Never has a LeBron James-led NBA team been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. But if the Cavaliers don't win this game, that's likely to happen as Indiana leads this best-of-seven series, 2-1.

The Pacers stole a game the Cavaliers should have won coming from 17 points down to nip Cleveland, 92-90, this past Friday at home.

This is the time to back the Cavaliers, though, when most everybody is down on them and they are near to be counted out. Cleveland has been playing strong defense. Open shots were there for the Cavaliers in the third quarter that would have stifled the Pacers' comeback. Cleveland just couldn't hit them.

I believe in James. I believe the Cavaliers have made huge strides defensively. I believe they have put themselves into serious contention to win the Eastern Conference playoffs by getting more athletic at the trade deadline acquiring Larry Nance Jr., Rodney Hood, George Hill and Jordan Clarkson.

The Cavaliers are used to this type of pressure. This is something new for the Pacers. James is the greatest player of his era and he's having one of his greatest seasons. I don't see it ending with a first-round loss to the Pacers, who are good but far from elite. Cleveland is going all out here. The Cavaliers have everything to prove after their Game 3 slip-up. It's unlikely James remains in Cleveland if the Cavaliers lose this first-round playoff series.