INDIANAPOLIS — LeBron James' triple-double helped Cleveland erase the largest halftime deficit in NBA playoff history Thursday night as the Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers 119-114 to take a 3-0 series lead in their first-round series.

James scored 41 points and added 13 rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks as the Cavaliers overcame a 25-point halftime margin in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. It was James’ 17th triple-double of his playoff career.

According to ESPN Stats & Information research, James scored or assisted on 73 points, a career playoff high.

“I didn't know it was the biggest comeback or things of that nature,” James said. “For myself, I just try to put myself in position to help my teammates win no matter who's on the floor with me. Try to empower them, try to make them better, try to make them believe we can be great every night.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

Brittney Griner (42) of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball over defender Alanna Smith (8) of the Minnesota Lynx in the second quarter in Game Two of Round One of the WNBA Playoffs at Target Center on Sept. 25, 2024, in Minneapolis. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images/TNS)

Credit: TNS

Featured

An email circulating through Georgia Tech told students and faculty to delete DEI terms from the school's website, but administrators said the email contained "misinformation." (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2024)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez