Indiana Pacers Make NBA Playoff History with Record-Breaking Halftime Lead
The Indiana Pacers made history on Sunday, April 28, 2024, by building a 41-point halftime lead against top-seeded Cleveland in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, as per a report from the Associated Press (AP). The 80-39 lead matched the previous NBA playoff record set by the Cavaliers in Game 2 of the 2017 conference finals against Boston, according to data from Sportradar.
In a dominating performance, the Pacers achieved this feat despite losing one of their top scorers, Bennedict Mathurin, to an early ejection for a Flagrant 2 foul, as reported by the AP. Mathurin’s ejection occurred less than eight minutes into the game, but it did not deter the Pacers from showcasing their impressive skills on the court.
The Pacers’ achievement marks the 10th time in playoff history that a team has scored 80 points in a half. Notably, Oklahoma City recently achieved a similar feat, scoring 87 points in Game 2 against Denver earlier in the week, as stated in the AP report. The Pacers’ impressive performance was highlighted by their 60% shooting from the field and 12 of 18 successful 3-pointers, accompanied by 25 assists.
In stark contrast, Cleveland struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 25% from the field and managing just three assists. Only three Cleveland players had more than one made basket, highlighting the Pacers’ dominance, as per the AP. Aaron Nesmith sealed the record-tying lead with a buzzer-beating mid-range jumper as the half came to a close.
The Pacers now hold a 2-1 lead in the series, which is set to move to Cleveland on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, for Game 5. As the series unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the Pacers’ momentum, especially after their historic performance on Sunday.
The Associated Press (AP) has been providing comprehensive coverage of the NBA playoffs, and their report on the Pacers’ achievement highlights the team’s remarkable skills and resilience. According to the AP, the Pacers’ performance was a testament to their strength and strategy, even in the face of adversity.
The Pacers’ record-tying performance has significant implications for the Eastern Conference semifinals. As the series moves to Cleveland, the Cavaliers will look to regroup and mount a comeback. Meanwhile, the Pacers will aim to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
For more information on the NBA playoffs, visit the AP’s dedicated NBA section: https://apnews.com/nba. The AP continues to provide in-depth coverage of the NBA playoffs, offering expert analysis and insights into the games.
In related news, the AP has reported on various aspects of the NBA playoffs, providing readers with comprehensive coverage of the games. The organisation’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports reporting has made it a trusted source for fans and analysts alike.
The AP’s coverage of the NBA playoffs is available online, offering readers a wealth of information on the games, teams, and players. With expert analysis and in-depth reporting, the AP has established itself as a leading source of sports news.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba
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