"Offensively, we got some decent looks, but they played good defense and pushed us to the shot clock," Granger said. "We really didn't get that many shots in rhythm."

James made his first eight shots and didn't miss a field goal until the final three minutes of the second quarter. He finished the first half with 22 points and five assists as Cleveland led 66-61 at the break. The Pacers shot 63 percent in the first half, yet trailed because they were outscored 15-8 from the free throw line.

Indiana took its first lead, 70-68, when James was called for goaltending on a shot by Roy Hibbert with just over eight minutes left in the third quarter. It was part of a 17-2 run at the start of the second half that gave Indiana a 78-68 lead. Cleveland shot 3 for 18 from the field with seven turnovers in the quarter, and the Pacers led 82-77 at the end of the period.

"I wouldn't say frustrated, but the third quarter has been like the only time we've had (consistent trouble) the past three or four years," James said. "We can't get our hand on it. We're going to figure it out."

Cleveland tied the game at 82 on a 3-pointer by Jamario Moon early in the fourth quarter, and the game was competitive until the final minutes.

James said the Cavaliers wouldn't have won without their commitment to defense.

"That's what it's about," James said. "Our team is all based on defense, and when we get stops like that, it makes offense a lot easier. It was a great way to finish the game off like we did in the fourth quarter."

NOTES: The Pacers announced Friday that guard Travis Diener had surgery on the big toe on his left foot and is expected to miss at least four weeks. ... Both teams shot 68.2 percent in the first quarter, and the game was tied at 38-all at the end of the period. ... Former Pacer Haywoode Workman was one of the officials.