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LeBron James hit a three-pointer as time expired to give the Cavaliers a 3-2 series lead over the Pacers, but Victor Oladipo believes things should have played out differently. USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James gave the Cleveland Cavaliers a dramatic Game 5 victory with a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer. But the Indiana Pacers think the game should have ended differently.

James' shot gave the Cavs a 98-95 win and a 3-2 series lead, but on the possession before, with the scored tied, James blocked a driving layup attempt by Pacers guard Victor Oladipo. However, the ball appeared to hit the backboard before James touched it — a goaltending violation.

No violation was called, the Cavs got the rebound and called timeout, setting up James' game-winner. Predictably, the participants differed on how the block should have been called. Oladipo even thought he was fouled before the shot.

"I got a step on him," Oladipo said. "I felt like I even got grabbed on the way to the rim, tried to shoot a layup, it hit the backboard, then he blocked it. ... It was a goaltend. It's hard to even speak on it. It just sucks, honestly. It really sucks. Even though we fought our way back, we tied the game up, that layup was huge.

"Give him credit where credit is due. The (three-pointer) was big-time. Definitely huge. But who's to say they even run that play? We don't know what happens. It's unfortunate. It really sucks that they missed that."

Pacers guard Lance Stephenson said goaltending "clearly" should have been called.

"Of course, I thought it was goaltending," Stephenson said. "We should've got the ref's attention. When you look at it on the replay, it's clearly goaltending."

The Pacers did not complain to officials on the court. Speaking on NBATV after the game, Joe Borgia, NBA senior vice president of replay and referee operations, said the play could not be reviewed because goaltending was not called on the floor.

For his part, James cracked a coy smile and added a bit of levity to the conversation when he was asked about the block.

"I definitely thought it was a goaltend," James said sarcastically. "Of course I didn't think it was a goaltend. I try to make plays like that all the time."

NBA playoffs: Best photos from the first round

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April 25: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook
April 25: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter of Game 5.  Mark D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports
April 25: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook
April 25: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket in front of Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second quarter of Game 5.  Mark D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports
April 25: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jamal Crawford
April 25: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jamal Crawford (11) hugs Houston Rockets center Nene Hilario (42) after the Rockets sealed the series in Game 5.  Thomas Shea, USA TODAY Sports
April 25: Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15)
April 25: Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) drives past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler (23) for the basket in the second half of Game 5.  Thomas Shea, USA TODAY Sports
April 25: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Derrick Rose
April 25: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Derrick Rose (25) has his shot blocked by Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the second half of Game 5.  Thomas Shea, USA TODAY Sports
April 25: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James
April 25: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James celebrates his game-winning, buzzer-beating 3 against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5.  David Richard, USA TODAY Sports
April 25: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James
April 25: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James celebrates his game-winning, buzzer-bearting three-pointer against the Pacers in Game 5.  David Richard, USA TODAY Sports
April 25: Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) drives
April 25: Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) tries to defend in the fourth quarter of Game 5.  Nick Turchiaro, USA TODAY Sports
April 25: Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10)
April 25: Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) battles for a ball with Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) in the fourth quarter of Game 5.  Nick Turchiaro, USA TODAY Sports
April 25: Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives
April 25: Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives to the basket over Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) in the first quarter of Game 5.  Nick Turchiaro, USA TODAY Sports
April 24: Klay Thompson is congratulated by Jordan
April 24: Klay Thompson is congratulated by Jordan Bell for making a basket during Game 5.  Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
April 24: Joel Embiid kicks an autographed ball into
April 24: Joel Embiid kicks an autographed ball into the crowd after beating the Heat in Game 5.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 24: Ben Simmons reacts after a score during the
April 24: Ben Simmons reacts after a score during the third quarter of Game 5.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 24: Marcus Smart dives for a loose ball between
April 24: Marcus Smart dives for a loose ball between Eric Bledsoe and Thon Maker during the fourth quarter of Game 5.  Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports
April 24: Ben Simmons flips over Josh Richardson while
April 24: Ben Simmons flips over Josh Richardson while driving to the basket during Game 5.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 24: Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill rings the bell
April 24: Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill rings the bell before Game 5.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 24: Joel Embiid warms up before Game 5.
April 24: Joel Embiid warms up before Game 5.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 24: Al Horford dunks during the first quarter
April 24: Al Horford dunks during the first quarter of Game 5.  Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports
April 23: Donovan Mitchell celebrates during the second
April 23: Donovan Mitchell celebrates during the second half of Game 4.  Russell Isabella, USA TODAY Sports
April 23: Jae Crowder scuffles with Thunder players
April 23: Jae Crowder scuffles with Thunder players during Game 4.  Russell Isabella, USA TODAY Sports
April 23: Russell Westbrook goes up for a shot against
April 23: Russell Westbrook goes up for a shot against Rudy Gobert during the first quarter of Game 4.  Russell Isabella, USA TODAY Sports
April 23: Rudy Gobert dunks the ball during the first
April 23: Rudy Gobert dunks the ball during the first quarter of Game 4.  Russell Isabella, USA TODAY Sports
April 23: Eric Gordon passes the ball as Jeff Teague
April 23: Eric Gordon passes the ball as Jeff Teague defends in Game 4.  Brad Rempel, USA TODAY Sports
April 23: James Harden hits a three-pointer in the
April 23: James Harden hits a three-pointer in the third quarter of Game 4.  Brad Rempel, USA TODAY Sports
April 22: Lance Stephenson wraps up the ball for a
April 22: Lance Stephenson wraps up the ball for a jump ball over LeBron James in the second half of Game 4.  Trevor Ruszkowski, USA TODAY Sports
April 22: Victor Oladipo shoots the ball while Kevin
April 22: Victor Oladipo shoots the ball while Kevin Love defends in the second quarter of Game 4.  Trevor Ruszkowski, USA TODAY Sports
April 22: John Wall celebrates on the court in the
April 22: John Wall celebrates on the court in the fourth quarter of Game 4.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
April 22: DeMar DeRozan shoots the ball while being
April 22: DeMar DeRozan shoots the ball while being fouled by John Wall in the fourth quarter of Game 4.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
April 22: Serge Ibaka blocks the shot of Marcin Gortat
April 22: Serge Ibaka blocks the shot of Marcin Gortat in the second quarter in Game 4.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
April 22: Manu Ginobili celebrates after scoring a
April 22: Manu Ginobili celebrates after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter of Game 4.  John Glaser, USA TODAY Sports
April 22: LaMarcus Aldridge shoots over Kevon Looney
April 22: LaMarcus Aldridge shoots over Kevon Looney during the third quarter in Game 4.  John Glaser, USA TODAY Sports
April 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks over Al Horford
April 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks over Al Horford during the fourth quarter of Game 4.  Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports
April 22: Jaylen Brown goes up for a layup past Giannis
April 22: Jaylen Brown goes up for a layup past Giannis Antetokounmpo during the third quarter of Game 4.  Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports
April 22: Jaylen Brown goes up for a dunk over Tyler
April 22: Jaylen Brown goes up for a dunk over Tyler Zeller during Game 4.  Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports
April 21: Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) shoots the
April 21: Dante Exum shoots the ball over Raymond Felton during Game 3.  Chris Nicoll, USA TODAY Sports
April 21: Oklahoma City Thunder forward Carmelo Anthony
April 21: Carmelo Anthony celebrates after dunking in Game 3.  Chris Nicoll, USA TODAY Sports
April 21: T'wolves forward Taj Gibson fires up the
April 21: Taj Gibson fires up the home crowd as Minnesota drops Houston in Game 3 for the franchise's first playoff win in 14 years.  Jesse Johnson, USA TODAY Sports
April 21: T'wolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) tries
April 21: Karl-Anthony Towns tries to keep the ball away from James Harden and Eric Gordon during Game 3.  Jesse Johnson, USA TODAY Sports
April 21: Pelicans star Anthony Davis gets fired up
April 21: Anthony Davis gets fired up for a big bucket as New Orleans finished off a sweep of Portland.  Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
April 21: Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) drives to
April 21: Jrue Holiday drives to the hoop past Jusuf Nurkic during Game 4.  Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
April 21: 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks for space
April 21: Joel Embiid looks for space to work on the block against Bam Adebayo during Game 4.  Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
April 21: Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) drives to the
April 21: Dwyane Wade drives to the basket past Marco Belinelli during Game 4.  Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo
April 20: Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks over Aron Baynes during Game 3.  Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and
April 20: Jaylen Brown and Malcolm Brogdon reach for the loose ball during Game 3.  Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates
April 20: John Wall celebrates in the fourth quarter of Game 3.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Indiana Pacers forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44)
April 20: Bojan Bogdanovic reacts after making a three-pointer during the fourth quarter of Game 3.  Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James
April 20: LeBron James drives to the basket against Victor Oladipo during the fourth quarter of Game 3.  Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) gestures
April 20: John Wall gestures on the court in the second quarter of Game 3.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Washington Wizards center Ian Mahinmi (28)
April 20: Ian Mahinmi blocks the dunk attempt of CJ Miles in Game 3.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dunks
April 20: John Wall dunks the ball as DeMar DeRozan defends in the first quarter of Game 3.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris
April 20: Markieff Morris and OG Anunoby get into a shoving match in the first quarter of Game 3.  Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1)
April 20: Lance Stephenson takes a shot against Kevin Love during the first quarter of Game 3.  Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports
April 20: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James
April 20: LeBron James is guarded by Bojan Bogdanovic during the first quarter of Game 3.  Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports
April 19: Anthony Davis reacts during Game 3.
April 19: Anthony Davis reacts during Game 3.  Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
April 19: Draymond Green dunks the ball in Game 3.
April 19: Draymond Green dunks the ball in Game 3.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
April 19: Anthony Davis dunks during Game 3.
April 19: Anthony Davis dunks during Game 3.  Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports
April 19: Rudy Gay dunks the ball over JaVale McGee
April 19: Rudy Gay dunks the ball over JaVale McGee in Game 3.  Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
April 19: Joel Embiid reacts after making a three during
April 19: Joel Embiid reacts after making a three during Game 3.  Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
April 19: Joel Embiid quiets the crowd during Game
April 19: Joel Embiid quiets the crowd during Game 3.  Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
April 19: Ben Simmons shoots over James Johnson during
April 19: Ben Simmons shoots over James Johnson during Game 3.  Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
April 19: Referee James Capers restrains Justin Anderson
April 19: Referee James Capers restrains Justin Anderson after an altercation with Dwyane Wade during Game 3.  Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
April 18: Gerald Green blocks a shot by Derrick Rose
April 18: Gerald Green blocks a shot by Derrick Rose during Game 2.  Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
April 18: Jeff Teague attempts to score as Chris Paul
April 18: Jeff Teague attempts to score as Chris Paul defends during Game 2.  Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
April 18: Donovan Mitchell shoots the ball between
April 18: Donovan Mitchell shoots the ball between Russell Westbrook and Jerami Grant during Game 2.  Mark D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports
April 18: Jeff Teague controls the ball as Gerald Green
April 18: Jeff Teague controls the ball as Gerald Green leaps to defend during Game 2.  Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
April 18: LeBron James during the first half of Game
April 18: LeBron James during the first half of Game 2.  Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
April 18: Kevin Love grabs a loose ball during Game
April 18: Kevin Love grabs a loose ball during Game 2.  Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11)
April 17: Jrue Holiday reacts after scoring late during the fourth quarter in Game 2.  Steve Dykes, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis
April 17: Anthony Davis reacts after being fouled by CJ McCollum during Game 2.  Steve Dykes, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: New Orleans Pelicans guard Ian Clark (2)
April 17: Ian Clark defends against CJ McCollum during Game 2.  Steve Dykes, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum
April 17: CJ McCollum drives to the basket on Nikola Mirotic during Game 2.  Steve Dykes, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) lays
April 17: Jaylen Brown lays the ball in the basket while John Henson looks on during Game 2.  Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) lays
April 17: Terry Rozier lays the ball in the basket past Giannis Antetokounmpo during Game 2.  Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43)
April 17: Pascal Siakam drives against Kelly Oubre Jr. during Game 2.  John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10)
April 17: DeMar DeRozan drives to the rim during Game 2.  John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) and
April 17: Serge Ibaka and Bradley Beal dive to get a ball during Game 2.  John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) knocks
April 17: John Wall knocks the ball away from CJ Miles during Game 2.  John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: Boston Celtics forward Al Horford (42) hangs
April 17: Al Horford hangs onto the rim after dunking the ball during Game 2.  Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) shoots
April 17: Jaylen Brown shoots the ball over Tyler Zeller during Game 2.  Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
April 17: Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr.
April 17: Kelly Oubre Jr. goes to the hoop against Delon Wright and DeMar DeRozan during Game 2.  John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY Sports
April 16: Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) keeps
April 16: Andre Iguodala keeps it loose while defending Patty Mills during Game 2.  Kelley L. Cox, USA TODAY Sports
April 16: Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) finds himself
April 16: Dejounte Murray finds himself in a tough spot surrounded by Warriors during Game 2.  Kelley L. Cox, USA TODAY Sports
April 16: Warriors forward David West (3) drives past
April 16: David West drives past Bryn Forbes during Game 2.  Kelley L. Cox, USA TODAY Sports
April 16: Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) puts up a shot
April 16: Dwyane Wade puts up a shot over Marco Belinelli during Game 2.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 16: 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) and Heat guard
April 16: Ben Simmons and Wayne Ellington fight for a rebound during Game 2.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 16: Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) draws a foul on
April 16: Dwyane Wade draws a foul on JJ Redick during Game 2.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 15: James Harden reacts after scoring during
April 15: James Harden reacts after scoring during Game 1.  Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
April 15: Clint Capela blocks Karl-Anthony Towns' shot
April 15: Clint Capela blocks Karl-Anthony Towns' shot attempt during Game 1.  Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
April 15: Russell Westbrook dunks the ball over Joe
April 15: Russell Westbrook dunks the ball over Joe Ingles during Game 1.  Mark D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports
April 15: Russell Westbrook reacts after dunking the
April 15: Russell Westbrook reacts after dunking the ball in Game 1.  Mark D. Smith, USA TODAY Sports
April 15: Victor Oladipo goes up for a layup in Game
April 15: Victor Oladipo goes up for a layup in Game 1.  David Richard, USA TODAY Sports
April 15: Bojan Bogdanovic reacts in the first quarter
April 15: Bojan Bogdanovic reacts in the first quarter of Game 1.  David Richard, USA TODAY Sports
April 15: LeBron James is fouled by Lance Stephenson
April 15: LeBron James is fouled by Lance Stephenson during Game 1.  David Richard, USA TODAY Sports
April 15: Jaylen Brown dunks the ball against the Bucks
April 15: Jaylen Brown dunks the ball against the Bucks in Game 1.  Paul Rutherford, USA TODAY Sports
April 15: Jayson Tatum dunks the ball past Giannis
April 15: Jayson Tatum dunks the ball past Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 1.  Paul Rutherford, USA TODAY Sports
April 15: Terry Rozier dribbles past Eric Bledsoe in
April 15: Terry Rozier dribbles past Eric Bledsoe in the second quarter of Game 1.  Paul Rutherford, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Anthony Davis celebrates after scoring during
April 14: Anthony Davis celebrates after scoring during Game 1.  Troy Wayrynen, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Anthony Davis blocks a shot by Damian Lillard
April 14: Anthony Davis blocks a shot by Damian Lillard during Game 1.  Troy Wayrynen, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Fans cheer behind the raised arms of Robert
April 14: Fans cheer behind the raised arms of Robert Covington after a score during Game 1 against the Heat.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Raptors fans cheer on their team during Game
April 14: Raptors fans cheer on their team during Game 1 against the Wizards.  Dan Hamilton, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Ben Simmons reacts in front of Dwyane Wade
April 14: Ben Simmons reacts in front of Dwyane Wade after dunking during the third quarter of Game 1.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Recording artist Drake reacts to a play as
April 14: Recording artist Drake reacts to a play as he wears a jersey in honor of the victims of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash during Game 1 between the Raptors and Wizards.  Dan Hamilton, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Joel Embiid wears a Phantom of the Opera
April 14: Joel Embiid wears a Phantom of the Opera mask as he rings the ceremonial bell to start Game 1.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Amir Johnson leaps and saves a ball headed
April 14: Amir Johnson leaps and saves a ball headed out of bounds during Game 1.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: OG Anunoby looks to make a pass away from
April 14: OG Anunoby looks to make a pass away from John Wall in Game 1.  Dan Hamilton, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Joel Embiid puts on his protective mask before
April 14: Joel Embiid puts on his protective mask before Game 1.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Kyle Lowry goes up for a shot over Mike Scott
April 14: Kyle Lowry goes up for a shot over Mike Scott in Game 1.  Dan Hamilton, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Philadelphia 76ers fans pose for a photo
April 14: Philadelphia 76ers fans pose for a photo in front of their banner before Game 1.  Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Quinn Cook and Kevin Durant shake hands during
April 14: Quinn Cook and Kevin Durant shake hands during a break in the action of Game 1.  Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Andre Iguodala reacts towards a referee after
April 14: Andre Iguodala reacts towards a referee after the Warriors were called for a foul during Game 1.  Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Klay Thompson reacts after the Warriors forced
April 14: Klay Thompson reacts after the Warriors forced a shot clock violation in Game 1.  Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports
April 14: Kevin Durant contests Danny Green's shot
April 14: Kevin Durant contests Danny Green's shot attempt in Game 1.  Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports

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