Image courtesy of Erik Drost/Flickr.
LeBron James nailed a last second three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Cleveland Cavaliers a 98-95 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5, putting the Cavaliers within one win of advancing to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
While LeBron hit the final shot for the win, it may have not been the most important play of the game. With the score tied at 95, Victor Oladipo, drove to the rim when James swooped in for a block. The Pacers’ bench and Oladipo felt he was fouled on the play and that LeBron committed a goaltending violation as the ball appeared to hit the backboard first. The TV replays confirmed just that, as it showed the ball hitting the glass before James touched it. The original call on the floor stayed and that led to LeBron’s game-winner over Thaddeus Young.
James led the Cavs with 44 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and went a perfect 15-15 from the line. Kyle Korver continued his much improved play with 19 points on 5-9 shooting on three-pointers.
Domantas Sabonis was the high scorer for the Pacers netting a career playoff-high 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor. Oladipo posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, but his shooting struggles continued in Game 5 hitting just 2-15 from the floor, including 1-7 from three.
Cleveland now looks to close out Indiana with a win Friday night in Indianapolis.
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