In tonight's Eastern Conference Semi-Final game one the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers tipped off what looks to be a long, hard-fought series.
King James came into this series averaging about 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists per game while shooting 48% from the field. Tonights game was a different story for the Cavaliers superstar.
James was out of rhythm all night long going 2-18 from the field including 0-6 from the three point line. He comitted 10 turnovers en route to a lowly 12 point performance. LBJ couldn't get to the lane with the same regularity as he did during the Washington series.
Hard to believe considering all the personal tension between those teams.
The Celtic defense is the main reason for Lebron's struggle. They played great as a team, not allowing him to get to the lane for dunks. Lebrons inability to get to the lane also prevented the Cleveland shooters to find any room. As a team Cleveland shot 4-18 from beyond the arc.
If I was to tell you that the Celtics would comitt 21 turnovers, Allen and Pierce would combine for four points, and they would only score 76 points you'd probably think they got blown out, right?
Wrong.
KG saved the day for the Boston faithful. Garnett scored 28 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and wreaked havoc on defense all night. He was big down the stretch and willing to take big shots, something he's been ridiculed for in the past.
Ray Allen really looked out of it tonight. It didn't seem that he was into the flow of the game at all. He only attempted four field goals not converting on any of them. Boston should look to get him going early in game two.
The third member of the "Boston Three-Party" was out of rhythm as well. He picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter, both within about twenty seconds of each other. Once he returned he wasn't aggressive on offense and often settled for jump shots.
A bright spot for the Celtics in tonight's game was the poise of point guard Rajon Rondo. He picked up the slack in the first half on offense during Pierce and Allen's struggles. The second year man earned his paycheck tonight scoring 15 points, dishing out 6 assists and grabbing 5 rebounds.
Sam Cassell was clutch for Boston tonight scoring 13 points in just 18 minutes. He hit big shots down the stretch in the fourth quarter to thwart Cleveland's attempt at stealing game one.
Boston definitely looked wore out from the unnecessary seven game series with Atlanta. They will need to win a game on the road in this series to avoid burnout.
The Lakers don't appear to be having much trouble with their Western Conference schedule and will be fresh when they reach the finals. If the dream Lakers-Celtics finals does take place Boston will need to close Cleveland out in 5 or 6 games to keep their legs fresh.
I have a slight hunch that tonights game will be the first, last, and only time Wally Szczerbiak outscores LeBron James in a playoff game.
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2 months ago
I'm going to agree with you about Wally and Lebron.
But what did Lebron in tonight was not the Celtic's defense, but the Cavs offense. As a fan of the Cavs, I've seen this stand-around-while-Lebron-dribbles offense too many times. When we stick to this plan, especially in the play-offs, the Cavs get frozen. If the Cavs adjust on offense (and keep up their defensive play on Allen and Pierce) we'll have a series.
from 2 months ago
Yeah if you watched Inside the NBA after the game Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley mentioned that too. I think it was more of a combination of both if you are going to debate it. C-Webb talked about how when you watch the Lakers to look where Kobe gets the ball. He usually catches it from the free throw line extended or at an angle from 15-18 feet. The Cavs 1-4 offense would be perfect for the NBA All-Star game but not the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
2 months ago
marcus buddy u are so right... post presence win ball games in the nba
u have to have post presence, and facilitating in the nba.. to win ball games
that is why Avery deserved to get fired, because he doesn't know jack about post. because to me anybody can be a post player, but dallas never uses that technique.
from 2 months ago
It's definitely important to have a post presence if you want to be successful in the NBA. If you look at the year the Mavs went to the finals, Dirk was driving the lane and playing more inside then outside. I don't know if it's Avery to blame for the Mavericks struggles completely. It's more Cuban's fault then anyones. Anyone with size can be a post player because you can teach how to play in the paint, you can't teach size. That being said, it's not Avery's fault for Erick Dampier. He is one of the biggest Center's in the NBA and is worthless on offense. If Cuban was going to make a big trade this year he should've gone after someone in the paint or just left the team alone. Now the Mavs have a pont guard with maybe one good year left in him and his big contract to keep them out of the free agent market for awhile.
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