After a fascinating, highly competitive first-round series, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled out a 105-101 win against the Indiana Pacers in Game Seven in Cleveland Sunday afternoon. The game, however, looked like it would finish with a 105-98 score.
With the final seconds winding down, Pacers star Victor Oladipo elected to launch a three-pointer instead of dribbling it out. He hit the shot — much to the frustration of Vegas sports books — with 0.6 seconds remaining.
Respect! #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/NupBsyA5wj
— NBA (@NBA) April 29, 2018
See, Cleveland was a 5.5-point favorite, according to BetDSI Sportsbook. Oladipo’s jumper changed Cleveland’s margin of victory from seven points to four.
Seventy percent of money bet on the point spread for the game was bet on the Pacers, according to ESPN. Vegas insiders told ESPN it was likely a swing of $3-5 million — in the bettors’ favor, of course.
How Cleveland Won
As expected, LeBron James was the primary reason the Cavs were victorious. He continued his history of dominant Game Seven performances, racking up 45 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in 43 minutes of action.
Still, LeBron got more help than usual. Cleveland had four other players score in double figures: Tristan Thompson (15 points, 10 boards), Kevin Love (14 points, six rebounds), George Hill (11 points, six rebounds), and veteran sharpshooter J.R. Smith (11 points).
Oladipo led the Pacers with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in defeat. He had a tremendous season in his first campaign with Indiana and many consider him the favorite to win Most Improved Player at June’s NBA Awards.
Darren Collison chipped in 23 points.
Cleveland moved on to face the No. 1 seed Toronto Raptors in the second round. Though the series was at one point locked at 2-2, the Raps took care of John Wall, Bradley Beal, and the Washington Wizards in six games.
Cavs-Raptors will kick off Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST. The game will air on TNT.
