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LeBron James Says | "It was a must-win for us"

LeBron James scored 32 points, pulled down 13 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists (with one technical foul) to help lead the Cavs to a 104-100 win over Indiana.
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo (4) waiting for a free throw attempt in the second half of game four in the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs

It felt for a few moments there like the Cavaliers' season was on the brink.

For the second straight game, the Wine and Gold blew a double-digit halftime lead on the road and watched the Pacers seize control of the game in the 4th quarter. Indiana was on the threshold of taking a commanding 3-1 series lead going back to the Q.

Enter LeBron James, along with a much-needed sidekick to help close out the game. The Cavs trailed 93-91 with just over 4 minutes left. Two LBJ driving layups and two Kyle Korver three-point baskets powered the Wine and Gold to a 104-100 victory at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Now it's all tied up and the Cavs have re-taken home court advantage.

James played 46 of the 48 minutes in the game. He was active in the first half, scoring 23 points to help position the Cavaliers to a 60-50 halftime lead. In the 3rd quarter, LeBron went into 'chill mode,' scoring just one point. But when he was needed most, LBJ found what he called afterwards a 'pocket of energy' to help the Cavs close out the must-win game.

LeBron's final stat line read 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. While he was the star of the game, the four-time MVP got a little help from his friends on Sunday night.

'I know what they're capable of doing'

I stand by my belief that for this Cavaliers roster to have success in the postseason, one of two scenarios are required:

  • Either LeBron scores a ridiculous number of points, such as the 46 he put up in Game 2
  • Or at least 5 Cavaliers (including LBJ of course) score in double figures

I was close. The Cavs needed 32 from James to win on Sunday, but also got double figure scoring performances from Kyle Korver, J.R. Smith, and Jordan Clarkson. Five other Cavs scored at least 5 points.

At least you had the feeling that LeBron wasn't out there all by himself in Indiana. Clarkson was big in the first half along with Larry Nance, Jr. Korver was obviously huge late. Jeff Green came up with a couple of big baskets in the 4th quarter as well.

All of this is happening while Kevin Love continues to be a shadow of his usual self offensively. Love got into early foul trouble and was on the bench until midway through the second quarter. He shot just 2-10 from the field and finished with 5 points and 11 rebounds. I'm not sure if the hand injury is bothering him more than he's telling us, but the Cavs need more production from their All-Star big man.

Sunday night, what they got from the rest of the supporting cast was enough.

James recognized in particular the importance of the win for guys like Clarkson, Nance, and Rodney Hood. "This is their first opportunity in the postseason for them and for this to have been kind of a must-win....well, it was a must-win for us. To come into a hostile environment and for them to play the way they played meant a lot for them."

When asked if LeBron himself needed to see the supporting cast play the way they did, James replied, "I know what they're capable of doing. You just always hope your teammates play well no matter what the circumstances are.

Mr. James, would you please report to the principal's office!

Once again, the series was highlighted by the mano a mano battle between LeBron and Lance Stephenson.

Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) wraps up the ball for a jump ball over Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half of game four in the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs 

Things heated up in the fourth quarter with the Pacers up two as the two teams were headed to their respective benches for a timeout. James was tagged with a technical foul for the below shove.

Ticky tack? You could make that argument. LBJ thought so after the game.

"I should have never gotten a tech in the first place," James said. "There's a timeout called and there's a guy following me to my bench. I gave him a little nudge and he falls to half court. Come on."

Personally, I liked this analogy the best from Mr. James.

"I should know better. I've been dealing with this since elementary school. It's like I tell you a joke and then you laugh and you get caught. That's what happened," James said with a smile. "Lance told me a joke, I laughed, teacher caught me and now I gotta go see the principal."

Thankfully, Mr. James won't have to be put in detention or in-school suspension on Wednesday.

The LeBron James Says Non-LBJ Highlight of the Game

I would think that LeBron would be cool with us giving J.R. Smith the proper love for canning a buzzer-beater from three-quarter lengths of the court to end the first quarter. Especially when the great Marv Albert can use 'Swish' in his call on TNT.

Talk to you all on Wednesday following what should be an epic Game 5 at the Q.

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