The Cavaliers blew out the Indiana Pacers 118-105, ending a six-game losing streak.
Lebron wanted to protect his teammate and asked Mike Brown to come of the bench. It was a shock to the Cavaliers fans and no one knew why Mike Brown decided to do that and it just didn’t make any since.
Lebron was asked about that in the press confrence and this is what he said:
“I thought it would raise the intensity of the fans, having me, Larry and Andy come in at the same time, and it worked,” James said. “I thought by coming in with Andy, it might stop the boos Andy might get; just protecting my teammates.”
Brown sent James, Hughes and Varejao into the game together midway through the first quarter and that brought the crowed to its feet. The trio made 22-5 run in the first quarter that gave them a huge cushion they never gave up.
Varejao made an instant impact. He scored just six points but grabbed nine rebounds in 24 minutes.
“We got our guys back now,” James said. “It’s a different ballgame.”
Larry Hughes played one of his best games that I can remember, he went off for 36 points in 26 minutes, sinking 13-of-17 shots.
“I thought they had two LeBron Jameses out there,” Pacers coach Jim O’Brien said.
Local News Reaction:
– Cavs back in business (Akron Beacon Journal)
– Cavs have plenty in reserve (The Plain Dealer)
– ESPN Daily Dime (by Brian Windhorst)Â
Indiana New Reaction:Â
– Defense disappears for Pacers (Indianapolis Star)
Indiana gives up 65 points in the 1st half, then can’t catch up to Cleveland and James