2023-24 Season | Game #81 | Pacers @ Cavs | April 12, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.

[bigfoot5415]

BTW Toppin got away with a downright egregious palming violation when he oddly hurt his foot/ankle. Was I the only one who saw that?

Good. Screw him.

 

[bigfoot5415]

Have to imagine #7 & #15 is the ideal scenario (with the exception of the Bulls not sneaking in).

We would have the two seed, Knicks play Heat, Bucks play 76ers, Boston v Magic is meh. We while then have homecourt over Bucks or 76ers. While Boston would need to play Knicks or Heat.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

But the relentless Pacers made them work for this victory. They went on multiple late-game runs, testing Cleveland’s poise, togetherness and toughness. They made the Cavs execute in the crunch time, something that has been an issue at various points this season.

Each time Indiana charged forward and pulled close, Cleveland responded. The Cavs won the fourth quarter, 32-26. They outscored Indiana, 12-6, in the final 3:30. - Chris Fedor

This is the key takeaway for me. Every time the Cavs threatened to get some separation the Pacers hit a couple of shots. The Cavs' poise, togetherness, and toughness was tested repeatedly. I kept saying, "Here comes the big choke", but it never came. The Cavs got a stop, a bucket, and kept two steps ahead.

I kept waiting for them to go on one of their patented runs where they go five minutes without a field goal, but not this time. Part of that is because the Pacers have the league's 3rd worst defense, but the Cavs still had to execute and make shots.

I thought the Cavs would buckle with 2:00 to go when they had the ball and a 2-point lead. Allen committed a turnover and the Pacers had a chance to tie the game. But they got a stop and Garland hit the 3 after Strus got us a second chance.

With 24 seconds left and the Cavs up by 3, Strus missed a 3-pointer but luckily Haliburton fouled him and that was the game.

 

[chuck0609]

Garland's shooting saved our asses.

His point guard play was a big reason why we needed saving.

The guy is on a max contract. Theyre supposed to rely on him.

Seriously though maybe he’s finally getting healthier.

Where TF is Dean Wade. Sick of this guy always being hurt.

 

[2 For The Brew]

Have to imagine #7 & #15 is the ideal scenario (with the exception of the Bulls not sneaking in).

We would have the two seed, Knicks play Heat, Bucks play 76ers, Boston v Magic is meh. We while then have homecourt over Bucks or 76ers. While Boston would need to play Knicks or Heat.

Nobody controls their own destiny 5-8 seed. That doesn’t happen often. Can’t get the 5th seed without help.

 

[cabs]

Nobody controls their own destiny 5-8 seed. That doesn’t happen often. Can’t get the 5th seed without help.

Doesn’t Orlando? Win and they’re 5th?

 

[Ethan]

BTW Toppin got away with a downright egregious palming violation when he oddly hurt his foot/ankle. Was I the only one who saw that?

Sloppy Toppy...

I mean Toppin.

 

[2 For The Brew]

Doesn’t Orlando? Win and they’re 5th?

If the Sixers win and Pacers lose then Sixers are fifth regardless of what Orlando does. See chart above.

 

[Melancholy Jaques]

I kept waiting for them to go on one of their patented runs where they go five minutes without a field goal, but not this time.

I kept waiting for Garland's usual unforced turnovers in the last two minutes, but instead he drained a three.

But what was that thing where he was circling around?

 

[cabs]

If the Sixers win and Pacers lose then Sixers are fifth regardless of what Orlando does. See chart above.

Hmm I get so confused with these tie breakers, division winner only applying under multiple teams.. then they just flip a coin for the draft lottery lol