Pacers end Cavaliers' win streak at 12
The Cleveland Cavaliers' 12-game win streak is now a thing of the past.
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Cavaliers 103-99 on their home court Friday behind a stellar all-around effort from their starting unit.
The Pacers have struggled on offense for much of the season, but the combination of David West, Solomon Hill, Roy Hibbert, George Hill and C.J. Miles combined for 87 points on 51 percent shooting to down the Cavs.
Cleveland managed to keep it close for most of the fourth, but George Hill's heroics sealed the game. Hill nailed an improbable one-handed 3-pointer as part of a four-point play with just over a minute left to extend Indiana's lead. He then stole the ball from Kyrie Irving in the final minute to eliminate the chance of a Cleveland comeback.
West and Hill combined for a notably lethal pick-and-pop combination. As usual, West was excellent in stepping out to the midrange, while Hill did a great job of attacking the paint. Hill toed the free-throw line 15 times and easily burned Kyrie Irving at the point of attack.
When help did come, Hill made a habit of finding Miles, who canned four 3-pointers en route to a game-high 26 points. West and Hill finished with 20 apiece.
As usual, the Cavaliers were led by All-Stars LeBron James and Irving, who scored 29 and 25 points each. However, Kevin Love struggled immensely, scoring just five points on 2-of-8 shooting.
The win snaps Cleveland's win streak at 12 as the Cavaliers fall just one shy of tying their franchise record for most consecutive wins.