Cavs fall apart in second half against Pacers after 22-point lead; three takeaways

1. Strong start

The Cavs seemed like they were back to themselves to start Friday night’s game. During the first quarter, they went on a 22-0 run, holding the Pacers scoreless for nearly seven minutes during that stretch. This resulted in a quick 26-6 lead as the Cavs flustered the Pacers in their half court sets and then capitalizing in transition. It’s the kind of pace that head coach Tyronn Lue regularly says he wants the team to pay with.

At the end of the first frame, the Cavs had a comfortable 22-point lead, 34-12. Offensively, they continued to turn the heat on in the second quarter, but allowed the Pacers back into the game slightly. Indiana shot 70 percent from the field, but the Cavs still managed to lead, 58-44. At halftime, more than half (34) of their points came on the fast break and 32 came in the paint.

In the second half however, the wheels began to come off.

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