Cavs Comeback? Or Pacers Collapse?
For every unforgettable comeback, there’s always the other side of the coin — the collapse that allowed it to happen. Game 3 was probably more of a Cavs comeback than a Indiana Pacers choke job, but as is always the case in such a drastic turnaround, it’s a little of column A, little of column B.
In the first half, the Pacers looked like world-beaters. They dropped 74 points en route to a 25-point halftime lead, and all they really needed was a strong third quarter to force the Cavs to pack it in, rest their starters for the fourth and essentially hand Indiana the victory.
Instead, they were outscored 35-17 in the period and Bankers Life Fieldhouse had to watch in horror as the lead was whittled down to seven. From there LeBron James took over and the Pacers were outscored by 12 in the fourth in a defeat that was devastating for more than one reason.
Paul George wouldn’t stay now if Indiana could give him $700 million more than any other team.
— Jared Wade (@Jared_Wade) April 21, 2017
In the second half, Indiana scored a grand total of 40 points on 13-of-51 shooting from the field (25 percent) and 6-of-24 shooting from downtown (25 percent). They made more field goals in the first quarter (14) than they did in the entire second half, and nearly scored as many points (37).
Aside from a baptismal dunk for Tristan Thompson, Myles Turner struggled again, going 3-for-12 from the floor. Thaddeus Young scored seven points in the first quarter but was held to just four more the rest of the way. Jeff Teague was the team’s second leading scorer with 15 measly points.
Paul George did his part on paper, finishing with 36 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. But he had just 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting in the second half, and with such a historic collapse sealing Indiana’s fate in this series, Game 4 might be the last time fans ever get to watch PG-13 play in a Pacers jersey.