The Indiana Pacers dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109 on Sunday to take a powerful 3-1 lead of their Japanese Convention semifinal collection, whereas the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets 92-87 to stage their Western Convention tie at 2-2.
Pacers Run Riot in Indianapolis
The Pacers took full management at dwelling with a strong second-quarter run, scoring 17 straight factors and heading into halftime with an enormous 80-39 lead. Cleveland, the highest seed, had been left shocked and trailing badly.
Pascal Siakam scored 21 factors and led a group effort, with seven Indiana gamers ending in double figures. Myles Turner and Obi Toppin each added 20 factors, and Tyrese Haliburton contributed 11 factors, together with a intelligent no-look go that delighted the house followers.
Indiana had been simply as sturdy defensively. They compelled 22 turnovers and turned these into 35 factors.
Issues bought worse for Cleveland when star guard Donovan Mitchell, who had scored 40 factors in back-to-back video games earlier within the collection, picked up an ankle harm. He scored solely 12 factors within the first half earlier than limping off. He was dominated uncertain for the remainder of the sport and may have a scan on Monday. It’s unclear if he’ll play in Sport 5.
There was additionally some stress within the first quarter. Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin was despatched off after hitting De’Andre Hunter within the chest. Hunter and Turner each obtained technical fouls in the course of the incident.
“This group is aware of learn how to bounce again,” mentioned Turner. “We bought hit exhausting final recreation, however we hit again tougher.”
Sport 5 might be performed in Cleveland on Tuesday, with the Cavaliers below stress and presumably with out their star participant.
Thunder Defence Secures Essential Win
In Denver, it was a tricky and bodily recreation with few factors scored.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way in which for the Thunder with 25 factors, six rebounds, and 6 assists as Oklahoma Metropolis battled their method to a gritty Sport 4 victory. Neither group shot properly – OKC hit 35.6% of their pictures, whereas the Nuggets managed solely 31.3%.
The Thunder made key performs late within the recreation. After falling behind by eight factors within the fourth quarter, they took the lead with a giant three-pointer from Cason Wallace with 8:35 left.
They then tightened up in defence and held Denver to solely 18 factors within the closing quarter.
“We made the stops when it counted,” mentioned Gilgeous-Alexander. “It wasn’t a ravishing recreation, however we did what we needed to do.”
Nikola Jokic scored 27 factors and grabbed 13 rebounds, however didn’t get a lot assist. Jamal Murray and Christian Braun each added 17 factors for the Nuggets, who appeared drained after their time beyond regulation win in Sport 3.
“Each groups appeared worn out,” mentioned Nuggets coach David Adelman. “It was a scrappy recreation, they usually simply did just a little greater than us.”
Sport 5 will happen in Oklahoma Metropolis on Tuesday, with the Thunder hoping to construct on their momentum in what has change into a bodily demanding collection.
