CLEVELAND (AP) – LeBron James scored 29 points – 13 in the fourth quarter- and the Cleveland Cavaliers edged the Indiana Pacers 95-92 on Friday night for their 15th straight win at home.
As usual, James, who was playing despite a head cold, was at his best down the stretch. He scored 11 straight points in the fourth to give Cleveland a 93-92 lead. However, it was Cavs guard Iman Shumpert who came up with the biggest play, running down a long rebound and then knocking down two free throws with a second left.
With the win, the Cavs clinched a playoff spot – their first since 2010 before James left as a free agent for Miami.
“It feels amazing,” said Kyrie Irving, who will take part in an NBA postseason for the first time. “It’s an awesome thing. I can’t wait for it.”
Indiana had one last chance, but C.J. Miles’ desperation 3-pointer was way off and Cleveland held on to win a game that had a playoff vibe from the start.