Indiana Pacers Close In On Eastern Conference Final with Win Over Cleveland Cavaliers
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The Indiana Pacers produced a remarkable display of resilience to overcome the first-quarter ejection of guard Bennedict Mathurin and defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109, taking a 3-1 lead in their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final series. According to a report by the BBC, the Pacers are now on the brink of reaching a second straight conference final, with a win in game five in Cleveland on Wednesday (00:00 BST) securing their place.
The game took a dramatic turn in the opening quarter when Mathurin was ejected with four minutes and 32 seconds remaining after a punch to the chest of De’Andre Hunter. However, the Pacers had already established a strong lead, outscoring the Cavaliers 38-23 by the end of the quarter. The team’s impressive performance continued in the second quarter, where they outscored their rivals 42-16 to hold a commanding 80-39 advantage at halftime, as reported by the BBC.
This remarkable haul of 80 points in the first half set a new Pacers franchise play-off record for points in a half. Pascal Siakam led the charge with 21 points, while Myles Turner and Obi Toppin each added 20 points to the tally. The Pacers’ victory marked a significant bounce-back from a heavy 126-104 loss in game three, with Turner stating, “This is a group that plays better through adversity. We got punched in the mouth last game, we had a hell of a response. The starters set the tone and the bench picked it up the rest of the game,” as quoted by the BBC.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, were dealt a significant blow with the loss of six-time All Star Donovan Mitchell in the second half. Mitchell suffered an ankle injury and will undergo an MRI scan on Monday to determine whether he can participate in game five on Wednesday. The Cavaliers’ defeat has left them on the brink of elimination, with the Pacers looking to seal their place in the conference final.
The BBC reports that the Pacers’ impressive performance was a testament to their team’s depth and resilience. Despite Mathurin’s early ejection, the team was able to rally and produce a convincing victory. The Pacers’ win also highlighted their ability to adapt to adversity, with Turner emphasizing the importance of the team’s response to their loss in game three.
As the series now shifts to Cleveland for game five, the Cavaliers will be looking to stave off elimination and force a deciding game. However, the Pacers will be confident in their ability to seal their place in the conference final, having demonstrated their strength and resilience throughout the series. With their sights set on a second straight conference final appearance, the Pacers will look to continue their impressive form and secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs, as reported by the BBC.
In conclusion, the Indiana Pacers’ convincing win over the Cleveland Cavaliers has put them on the brink of reaching a second straight conference final. With their impressive display of resilience and adaptability, the Pacers are well-placed to seal their place in the next round of the playoffs. The BBC’s report on the game highlights the team’s remarkable performance and sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the series.
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