CLEVELAND — Random dribbles from Game 5 of the Cavaliers-Pacers Eastern Conference semifinal series …
1. The Cavaliers did all the right things in the first quarter, building a 19-point lead. Then Tyrese Haliburton couldn’t miss. Part of that was Haliburton just burying shots 30-feet from the hoop. Usually, you leave guys open out there.
2. The Cavs can no longer afford to do that. Right now, it’s 56-52 in favor of Cleveland at the intermission — so the Cavs will just have to extend the defense even further.
3. I’m guessing they know that already. Haliburton has 17 for the game, and 15 in the quarter, all on 3-pointers. All straight swishes.
4. Offensively, things are fine. Donovan Mitchell has 16 points and is getting to the basket mostly at will. Evan Mobley has 14 — though I think the Cavs need to get him more involved. He scored 10 of those points in the first quarter. They seemed to go away from him after that.
5. There are 24 minutes left and that is how much time the Cavs have to save their season and live to see another day. But as I’ve said all series, they have to get Haliburton under control. Stop him and you stop the Pacers.
6. Max Strus has been ineffective after picking up three quick fouls. The Cavs will need someone besides Mitchell, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen (nine points) to step forward.
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NOT HAPPENING & DIDN’T HAPPEN !
PEG LEG & TWINKLE TOE DID NOT GET THE 3PT SHOTS RAINING, AS USUAL.
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE.
Sorry, Garland is still a smaller detriment since he improved a bit, but still a defensive
detriment…. not that that is what cost the game entirely. The whole team has stunk
the whole series.
Kinda glad it’s over,,,,, CAN’T WATCH THIS STUFF.
PLAYOFF BASKETBALL ???? NONE OF THIS WAS PLAYOFF CALIBER.
ESPECIALLY OFFICIATING ! !