I'd be lying if I said doubt didn't creep in when halftime was here and they were looking up at a 25 point deficit. I was visibly upset and already trying to find a silver lining in this all if they were to lose. I was seriously going to come here and post how its fucking pathetic they laid an egg and looked disinterested in a playoff game and then I saw the fire. I knew in that locker room some words were being said and I expected a tougher mentality and more hustle the rest of the way but not that.
I am not one to put that much stock in one win in the first round of the playoffs but we have to reflect on a pretty memorable game that will live on my DVR for a long time.
Okay, so the 26 point comeback ties the playoff record. Did you know the 25 at halftime is a record in the postseason? Also, keep in mind it wasn't just the offense that got it going. Granted the 35-17 run in the 3rd helped but Cleveland held Indiana to 19% from the field in the third quarter. The defense stepped up, the guys were out there running and hustling and it was beautiful to watch.
They also took care of the rock. Usually when this team tries to make comebacks it becomes thwarted by turnovers or bad possessions. They had 8 total turn overs for the game, 0 in the 2nd half.
I hope nothing will be said about the likes of Irving and Love not playing a minute in the fourth. Lue kept the lineup that was clicking and that isn't a disservice to anyone or their contributions.
This game was epic, this game was fun and this game nearly gave me a heart attack.
However, its just one game. Time to regroup and sweep these Pacers out of the postseason come Sunday.