Cavaliers win despite on-court squabble
As the playoffs near, the Cavaliers feel the pressure.
LeBron James made a big three-pointer in the final minute of the second overtime and scored 41 points to offset 43 by Indiana’s Paul George, and host Cleveland opened its April schedule with an emotional 135-130 win Sunday over the Pacers, who remain on the outside of the postseason in the Eastern Conference.
James added 15 rebounds and 11 assists in 52 exhausting minutes — his most in more than four years — for the defending NBA champions, whose win was overshadowed by an angry exchange between James and teammate Tristan Thompson during a timeout late in the second OT.
James accepted blame for the argument and said he apologized to Thompson.
“I had good intentions but I was a little bit too demonstrative at that point in the game,” he said. “I can’t show up my teammates.”
Thompson was reluctant to discuss the incident.
“We’re family,” Thompson said. “Little miscommunication in the huddle. Move forward. We’re family. Got each other’s back always. Move forward.”
Pressed for more details, Thompson got defensive.
“Not going to get into it,” he snapped. “Like I said, just miscommunication. Move forward. It is what it is. Got the win, on to Orlando.”
Kyrie Irving made four free throws in the final 16.5 seconds and Kevin Love had 20 points and 12 rebounds as Cleveland stayed a half-game back of the Celtics for the East’s top spot. The Cavs visit Boston on Wednesday.
George was magnificent in defeat, scoring 19 straight points in the overtimes and adding nine rebounds and nine assists. He still couldn’t prevent the Pacers from their eighth straight road loss.
“If we play like that to finish the season off, I’ll be happy with where we land,” George said. “If we can give this effort, we’ll make the playoffs.”
C.J. Miles added a seasonhigh 27 points for Indiana, tied with Miami for the No. 8 spot with five games left. However, the Heat have the tiebreaker.