Celtics vs Cavaliers Game 3: Will Boston Dethrone the King?

• The Celtics are closing in on ending King James’ reign in the East
• The Cavaliers face a virtual must-win situation in Game 3
• Boston’s collection of talent is overwhelming LeBron James

That thud you heard was the Cleveland Cavaliers’ backs collectively getting pushed up against the wall.

The Boston Celtics have a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, and seek a stranglehold when the scene shifts to the Q in Cleveland for Game 3 on Saturday.

LeBron James, criticized for a no-show in Game 1, brought out his signature bounce back performance, racing out to a 21-point first quarter, en route to a 42-point triple-double. It was already his fifth such 40-point outburst this postseason, but, unlike the previous four, it wasn’t enough for the W.

Instead, it was another victory-by-committee performance from the Celtics, who absorbed the early punch, and took charge in the second half, outscoring the Cavaliers 59-39, turning a seven-point deficit into a 13-point triumph.

You can literally point up and down the lineup to find the outstanding performances – there really were that many. Let’s start with “Scary” Terry Rozier, who came to life after halftime, with 14 third quarter points to shift the momentum.

Marcus Smart was also a star in this one, coming off the bench to make several key plays, which always seemed to come at the most opportune time for the Celtics.

Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Team Playoff Stats

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Head-to-Head Results

Notable Injuries and Absences

 Straight Up Advice: Cavaliers (118-109)

If this is indeed LeBron James’ last stand, he’s not going to go out via the brooms.

There’s just no way, not in the East, at least. But it’s not going to be easy.

The Celtics are getting contributions from across the roster, and they’ve had numerous players carry them for stretches on the offensive end, while maintaining that Grade A defense.

Boston shot only 43.5% from the field, but took 12 more shots than the Cavs by virtue of 11 offensive rebounds.

The difference in this contest were the other stats that lined up in Boston’s favour. They shot only 43.5% from the field, but took 12 more shots than the Cavs by virtue of 11 offensive rebounds and a plus-10 advantage in the turnover department.

For the second straight game, all of Cleveland’s starters were minuses. Only Kevin Love with 22 points and 15 rebounds, offered much support to James, who, despite claiming he was fine after the game, looked woozy when he took a Jayson Tatum shoulder to the chin.

LBJ to Kevin Love once more!

11 for KLove in the 3rd quarter on @ESPNNBA #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/A2NROctepo

— NBA (@NBA) May 16, 2018

The Cavs are getting ghost contributions that will need to change. The starting backcourt of JR Smith and George Hill shot a combined 1-for-11 for three points. Meanwhile, Jeff Green was a disaster, scoring just six points, turning the ball over five times, and having a team-worst minus-17 in just 28 minutes of work.

The time off and change of scenery should help, as Boston’s home dominance (now 9-0 this postseason) has not translated well to the road, where they are just 1-4, and have scored just 94.6 points per game. Boston’s lone win, however, was an OT thriller against Philadelphia in Game 3, to take a 3-0 series lead.

But rest easy, Cavs fans. Talk of an end to LeBron’s Finals run will be put off – for at least one game.

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