Indiana Pacers: 3 takeaways from Game 4 vs. Cavaliers

Despite keeping Game 4 close down to the wire, the Indiana Pacers missed a key opportunity to beat a deflated Cleveland Cavaliers team at home.

As dogfight matchups like this first round playoff series progress, history has shown that home-court advantage, something the Cleveland Cavaliers have over the Indiana Pacers, is key down the stretch.

Unfortunately for the Pacers, Sunday night’s Game 4 tilt was a key missed opportunity.

After trailing by as many as 16 in the first half, the Pacers were able to storm back like they did in Game 3, even claiming the lead in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, stagnant offense, a 5-for-20 shooting night from Victor Oladipo and late buckets from LeBron James and Kyle Korver eventually did them in.

Domantas Sabonis led the way with 19 points off the bench. Oladipo and Myles Turner added 17 apiece, while Thaddeus Young had 12 points and 16 rebounds. LeBron paced the Cavs with 32 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, while Korver chipped in 18.

While many can’t imagine a season where LeBron and whatever team he is on don’t end up in the Finals, the truth is that the 33-year-old legend has to slow down at some point. Given that the Pacers can clearly keep this team honest at the very least, a game like Sunday’s could end up biting them in the butt later on.

Here are three key takeaways from Game 4.