injury that sidelined him for four games, but he was able to return later in the contest. Cleveland holding onto its gaudy lead ensured that Garland would not be extended too far in his first game back from injury. He’ll now rest up for Game 4 on Sunday night.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
9 months ago
Of course, the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter increased the Cavaliers’ chances of getting a win on Friday. But superstars need to step up in spots like the one Cleveland found itself in after losing the first two games. Mitchell did that in Game 3, surpassing the 40-point mark for the second straight game. He’s scored 33 or more in all three games, with efficiency only being an issue in Game 1. It’s become clear that the Pacers don’t have a good defensive matchup for Mitchell, which should continue to result in gaudy stat lines for the Cavaliers’ star guard. Game 4 is on Sunday.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
9 months ago
Of course, the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter increased the Cavaliers’ chances of getting a win on Friday. But superstars need to step up in spots like the one Cleveland found itself in after losing the first two games. Mitchell did that in Game 3, surpassing the 40-point mark for the second straight game. He’s scored 33 or more in all three games, with efficiency only being an issue in Game 1. It’s become clear that the Pacers don’t have a good defensive matchup for Mitchell, which should continue to result in gaudy stat lines for the Cavaliers’ star guard. Game 4 is on Sunday.
CLE • Power Forward • #4
9 months ago
Mobley and Hunter are back after sitting out Cleveland’s Game 2 defeat on Tuesday, a contest in which the Cavaliers blew a big lead due primarily to a lack of depth. While the former will return to the starting lineup, the latter will be one of Cleveland’s key options off the bench. Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade will likely play fewer minutes with Mobley and Hunter in the rotation.
Source: Shams Charania
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
9 months ago
Garland is available after missing four games with a sprained left big toe. Given the stakes, with Cleveland trailing two games to none, the point guard will likely take on his usual workload in Game 3. Sam Merrill’s playing time will likely decrease with Garland in the lineup.
Source: Shams Charania
CLE • Power Forward • #4
9 months ago
Shams is quoted as saying, “To my knowledge Garland, Mobley, and Hunter are all aiming to play in this pivotal game three.” Mobley and Hunter sat out Game 2, and their return - along with Garland’s - will provide a much-needed boost for Cleveland on both ends of the court. Assuming Mobley and Hunter get the green light, Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro will presumably see a decrease in playing time.
Source: Pat McAfee Show
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
9 months ago
The news couldn’t come at a better time, as Shams also expects Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter to take the court. Cleveland fell behind 2-0 in the series with a wild final minute of Game 2 that culminated in a Tyrese Haliburton game-winning three-pointer. Teams down 3-0 in a series have never come back to win, so a victory on Friday is crucial in keeping the Cavs’ season alive. With Garland expected back, Ty Jerome will retreat back to the bench.
Source: Pat McAfee Show
CLE • Small Forward • #12
9 months ago
Hunter, who dislocated the thumb on his shooting (right) hand during Game 1, was one of three Cavaliers’ rotation players to miss Game 2, with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley being the others. Hunter’s absence led to more rotation minutes for Isaac Okoro, who logged 30 minutes in Game 2 and finished with five points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. How much Okoro plays in Game 3 will also depend on the status of Evan Mobley (ankle), who did not play in Game 2.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Small Forward • #12
9 months ago
Hunter, who dislocated the thumb on his shooting (right) hand during Game 1, was one of three Cavaliers’ rotation players to miss Game 2, with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley being the others. Hunter’s absence led to more rotation minutes for Isaac Okoro, who logged 30 minutes in Game 2 and finished with five points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. How much Okoro plays in Game 3 will also depend on the status of Evan Mobley (ankle), who did not play in Game 2.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Power Forward • #4
9 months ago
Mobley sprained his ankle during Cleveland’s Game 1 loss to the Pacers, which kept him out of Game 2 on Tuesday. Dean Wade moved into the starting lineup but offered minimal value, finishing with three points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one three-pointer in 30 minutes. He’ll likely retain his spot in the starting lineup if Mobley cannot play. However, with Cleveland in a 0-2 hole, look for the Defensive Player of the Year to do all he can to be available.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Power Forward • #4
9 months ago
Mobley sprained his ankle during Cleveland’s Game 1 loss to the Pacers, which kept him out of Game 2 on Tuesday. Dean Wade moved into the starting lineup but offered minimal value, finishing with three points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one three-pointer in 30 minutes. He’ll likely retain his spot in the starting lineup if Mobley cannot play. However, with Cleveland in a 0-2 hole, look for the Defensive Player of the Year to do all he can to be available.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
9 months ago
Due to a sprained left big toe, Garland has not appeared in a game since Game 2 of Cleveland’s first-round series against the Heat. While Sam Merrill started Game 1, he was moved to the bench for Game 2, with Ty Jerome taking over as the starter alongside Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers were also without Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter for Game 2, which impacted the lineup overall.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
9 months ago
Due to a sprained left big toe, Garland has not appeared in a game since Game 2 of Cleveland’s first-round series against the Heat. While Sam Merrill started Game 1, he was moved to the bench for Game 2, with Ty Jerome taking over as the starter alongside Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers were also without Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter for Game 2, which impacted the lineup overall.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Small Forward • #1
9 months ago
Strus stepped up in Game 2. With Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and De’Andre Hunter (thumb) out and the Cavaliers in need of scoring, Strus had 23 points on 18 shots including five made three-pointers. Strus hit his last three with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, which gave the Cavs a seven-point lead. Unfortunately, Cleveland would squander that lead and fall behind 2-0 in the series. Strus will continue to be counted on for increased scoring unless the Cavaliers can get healthy for Game 3.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
9 months ago
With the Cavaliers down Evan Mobley (ankle), Darius Garland (toe) and De’Andre Hunter (thumb), Mitchell took on a huge scoring workload in Game 2, but it still wasn’t enough. He poured in a staggering 48 points, despite only going 1-of-7 from behind the three-point line. Mitchell was also getting others involved in the offense as he led the Cavaliers with nine assists. The 28-year-old shooting guard was able to get to the free throw often as he was 17-of-21 on free throws. Mitchell and the Cavaliers will have to regroup after dropping the first two games of the series at home. If the Cavaliers don’t get some of their injured players back for Game 3, the onus will fall on Mitchell again to provide most of the offense.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
9 months ago
With the Cavaliers down Evan Mobley (ankle), Darius Garland (toe) and De’Andre Hunter (thumb), Mitchell took on a huge scoring workload in Game 2. He scored 48 points while only going 1-of-7 from behind the three-point line. Mitchell was also getting others involved in the offense as he led the Cavaliers with nine assists. The 28-year-old shooting guard was able to get to the free throw often as he was 17-of-21 on free throws. Mitchell and the Cavaliers will have to regroup after dropping the first two games of the series at home. If the Cavaliers don’t get some of their injured players back for Game 3, the onus will fall on Mitchell again to provide most of the offense.
IND • Center • #33
9 months ago
While Turner had 23 points on 17 shots in Game 2, his biggest impact came on the defensive end as a rim protector. The 29-year-old center had five blocks and made things difficult on the Cavaliers when they opted to drive into the paint. Turner had an easier time down low on the offensive end with Evan Mobley (ankle) out for Game 2, though he still stepped out and hit two three-pointers. He’ll continue to be counted on a key player for the Pacers as they head home with a 2-0 series lead.
IND • Small Forward • #23
9 months ago
Nesmith continues to step up his game in the playoffs. After the first two games of the second round, the 25-year-old small forward has 40 points and nine three-pointers in the series. He saw his minutes go up from 25 to 33 from Game 1 to Game 2. It seems the Pacers are increasingly comfortable relying on their starters including Nesmith, despite him being in a timeshare with Bennedict Mathurin during the regular season.
IND • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
9 months ago
Haliburton and the Pacers pulled off a 14-point comeback despite trailing by seven points with less than a minute left. With the Pacers still down three near the end of regulation, Haliburton went to free throw line for two shots. After making the first, he missed the second free throw, got his own rebound and hit a game-winning three-pointer. It was an incredible sequence as the second round of these playoffs has been filled clutch moments from underdog teams on the road. Haliburton and the Pacers are up 2-0 as the series heads to Indiana for Games 3 and 4.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
9 months ago
With Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter all ruled out, the Cavaliers are down three of their top six players for Game 2. It’s a tough blow, especially considering Cleveland already dropped Game 1 of the series at home. The Cavs figure to rely heavily on Jerome and Strus to provide some scoring to support what will undoubtedly be a massive workload for Mitchell.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
9 months ago
With Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter all ruled out, the Cavaliers are down three of their top six players for Game 2. It’s a tough blow, especially considering Cleveland already dropped Game 1 of the series at home. The Cavs figure to rely heavily on Jerome and Strus to provide some scoring to support what will undoubtedly be a massive workload for Mitchell.
CLE • Small Forward • #12
9 months ago
Hunter was injured after taking a hard fall on a contested drive by Myles Turner. Despite no foul being called, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters Hunter was “obliterated” on the play and that the 27-year-old small forward dislocated his thumb. With Evan Mobley and Darius Garland also ruled out, the Cavaliers will be without three of their top six players while already facing a 1-0 deficit in the series in Game 2.
CLE • Power Forward • #4
9 months ago
Mobley tweaked his ankle in Game 1 of the series. Despite his questionable listing, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters two of his best players were doubtful for Game 2 when referring to Mobley and De’Andre Hunter. Garland sat out Game 1 with a toe injury and his status is unchanged for Game 2. The Cavaliers will roll with a starting lineup of Ty Jerome, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Dean Wade and Jarrett Allen in Game 2.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
9 months ago
Garland sat out the Game 1 loss to Indiana on Sunday, and his availability will be crucial for Cleveland’s chances of taking Game 2. Sam Merrill started Game 1 in Garland’s place, but provided only a 6/4/4 line with two triples across 18 minutes.
Source: Evan Dammarell
CLE • Power Forward • #4
9 months ago
Head coach Kenny Atkinson “expressed real concern” for the availability of the two players, and Cleveland could be sorely shorthanded with Darius Garland also banged up. If Mobley and Hunter are ultimately sidelined, expect Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro to pick up some extra minutes.
Source: Jared Greenberg
CLE • Shooting Guard • #2
9 months ago
Jerome was one of the best sixth men in the NBA this season, and the continued absence of Darius Garland (toe) means the Cavaliers need more production from him. However, he was inefficient in Game 1, shooting 40 percent from the field on 20 attempts. Among the Cavaliers who saw action, only Donovan Mitchell (30) had more attempts from Jerome. While Jerome’s ability to provide production off the bench will be critical in this series, the Cavaliers must share the wealth better than they did in Game 1.
CLE • Power Forward • #4
9 months ago
Mobley was excellent in Game 1, finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. The Cavaliers’ lack of offensive balance did them in on Sunday afternoon, with Mobley being one of three players to reach double digits in shot attempts. Jarrett Allen (12/5/1/2 in 30 minutes) only attempted seven shots, while Donovan Mitchell’s 30 attempts were ten more than Allen and Mobley combined. Cleveland will try to even the series at one game apiece on Tuesday.
CLE • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #45
9 months ago
While Mitchell’s final point tally was excellent, how he reached that number was not. The Cavaliers’ leading scorer shot 1-of-11 from three, and Indiana outscored the Cavaliers by 33 points from beyond the arc. Once again playing without Darius Garland (toe), the Cavaliers could not control the tempo. Changing that for Tuesday’s Game 2 becomes exponentially more difficult if Garland cannot play, regardless of what Mitchell does individually.
IND • Small Forward • #23
9 months ago
After scoring at least 14 points in the final four games of Indiana’s first-round win over Milwaukee, Nesmith got his second round off to an excellent start. He shot 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, with only Andrew Nembhard making more three-pointers for the Pacers in this one. In a timeshare with Bennedict Mathurin (11/5/1/0/1 with three three-pointers in 23 minutes), Nesmith provided more value than many may have expected in Game 1. The Pacers will need more performances like this to eliminate the team with the best record in the East.
IND • Center • #33
9 months ago
After failing to record a double-double during the Pacers’ first-round series against the Bucks, Turner accomplished that feat on Sunday. He recorded a complete stat line, holding his own against Cleveland’s tandem of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Turner’s rebounds will be key in this series, as will his ability to step away from the basket and hit perimeter shots. Game 2 is on Tuesday night in Cleveland.
IND • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
9 months ago
Due to injury, Haliburton only played in two of the four regular-season meetings with the Cavaliers, recording modest averages. There were no such concerns in Game 1, with the Pacers’ point guard shooting 66.7 percent from the field and committing just one turnover. When Haliburton is as efficient as he was on Sunday, Indiana is incredibly tough to beat. And the Pacers have the fourth-best record in the NBA since January 1. Game 2 is on Tuesday night.
IND • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #2
9 months ago
Indiana’s offensive balance and superior perimeter shooting won Game 1, with the Pacers snatching away home-court advantage. Nembhard shot 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, and Indiana outscored Cleveland by 33 points on three-pointers. Nembhard was also impactful defensively on Sunday. While Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points, he was inefficient, and the pesky Pacers guard had much to do with that. Nembhard and company will look to take a 2-0 series lead in Game 2 on Tuesday.
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
9 months ago
With Garland practicing on Friday, there was hope that he would return to action on Sunday despite sitting out Saturday’s practice session. (It was a scheduled day off for Garland.) Unfortunately, the Cavaliers guard was not on the court during his usual pregame warmup time, and he has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s series opener. Sam Merrill started the final two games of Cleveland’s first-round series and will retain that role against the Pacers.
Source: Tony East
CLE • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #10
9 months ago
Garland practiced on Friday, and head coach Kenny Atkinson said this was a scheduled day off to see how his toe responded. His status for Game 1 on Sunday is up in the air, but this isn’t an alarming absence from practice. Garland missed Games 3 and 4 against the Heat, and Sam Merrill would likely continue to start if Garland remains out.
Source: Danny Cunningham
IND • Point Guard • #9
9 months ago
McConnell was a bright spot off the bench, electrifying the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd as he took over in the second half with his scoring and facilitating. He finished the game with more points than the rest of the Pacers’ bench combined. Expect McConnell to play an important role in the Pacers’ second-round series against the first-seeded Cavaliers.
IND • Center • #33
9 months ago
Turner tallied at least 20 points for the second time in as many games as the Pacers finished off the Bucks. The sharp-shooting center came up big on the offensive end and finished as Indiana’s second-leading scorer for the game, falling just one rebound shy of a double-double. Turner failed to record a block or a steal but will have another chance to fill up the stat sheet when Indiana heads to Cleveland for a second-round battle with the Cavaliers.
IND • Power Forward • #43
9 months ago
Siakam recorded a low-scoring output for a second-straight game. After turning in just 12 points in Indiana’s Game 4 win, the 2019 NBA Most Improved Player scored even fewer points on Tuesday. Siakam did come alive late, where he scored key fourth-quarter points down the stretch. As the Pacers move on to a second-round matchup against the Cavaliers, they’ll hope to get the version of Siakam that tallied three consecutive 20-point games to begin the postseason.
IND • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
9 months ago
Haliburton started slow as a scorer but found his rhythm late in the game for the Pacers. He repeatedly drove past Bucks defenders and found production at the rim, and at one point scored nine consecutive points for Indiana between the fourth quarter and overtime before later delivering the game-winning layup. Haliburton remained productive as a facilitator along the way and will look to keep up the production in the second round against the Cavaliers.
Source: NBA
IND • Small Forward • #23
9 months ago
Nesmith suffered a lower back bruise during the Pacers’ Game 4 victory in Milwaukee, but he was able to return after a brief exit. He’s been upgraded to available for Game 5 and will occupy his usual place in the starting lineup. With Bennedict Mathurin (abdominals) also available, the Pacers will have their full rotation as they look to close out the Damian Lillard-less Bucks.
Source: Indiana Pacers
IND • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #00
9 months ago
Mathurin is available after sitting out Indiana’s Game 4 victory in Milwaukee. His return will likely result in fewer minutes for fellow reserve Ben Sheppard. Sheppard, who re-entered the Pacers’ rotation in Game 3 after Andrew Nembhard landed in early foul trouble, played 22 minutes in Game 4.
Source: Indiana Pacers
IND • Small Forward • #23
9 months ago
Nesmith is dealing with a bruise on his lower back, but it isn’t expected to impact his status for Game 5. Nesmith has played 27.5 minutes per game during this series, and that should continue as the Pacers look to close things out on Tuesday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
IND • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #00
9 months ago
Mathurin missed Game 4, which allowed Ben Sheppard to play 22 minutes off the bench in a blowout win. If Mathurin is sidelined again, Sheppard should once again play a significant role as the Pacers look to close out the series at home.
Source: NBA Injury Report
IND • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #2
9 months ago
After shining in the first two games of the series, Nembhard struggled in Game 3 on Friday. Like Myles Turner, the Pacers guard rebounded nicely as the Pacers rolled in Game 4. Sunday’s win was the fifth in Nembhard’s postseason career in which he’s scored at least 20 points. Indiana will look to close out the series when it hosts Game 5 on Tuesday.
IND • Center • #33
9 months ago
Turner thoroughly outplayed Bucks center Brook Lopez in Game 4, rebounding from a 1-of-9 effort in Indiana’s Game 3 loss on Friday. Impactful on both ends of the floor, Turner’s production was one reason why the Pacers head back home with a 3-1 series lead. Game 5 is on Tuesday, and teams that hold a 3-1 lead have won 95.5 percent of the series in NBA playoff history.
IND • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
9 months ago
After dropping Game 3 on Friday, Haliburton and the Pacers rebounded impressively on Sunday. While Milwaukee’s loss of Damian Lillard (leg) in the first half undoubtedly helped the visitors, Indiana’s ball and player movement were significantly improved. Indiana assisted on 36 of its 50 made field goals, and Haliburton made some team history. He’s the first Pacer since Paul George in 2014 to record a double-double in each of the first four games of a series. Haliburton and the Pacers will look to close out the series on Tuesday.
IND • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #00
9 months ago
Mathurin is officially out after the Pacers listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. His absence likely means more playing time for fellow reserve Ben Sheppard, who re-entered the Pacers’ rotation during Game 3.
Source: Eric Nehm
IND • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #00
9 months ago
Mathurin has not missed a game in this series, most recently playing 14 minutes in Friday’s defeat. However, he’s dealing with an abdominal contusion and is not a lock to play in Game 4. If Mathurin is unable to play, look for Ben Sheppard to play more minutes after re-entering the rotation on Friday.
Source: NBA Injury Report