Indiana Pacers Lose Game 3 in Historic Fashion to the Cleveland Cavaliers
By Ben Gibson
The Indiana Pacers scored 74 points in the first half but still lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers In Game 3.
Nate McMillan didn’t make changes and then left Monta Ellis in for far too long when it was apparent anything else was worth trying. The Indiana Pacers blew it with bad shots and mistakes, but why Monta was out for so long and not Jeff Teague or C.J. Miles is the question that will haunt this game and series.
The Pacers blew a 26-point lead, but there were so many chances to stop the bleeding. So many chances to not let it happen. So many chances to not allow the Cleveland Cavaliers to make the biggest second-half comeback in NBA playoff history.
The Pacers watched LeBron James add another chapter into his legend with 41 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists.
This was the most damming game for McMillan. We know Ellis only works in certain situations, and almost none of those come against the Cavaliers. I don’t advocate for anyone’s firing, but he has a lot of explaining to do.
There aren’t a lot of excuses for tonight’s loss. In other situations, injuries or other factors were in play. Tonight those weren’t in the picture.
There is a blame to go around, but it hard not to focus on coaching after this one. I like McMillan more than most, but I can’t defend him tonight.
If there was ever a game to point to as a “This is why Paul George will leave,” this is certainly the one.
Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. PAUL GEORGE. B. A 36 point, 15 rebound, 9 assist performance wasted by bad coaching. I’m going to miss you, PG.
Point Guard. Indiana Pacers. JEFF TEAGUE. B. 15 points, 7 assists. Played well, but nothing feels good about tonight.
C-. 6 points, 5 rebounds, had some blocks and good moments, but I’m looking forward to the older and more experienced version of Myles Turner.. Center. Indiana Pacers. MYLES TURNER
Indiana Pacers. THADDEUS YOUNG. B. 11 points and 14 rebounds, matched up well on LeBron unail the second half and then no one was stopping him. Regardless, Thad did his job for the most part.. Power Forward
Indiana Pacers. C.J. MILES. C+. Only 9 points, but still a better option than Monta.. Shooting Guard
8 points, but still a can’t be on the court in most situations.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. MONTA ELLIS. D
D. Had his moments, but was part of the problem in the third quarter. The Cavaliers kept letting him shoot, and he obliged.. Shooting Guard. Indiana Pacers. LANCE STEPHENSON
C-. 5 points. Was fine, but watching him get spun around and lose Kyle Korver will linger in my mind for too lon v. Small Forward. Indiana Pacers. GLENN ROBINSON III
KEVIN SERAPHIN. B. 11 points and 5 rebounds.. Center. Indiana Pacers