Pacers dominate Cavs, force Game 7
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — Every time the Pacers have been doubted this season, they’ve responded. With the season on the line in Game 6, they did it once again.
The Pacers put together their largest victory in their playoff history, defeating the Cavaliers 121-87 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. They forced a Game 7 which will be played on Sunday afternoon.
“Seeing our guys respond to this challenge- they’ve responded all year,” said Pacers Coach Nate McMillan. “How bad did we want it? We never talked about losing. We talked about winning.”
Victor Oladipo has struggled for much of this series. But in Game 6, he returned to his All-Star form. Oladipo recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. He also had four steals, and shot 11-of-19 for the night.
“I just went out there and played,” Oladipo said. “I didn’t overthink things. Did everything with confidence. Credit to my teammates for playing a phenomenal game.”
McMillan had high praise for his star: “I’ve believed in Vic all season long. He doesn’t really get down on himself after a bad half or a bad game. He’s a kid that absorbs what you tell him. When he plays that way offensively, it really opens things up for a lot of our guys.”
I've said it every game, so I'll say it again: The Pacers are the better basketball team. No matter what happens in Game 7.
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) April 28, 2018
The Pacers connected on 15-of-30 from behind the arc, and only turned the ball over seven times for the game. After taking a 10-point lead into halftime, they dominated the 3rd quarter (35-20) and never looked back. All five starters scored in double-figures, as did Domantas Sabonis and Lance Stephenson off the bench.
And now, everything comes down to Sunday.
“Game Seven- I think it’s the two greatest words in sports,” said LeBron James.
James has been there and done that, but you can’t say this is the same kind of situation. “We’re a newer team than they are,” said James. “They’ve been together all year. Let’s just throw the ball up and go play. It’s win or go home. It’s just that simple.”
Victor Oladipo on the #Pacers' confidence heading into Game 7: "We were confident even before the series started. We're still confident now. … We're looking forward to the challenge." pic.twitter.com/MRgBdBCqqC
— FOX Sports Indiana (@FSIndiana) April 28, 2018
Nate McMillan thinks his players will be ready. “We’re facing the same thing Sunday as we did tonight,” he said. “It’s win or go home. The way we do that is together. We take it one game at a time. We prepare for that next game. We understand the conditions we’re playing in. Losers go home. Pressure is on both teams. We’re not going to be satisfied with playing just a good game and losing. We have an opportunity and we’re going to try and take advantage of it. That outside noise, what people are saying, they can’t help us. Only people that can help us are the people in that locker room.”
Oladipo is ready as well: “There’s nothing wrong with a little challenge. The key is keeping our composure. It’s a Game 7 so emotions will be high, but it’s just another basketball game that we’ve got to win.”
It’s been a thrilling season for the Indiana Pacers. Will the story end on Sunday, or will another crazy chapter be written? Either way, enjoy the ride.
