Indiana Pacers coach Nate McMillan said it was important for his team to come out strong against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday following the worst single-game collapse in NBA playoff history.

"We know we have a big mountain to climb. We're not talking right now about winning the series. We're talking about staying alive. You could lose a lot more than just this game if you don't approach this game the right way," McMillan said before Game 4 (1 p.m. ET, ABC). "... If you go out there and lay down and give them the game ... you lose respect; there could be a lot of major changes. There could be a lot you could lose. The big thing is losing respect from your fan base and from fans all over."

The Pacers were unable to regroup Sunday, losing 106-102 to be swept in four games for the first time in the NBA.

Some of the long-term ramifications of a poor playoff showing could center on Paul George. The All-Star forward has been noncommittal about signing a lucrative contract extension with the Pacers, and he could opt out and become a free agent after the 2017-18 season.

George didn't drop any hints about which way he is leaning after the game.

"I'm not at that point yet. Next question," George said.

Asked what he would like to see from the organization this offseason, he replied, "I'll wait for that time. Exit meetings are tomorrow."

Nate McMillan says the Pacers are playing for more than one game when they face the Cavaliers on Sunday. John Bazemore/AP Photo

Indiana has now been eliminated by a LeBron James team for the fourth time in six years. That includes a pair of series losses to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals in 2013 and 2014.

"It's real frustrating to continue on losing to the same team or same person," George said. "Ultimately, he [James] is who I'm always going to have to see and face."

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.