INDIANAPOLIS — LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Indiana for a key Game 3 first-round playoff clash with the Pacers on Friday night and you can stream the action live on WatchESPN.
Live coverage of this game is schedule for 7:00 pm ET: Live on ESPN. You can also follow live play by play on ESPN Gamecast.
The best-of-seven series is locked at 1-1, following the opening two games in Cleveland, but after stealing one on the road, the Pacers will be hoping to take care of business when they host a pair of games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
“It’s going to be incredible being on the floor,” Indiana center Myles Turner said ahead of the Game 3 battle.
The @cavs & @Pacers both look to take 2-1 #NBAPlayoffs lead with a win tonight! #WhateverItTakes x #Pacers Game 3: 7pm/et @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/UhiSOzA4WI
— NBA (@NBA) April 20, 2018
“I think we’re in a great spot. We wanted to go 2-0 but we did our job and got one. I can’t wait to get in front of the Indy fans.”
After losing Game 1 in the series, the Cavs, behind James’ stellar performance of 46 points on 17 of 24 shooting, 12 rebounds and five assists, bounced back to take Game 2 100-97.
Kevin Love chipped in with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Kyle Korver ended with 12 points for the Cavaliers to hold on for the victory.
Victor Oladipo led the Pacers with 22 points and six assists, but fell into early foul trouble in the opening minutes of the game, which helped the Cavs to race off out to a 16-1 lead.
Turner added 18 for Indiana, with Darren Collison ended with 16 points and six assists, as the Pacers shot nearly 53-percent in the defeat.
Looking ahead to the third game, Collison believes the home side can’t allow the Cavaliers to start so quickly again, adding that they must also look to slow down James a bit.
“We have to do a better job of containing him, which is easier said than done,” the point guard said.
“We made enough plays to give ourselves a chance to win despite his 46 points.”
Meanwhile, Love, who injured his left thumb late in the game while deflecting a pass, had X-rays after the game, which returned negative and he’s expected to be fine for Friday’s game.
