Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Pacers

3. 3-pointers have been the deciding factor

After allowing the Pacers to make 11 3-pointers on 39.3 percent shooting in Game 1, Cleveland turned up the defensive effort in Game 2 and Indiana struggled with even its own shots, going just 6-of-22 shooting from distance (27.2 percent).

On top of its improved defense, Cleveland regained its own touch from beyond the arc, making 11-of-28 3-pointers after shooting just 8-for-34 in Game 1.

While many expected the Cavaliers to regain their stroke from distance in Game 2, their ability to hold Indiana in check from the 3-point line was an encouraging sight for a team that struggled to do so during the regular season, ranking 22nd in opponent 3-point percentage.

If Cleveland can continue to limit the number of shots the Pacers convert from distance, it’ll remain competitive in games where it might not be knocking them down from deep, like we saw in Game 1.