Smith registers season-high 23 points, lifts Cavs to 115-108 win over Pacers; Three takeaways

James records quadruple-double

Losing Wade also had its consequences, as James handled more of the ball-handling duties. His 26 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists paved the way to a 63^rd career triple-double, but errant passes and several miscues led to 11 turnovers, giving him the rare quadruple-double.

“It’s a four-interception game for a quarterback with a win,” James said. “That’s what I make of it. I just made some bad decisions. I think I was overlooking the pass a little too much as well, and not looking at the rim.”

Despite the struggles, James scored eight points in the fourth quarter, and knocked down 11-of-17 shots from the field. His 39-minute workload was one of the largest this year, as Rose needed a breather at the start of the period.

“I think what hurt us is ‘Bron got tired and D-Rose got tired,” said Lue of losing the fourth quarter, 28-18. “(Rose) said he needed a sub so we had to come right back with ‘Bron and that just kind of hurt our flow because that second unit was so good for us. I think it put a lot of pressure on ‘Bron and he got tired and turned the ball over a few times.”

Still, the Cavs grinded out a win and held off a late run by Indiana, mustering just enough offense in the later stages of the contest to squeak out a win. Cleveland shot 56.1 percent (46-of-82), and never trailed in the divisional affair.

“We built the lead playing the right way and we have to continue to do it for 48 minutes,” Lue said.

John Alfes has covered Cleveland sports since August of 2016. Follow him on Twitter @JohnAlfes for breaking news and in-depth coverage all season long.

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