INDIANAPOLIS -- For the first time this postseason, LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers teammates seem to be showing up. But that hasn't stopped the team's superstar from stealing the show.
As the Cavs jumped out to a 57-40 lead in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals matchup with the Indiana Pacers, James provided the highlight of the first half with a rim-rocking dunk in the first quarter. The play began with James posting up -- and then spinning around -- Indiana guard Lance Stephenson, before meeting forward Domantas Sabonis at the rim.
Once there, the 4-time MVP's momentum never stopped, as he slammed down a ferocious jam over the Pacers second-year forward, who fouled him in the processJames' first-quarter dunk came just two days after Sabonis was flagged for a flagrant foul on the Cavs superstar in Cleveland's Game 2 victory. In many ways, the slam served as a microcosm of the Cavs' first-half performance, as Cleveland received its most complete 24-minute effort thus far this postseason.
In addition to James' 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, forward Kevin Love has scored a game-high 16 points, while Indianapolis native George Hill has added 11. The Pacers, meanwhile, have struggled from the field, with All-Star guard Victor Oladipo tallying just 5 points in his home playoff debut with Indiana.
The Cavs and Pacers entered Friday night having split the first two games of the best-of-seven series at one game apiece.
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