CAVALIERS SWEEP PACERS
INDIANAPOLIS— The Cleveland Cavaliers finally caught a break. After struggling through the final weeks of the regular season and losing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, the NBA defending champions assured themselves of getting a little more rest. They can use it.
“We have some good miles on this team, some guys who have played in a lot of postseason action,” All-Star Kevin Love said after the Cavs completed a first-round sweep at Indiana. “Getting a good week will allow us to get some rest and when we do find out who we play, we’ll be able to be sharp and ready to go.”
LeBron James made a three-pointer with 68 seconds left, helping the Cavs sweep their playoff series against the Pacers with a 106-102 victory on Sunday.
James finished with 33 points and 10 rebounds. He became the first player under the current playoff format to win 21 straight first-round games, and he also set a league record with his 10th career playoff sweep.
It sure wasn’t easy. After taking a 96-83 lead with 9:29 to go, the Cavs found themselves in a 102-100 deficit with 1:31 left.
But James answered with his big three-pointer, and Cleveland sealed the win on James’ free throw with one second left.
Kyrie Irving added 28 points for the Cavs, who await the winner of the Milwaukee-Toronto series.
With the Bucks-Raptors series tied at 2, the next two games scheduled for Monday and Thursday and a possible Game 7 set for Saturday, the Cavs might not even know their opponent until next weekend. If the series goes a full seven games, the Cavs might have more than a full week until their next game.