Solely one among LeBron James’ former groups remains to be alive within the 2025 NBA playoffs: the Cleveland Cavaliers, who now sit on the sting of elimination after Sunday’s 129-109 Sport 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers that dropped them to a 3-1 gap. The Miami Warmth have been knocked out within the first spherical, like his present workforce, the LA Lakers.
With Cleveland now on the ropes after surrendering 80 factors within the first half and trailing by as a lot as 44 in Sport 4, followers loyal to The King wasted no time pulling up outdated takes from Cavaliers supporters who criticized James for leaving.
Cavs followers had reveled of their workforce’s success this season with out James, the person who introduced them their lone NBA title again in 2016.
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“Let this be a lesson to each Miami Warmth followers and Cleveland Cavaliers followers who try to downplay the GOAT. LeBron James is the very best participant you’ll ever have in your franchise. Don’t ever disrespect 23/6 once more,” one mentioned.
“Down 41 at halftime and boutta go down 3-1. Don’t disrespect the GOAT once more,” one other mentioned.
“Nonetheless solely 2 playoff wins previous the first spherical since he left,” one other mentioned.
Others identified that just about all of Cleveland’s significant playoff achievements occurred throughout James’ time there.
Cavaliers fall behind 3-1 to Pacers in East semis
Cleveland followers know all too effectively the which means of a 3-1 collection, however this time, they’re going through it with out LeBron James — and presumably with out Donovan Mitchell, who sat out the second half with a left ankle damage throughout Sunday’s 20-point defeat.
Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed Mitchell would bear an MRI on Monday.
The Pacers dominated the sport, constructing a 44-point lead at one level and dismantling the top-seeded Cavaliers on their very own flooring — even with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter all suiting up.
Garland led with 21 factors, Mobley added 10 and Hunter chipped in 5, however Cleveland was held to simply 30 subject objectives and turned the ball over 22 instances, leading to 35 factors for Indiana.
Sport 5 suggestions off Tuesday in Indianapolis. If the Cavs lose, their playoff run is over.
Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro