Apparently, the Cleveland Cavaliers made some adjustments following their disappointing loss in game two against the Boston Celtics. They turned an 18 point loss into a 29 point victory, defeating the Celts on the road, 124-95. It was the C’s biggest home playoff loss in their illustrious history.
LeBron James looked healthy, and took control of the game from the outset, scoring 21 points in the first quarter in route to a 38 point, 8 rebound, 7 assist night that reminded everyone why he’s the league’s most valuable player. James was aggressive early, looking to score immediately, and had his jumper going. When he’s hitting from outside, no one can guard him.
James had help as well. Antawn Jamison also looked to attack the basket in the first quarter, and he finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds. The wine and gold wound up with six players in double figures, all five starters, and Delonte West off the bench pitched in with 14 points.
The biggest difference was a the defensive end, though. Boston was held to 43 points in the first half, as the Cavs built a 22 point halftime lead. The most improved situation involved the handling of Rajon Rondo, who was a huge problem in the first two contests. Rondo would up with 18 points and 8 assists, and he needed 17 shots to score his points. Controlling him was the key to the game.
The domination extended to the backboard too, as the Cavs out-rebounded Boston 45 to 30, with Shaquille O’Neal gathering nine in addition to Jamison’s dozen. Remember that defense doesn’t end until you get the rebound.
However, Doc Rivers correctly pointed out that Cleveland’s hot shooting may have been the biggest factor in keep Rondo in check. The Cavaliers shot almost 60% from the floor, and it’s hard to run a fast break when you are taking the ball out of bounds under your own basket. Anthony Parker did pick up Rondo in the backcourt several times in an obvious attempt to make him work as much as possible.
The blowout loss may work to the Celtics advantage though, because Rondo played only 35 minutes, the most of any Celtic. Therefore, fatigue won’t be quite the factor it might have been for a quick turnaround game Sunday afternoon.
It was kind of the reverse of Monday’s game in that while the Cavs shot very well, Boston shot poorly, hitting just 43% from the floor.
Now, Cleveland has to be greedy. They have a chance to take both games in Boston, and come back home with a chance to win the series. That said, the Celtics will definitely bring a different mindset Sunday. They will be back in desperation mode, knowing another loss will mean their season will be ending soon. The Cavs have to match that intensity or suffer another beating like the one they absorbed in game two.
Hopefully, a lesson has been learned. It is doubtful the wine and gold will shoot 60% or put up 124 points in game four. However, if the Cavs do bring the same type of defensive pressure to the court, they can win in Boston again.
At the very least, the Cavaliers took back their home court advantage in the series. That’s reason enough for our civic concern to ease just a bit.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 