Are you not entertained? ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED???
These cardiac Pacers can’t stop. They pull off a nearly impossible comeback for the second time in three games. But it’s so much deeper than that.
The Cleveland Cavaliers came into this one with their backs against the wall. After losing Game 1 at home, things already looked precarious. Then Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and DeAndre Hunter were all ruled out. Things fell heavily on the shoulders of Donovan Mitchell ($8,900, 75.75 FPTS), and boy, did he deliver. The legendary playoff performer recorded 48 points, five rebounds, and nine assists.
The Cavs also got a big game from Jarrett Allen ($6,500, 47 FPTS), who scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Perhaps most importantly, Max Strus ($4,500, 40.5 FPTS) brought the scoring with him, racking up 23 points in addition to eight rebounds and four assists. But, tragically for Cleveland, it wasn’t enough.
Indiana got production up and down from their role players. Myles Turner ($6,200, 47 FPTS) was huge on both ends of the court, putting up 23 points in addition to eight rebounds and five blocked shots. Aaron Nesmith ($5,200, 40 FPTS) pitched in 23 points, four boards, and three blocked shots. Andrew Nembhard ($5,500, 42.75 FPTS) showed why he’s a playoff riser, recording 13 points, seven rebounds, and 13 assists.
The story of this one was, of course, Tyrese Haliburton ($9,000, 39.25 FPTS). Though he only had 19 points, his last four counted the most. He was fouled late in the game with the Pacers down 119-116. After hitting the first free throw, he somehow ended up with his miss before doing this:
I’ll repeat it: are you not entertained?
The Cavaliers face a true must-win game on Friday in Indiana. We all know the chances that teams down 3-1 have, and 3-0 would be insurmountable. Cleveland opens as a -1 road favorite for Game 3 with the total set at 229.5.
