The Indiana Pacers thoroughly outplayed the Cleveland Cavaliers to grab Game 1 on the road against the defending Eastern Conference Champions. The Pacers brought the energy level they’ve had every night of the regular season and the Cavs were unprepared to match up, starting slow and closing poorly.
Victor Oladipo led the way for Indiana with 32 points, scoring 10 in the fourth quarter as the Pacers needed a calming effect after Cleveland had cut a 23-point lead to seven. Oladipo shot 11-19 from the floor and had four steals, again extending the level of play the Pacers have shown all year.