5 things we learned from the Cavaliers' sweep of the Pacers

5 things we learned from the Cavaliers’ sweep of the Pacers

Apr 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) walks off the floor to the locker room after winning against the Indiana Pacers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after making a free throw to clinch the win after making a free throw with one second to go against the Indiana Pacers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Playoff LeBron is superhuman

During the regular season, all the talk was about Russell Westbrook and his triple-doubles, James Harden and his perfect offense and the rise of the two-way superstar Kawhi Leonard. But during the same time, the 32-year old LeBron in his 14th NBA season had his best season arguably, averaging 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.7 assists on a league-leading 37.8 minutes per game.

And now in the first round of the playoffs, LeBron has only gotten better than he was in the regular season. I know what you’re thinking…how’s that even possible!?

In four games, he’s averaging 32.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 9.0 assists on 54 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent shooting from 3-point range. Oh and just because they’re not round numbers like Westbrook’s, they don’t garner nearly enough attention.

In Games 3 and 4, LeBron went superhuman, only sitting for a few minutes in each game. As the game wore on, he seemed to get more and more unstoppable. The Cavaliers will need this version of LeBron to be able to beat the Warriors in June. His jump shooting, especially from 3-point distance, will be vital in that series. Keeping defenses honest with the three-ball will only add more arrows in James’ arsenal.

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His free-throw shooting has been pathetic, at a measly 57.9 percent, and it’ll need to improve, especially in clutch situations. But for now, let’s enjoy Playoff LeBron, as it’s one of the best things that happens around this time of year.

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