8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

The Pacers can knock off the Cavaliers, but it won’t be easy

By Jonathan Matthes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball while defended by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball while defended by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 1: Kevin Love #0 celebrates with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at Quicken Loans Arena on April 1, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Limit LeBron’s merry men

LeBron James is the Cavaliers. He leads them in just about every statistical category that matters. Over the last 21 games, he’s averaging: 30.5 points, 54/39/72 (FG/3P/FT), 9.6 rebounds and 9.8 assists. That’s staggering and necessary. Outside or James the Cavaliers lack players who can create their own shot a la what Kyrie Irving did the last three years. Kevin Love is good, but he’s posting similar numbers to the third-wheel numbers he had during the last three seasons.

Cleveland makes up for their lack of versatility by shooting the lights out from deep or slashing. In both events, their offense is either completed or initiated by James. You can’t stop James entirely, but if Indiana can limit half of his game, that would be a different story.

During the Pacers home win against the Warriors, Indy did as good a job not giving up uncontested shots. Here’s another example where Indy closed out on two open Klay Thompson threes in two seconds.Here’s another when Kevin Durant tried to iso a three and Thaddeus Young wouldn’t let him. Indy wouldn’t let the Warriors just pop-a-shot like they usually do, and it led to a 20-point Pacers win.

Cleveland averages 3 made threes less a game in their losses. Pestering the Cavs’ three-point shooters would lead to tougher attempts, fewer assists for James and a better chance for the Pacers to win.

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