NBA: James leads Cavs sweep Pacers into second round

Now Cleveland takes a seven-game winning streak into the conference semifinals against either Milwaukee or Toronto. (Photo: Cleveland Cavaliers/ Facebook)

WASHINGTON–LeBron James scored 33 points on Sunday as he helped the Cleveland Cavaliers enjoy a series-clinching 106-102 win over the Indiana Pacers, moving into the playoff second round.

“They were giving it all they had. You have to mentally challenge yourself every year and go out and try to do what’s right,” James, who had 33 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals, said.

Kyrie Irving added 28 points and Deron Williams finished with 14 points off the bench.

Lance Stephenson led the Pacers with 22 points and Paul George had a series-low 15 points. Myles Turner added 20 points and 9 rebounds.

The Cavaliers blew away a lead and trailed the Pacers by two with less than 90 seconds left before James making the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:08 to play to seize the victory.

“It’s real frustrating to continue on losing to the same team or same person,” George said. “Ultimately, he (James) is who I’m always going to have to see and face.”

Now Cleveland takes a seven-game winning streak into the conference semifinals against either Milwaukee or Toronto.