By Joel Bartilotta, RotoWire
LAS VEGAS — The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 93-88, in the Las Vegas Summer League at Cox Pavilion on Monday.
There were seven ties and seven lead changes in this tightly contested game, with neither club ever leading by double digits. With that said, Cleveland held the advantage for the entirety of the fourth quarter, as Indiana couldn’t get within a two-point margin. The second quarter was decisive for the Cavaliers, marking the only quarter decided by more than three points with Cleveland winning it, 26-18. Shooting was key for the Cavaliers, considering they hit 50 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. They did that while holding Indiana to a 44.4 percent clip from the field and just 30 percent from long range. Ball movement was also critical for Cleveland, as they out-assisted Indiana, 17-11.
The Pacers (1-2) were led by T.J. Leaf, as he collected 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks on 8-of-21 shooting. Edmond Sumner returned from injury and finished with 14 points, two assists and two steals. Aaron Holiday was extremely inefficient, as he tallied 12 points, five rebounds, eight assists and eight turnovers on 4-of-14 from the field.
The Cavaliers (2-1) got another gem out of Cedi Osman, who led the way with 25 points, six rebounds and six assists. Collin Sexton was the only other starter in double figures, accruing 21 points and four assists. Billy Preston led the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and two steals.
This marks the end of the Summer League regular season for both of these clubs and they now await seedings for the playoffs that begin on Wednesday.
