NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Cavaliers vs. Pacers matchup

4. Paul George

It’s weird to have a single player be a key for both teams, but that’s just how the Pacers are set up this season. Indiana didn’t finish the season particularly strong as a whole, but Paul George exploded down the stretch and dragged them back into the playoffs. He’s what makes the whole team go especially on the offensive end. He will be the focus of the Cavs on both offense and defense.

George isn’t going to be slowed by guys like Iman Shumpert or Richard Jefferson. LeBron James will need to bite the bullet and guard George for most, if not all, of the series. He’s the only one the Cavs have that’s capable of slowing down George and if he does that then that should put a stop to the Pacers as a whole. The rest of the roster hasn’t shown the consistency or ability this season to carry the load when George is struggling. George is Indiana’s biggest strength and simultaneously their biggest weakness.

If the Pacers can find a way to keep George active, putting up points, and making an impact then Cleveland is going to be in a lot of tight contests. Especially in Indiana where, for whatever reason, they always seem to struggle. However, if James and the Cavs can shut down George and force the rest of Indiana to beat them the series could be over quickly. There are other factors that will play into the series as a whole, but no individual player can so drastically swing it the way George does.