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Pacers handle Lebron-less Cavs with 20 point win

By Scott Stewart

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The Indiana Pacers traveled to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers without LeBron James and had no problem getting the job done in a 107-85 victory.

There was no LeBron in the building last night, and there won’t be for the rest of the preseason after reports of him receiving a back injection that will keep him on the sidelines for the next couple of weeks.

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However, Indiana needed no injection of their own to get the job done against the Cavs, even if Cleveland was running mainly with a second unit.

Behind 17 points and 8 rebounds from Paul George, Indiana extended their streak over Central Division opponents to 3 after two wins over the Pistons. George wasn’t great from the floor, only hitting 5-16, 2-5 from 3pt range, but he was the main contributor offensively. Joe Young and Myles Turner also reached double digits, and Turner’s minutes restriction was lifted for the first time last night allowing the big man a little more time to get into his flow.

Perhaps most impressive, though, were the performances of C Ian Mahinmi and G Monta Ellis, who were the most efficient guys offensively for the Blue and Gold. Mahinmi had 16 points on 6-9 shooting, 4-5 from the line while new Pacer Monta Ellis was 6-7 shooting with 14 points. 

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The Cavs were led in scoring by Timofey Mozgov and Richard Jefferson (!), who each tallied 16 and 14 a piece. But, in the end it was not enough and though it is preseason, the team moves to 4-1 with all signs pointing in the right direction as the season edges closer.

The only thing that is still nagging Indiana now, though, is the injury bug. All three Hills have caught it, and they aren’t the only ones. It may be obvious but it can’t be overstated enough how crucial it will be for everyone to stay fit this season as they push for a top spot in the East.

The Pacers are back in action next Tuesday at the United Center against the Chicago Bulls, tipoff scheduled for 8 pm ET/7 pm CT.

Next: Pacers knock off Pistons in preseason midpoint

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