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Pacers' McMillan: 'There could be a lot of major changes'

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

The Indiana Pacers were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, and coach Nate McMillan wasn't mincing words before the game.

"If you go out there and give them the game, you lose a lot more," McMillan said, according to Vigilant Sports' Scott Agness. "You lose respect. There could be a lot of major changes."

The Pacers blew a 26-point halftime lead in Friday's Game 3 at home, watching helplessly as LeBron James scored 41 points to put the Cavs up 3-0.

The hint of changes isn't new. Franchise player Paul George wants the Pacers to be a legitimate contender amid rumors he could flee for his hometown Los Angeles Lakers next summer if they're not.

Related: Pacers' Bird calls George trade rumors 'fake news'

Compounding matters is if George is named to an All-NBA team this season, the Pacers can offer him a "super-max" designated player extension, which conventional wisdom indicates would be difficult to turn down.

McMillan just completed his first season as coach in Indiana after the dismissal of Frank Vogel last spring.

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