The Cavs fell short again. Inside their mental battle, leadership test, and why belief — not talent — is the key to breaking through.

From the way the Cavs handle injuries to the way the Pacers pushed them around, there’s a necessary level of nasty missing from this team.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be on the FanDuel Sports Network for at least one more season, according to recent reports.

"I'm sorry that their season had to end like this," Rick Carlisle said after his fourth-seeded Pacers eliminated Cleveland despite the Cavs' 64 wins and Coach of the Year honors.

Despite a coaching change, the Cavs ended their season in the same place — Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. So all eyes are on the roster.

Max Strus sent a group text message to motivate his teammates. Then he went scoreless as the Cavaliers lost Game 5.

Tyrese Haliburton scored 31 points, hitting six 3-pointers and dishing out eight assists to lead the Pacers to a 114-105 win over the Cavs in Game 5.

Yes, the Cavs had injuries. Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and De‘Andre Hunter (thumb) missed games. But all were back on the court for the last three games, even if they weren’t 100% healthy.