Recap: Cavs 120, Pacers 113 (or, the Poseidon of Lake Erie)

Every game is important at this point of the season. Accordingly, the Cavs were able to scrap and fight their way to author their biggest comeback victory of the season, overcoming a 21 point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 120-113 on the road. The Cavs were able to pull of this astounding feat with some big time offense and timely defense. Let’s dive right into the game’s takeaways…

1. The Poseidon of Lake Erie

The inspiration for the subtitle comes from CtB royalty Tom Pestak, who correctly noted in the Live Thread that reports of Rajon Rondo’s demise were greatly exaggerated, when he took the fork out of his back and launched it like a trident. Stepping up in the absence of Darius Garland, Rondo put together a vintage “Playoff Rondo” performance with 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a +10 plus/minus in 33 minutes of action. But Rondo’s contributions to the game have always gone beyond the stats. The Rondo lovefest in the post-game presser was replete with stories about his calm demeanor in the face of pressure, even laughing about the Pacers’ first quarter trash talk. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff says that he has the “ultimate” confidence in Rondo from day one, given his résumé as a two-time NBA Champion and 16 years of experience.

The lovefest wasn’t just for Rondo. Rajon also talked about how much he loves being coached by J.B. Bickerstaff, perhaps a subtle jab at his former coach Rick Carlisle, with whom Rondo famously didn’t get along. Rondo also talked about how the young guys on the team relish learning about the game, which Rondo called impressive for their mature approach. Rondo also joked about retirement when reflecting upon his final days as a Los Angeles Laker, and how the Cavs have given him new life. Koby Altman take a victory lap.

2. Caris “the Closer” LeVert

Caris LeVert admitted in the post-game presser that his emotions were running high at the beginning of the game and that it took him a bit to settle down. Facing his old team right after being traded will do that a player. But through the encouragement of the team and J.B., Caris put on a two-way masterclass in the fourth quarter. LeVert locked up his replacement in Chris Duarte on defense, as well as orchestrate the half-court offense down the stretch to perfection. Just like their Brooklyn days, the Cavs asked Caris to run high pick and roll with Jarrett Allen and go to work, and work they did. LeVert said that he was able to continually get to his spot in the midrange due to Indiana playing the same drop coverage on the pick and roll. The one time they blitzed Caris with a double team, it led to unselfish passing and a dunk for Evan Mobley. Tonight’s performance by Caris LeVert is what the Cavs’ envisioned when they acquired him. Not bad for his fourth day on the job!

3. The kids stepped up.

After a 47 point first quarter, in which the Pacers were shooting like they were throwing rocks into Lake Erie, the Cavs played three more quarters of grind. Then, Isaac “Ice” Okoro and Evan “the Professional” Mobley stepped up their defense big time in the fourth to protect the waters and secure the victory. Ice had two blocks and also chipped in three assists, while posting a team-high +11 plus/minus. Mobley had three blocks, two steals, and slammed the door on the Pacers with his slam and steal. It’s hard not to make a big deal about the kids’ unselfishness and desire to win. In a league that’s hyper-focused on individual talents, these kids for the Cavs are built differently. They don’t care about the hype, they don’t care about the outside noise. They are driven to win, and they’re willing to do the dirty work to get the job done.

4. Quick note on the Pacers

After seeing the new look Pacers, it’s obvious that they got much quicker and athletic with their revamped roster. Even though they lost, they have to be pleased with many aspects of the game. Acquiring Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield were great moves that are paying immediate dividends. A name to watch in the future is rookie Isaiah Jackson from the University of Kentucky. Oshae Brissett gave the Pacers some great defense and shooting. According to Pacer fans, there’s a feeling of rejuvenation with the team. The pro-Central Division agenda is only getting stronger.

5. Standings check

6. Next up, the City of Brotherly Love

The Cavs will fly by night to Philadelphia to take on the Sixers in the second game of a back to back for both teams. Luckily for the Cavs, DG’s load management should help the cause. James Harden could also be making his Philadelphia debut, so the game will have extra hype for the home crowd. The Cavs and Sixers have yet to face off this year, and will have to play each other four times over the course of the next two months to close the season. In a twist of fate, all four of these games have taken on tremendous import due to both teams’ desire to stay in the race for the Eastern Conference’s top seed. So, hire the babysitter, do all the chores, the Cavs vs. Sixers is must-see basketball… GO CAVS!