Cavaliers beat Pacers in Game 2 to even series at 1-1

With 46 points from superstar LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers 100-97 on Wednesday and evened the series at 1-1.

Having come from a shocking 98-80 defeat in the opener, James was on fire in the beginning of Game 2, scoring the Cavs' first 16 points and helping the host team lead 33-18 in the first quarter. James had 20 in the quarter and outscored the Pacers 20-18.

The Pacers star Victor Oladipo was troubled by the early fouls in the first minutes of the game and had to sit on the bench. But when he came back in the second quarter, the Pacers started to hit top gear like in Game 1, and they bounced back from an 18-point cushion to pull within three points at 95-92 after a three-pointer from guard Darren Collison.

However, the Cavaliers held their nerves to withstand the late challenge from the Pacers to nail the victory at 100-97.

James also added 12 rebounds. Center Kevin Love had 15, but hurt his left hand again, which might be affecting his form in the remaining games.

With the fouls trouble, Oladipo claimed 22 points and Center Myles Turner had 18 points for Indiana.

Game 3 will be played on Friday.