How do you stop a refreshed LeBron James? The Boston Celtics are tasked with finding the answer in their Eastern Conference finals series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of Game 2 from 10:30am (AEST).
As he tends to every season, LeBron has risen for the finals and the Cavaliers’ playoff record currently reads a stunning 9-0.
It’s because of that astounding record, despite finishing second in the East to the Celtics, that the Cavaliers have had a full fortnight off the court.
For a player of LeBron’s calibre to get to put his feet up for two weeks after a pair of convincing series victories, this Cavaliers team look just about unbeatable.
They proved to be exactly that during the first game of the Eastern Conference finals as well, picking up a relatively drama-free 13-point win, LeBron leading the way with 38 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
Another 30-plus-point performance from ‘King’ James will see him tie Michael Jordan’s record for the most consecutive playoff games scoring 30 or more.
It hasn’t been all LeBron though, with Kevin Love a leading light during Game 1, scoring 32 and grabbing 12 rebounds. Though Kyrie Irving was quiet, his form has been good and he simply did what was needed in Game 1.
The victory gives Cleveland home advantage for the rest of the series, so for Isaiah Thomas and the Celtics, this second game at The Garden becomes must-win.
Going down 2-0 against Cleveland would effectively end the series on the spot and almost ensure the Cavaliers take it in another sweep.
Thomas will be the main man if the Celtics are to get up, but by his lofty standards, it was a quiet one in Game 1. While 17 points and ten assists, coupled with four turnovers, isn’t a bad night in anyone’s book, it simply wasn’t enough from one of the league’s superstars.
What Thomas needs is support. Given bench player Kelly Olynyk was the reason they beat the Washington Wizards in Game 7 of the second round though, it doesn’t fill Celtics fans with great aspirations.
They have to simplify their gameplan and try to take LeBron out of the picture as much as possible. Winning the rebound battle will be crucial, but for that to happen, Al Horford is going to need domination in the post.
Back on offence, the impact of Gerald Green and Avery Bradley could well decide exactly how Boston play in this one.
Prediction
Back to the original question – LeBron James won’t be stopped. The Celtics will be hard-pressed picking up one win in this series.
Cavaliers by 12.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the match from 10:30am (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment below.
Swampy
Guest
No.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Just one more...
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this morning on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2017 NBA Playoffs as the Cavaliers moved up 2-0. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. Nick Kelland will be live tomorrow morning from 11am (AEST) with Game 3 between the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
So then, a disaster for the Celtics. Anyone think they can get back into the series?
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME There will be no more points here. The shellacking is over. What a disaster for the Celtics. They finished on top of the East, but leave home court down 2-0 after an absolute blowout. The Cavaliers win Game 2 by a ridiculous 44 points. Boston Celtics - 86 Cleveland Cavaliers - 130
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Mickey into the paint to make a bucket for the Celtics before Jefferson backs down and misses the hook shot. Celtics - 86 Cavaliers - 130
Scott Pryde
Expert
Hey mate, Leonard is noted as questionable for Game 3 tomorrow. I assume he would play Game 4, but I'm not even sure he can save the Spurs at this point. It's going to be GWS vs Cavs again.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Oh what's the point. One more timeout before we can wrap this thing up. 1:16 to go, the lead 46. Celtics - 84 Cavaliers - 130
Brian
Guest
Is leonard coming back or is it a confirmed gsw v cavs final?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Zeller makes a bucket inside on the reverse for Boston before Jefferson slows things down, then passes to Frye who misses a three. Celtics - 84 Cavaliers - 130
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' The Cavaliers have just brought up a franchise record for their most points ever in a playoff game. Jerebko with another dunk before Jefferson makes a three. Celtics - 82 Cavaliers - 130
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Boston with another miss before the Cavs follow with a miss of their own. Jerebko makes a shot from under the basket on the reverse before Williams kicks out to Jefferson and he slams one home. Celtics - 80 Cavaliers - 127
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Jefferson makes one. Celtics - 78 Cavaliers - 125
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Williams with an easy basket for the Cavaliers before Jaylen Brown runs straight through the defence and slams it home. Jefferson at the other end draws a foul from Mickey on the shot. Celtics - 78 Cavaliers - 124
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 4' This is all too easy. Jefferson another three for the Cavs before Mickey backs down, goes to ground and turns it over. Celtics - 76 Cavaliers - 122
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 4' Brown makes the extra. Celtics - 76 Cavaliers - 119
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 4' Brown misses a three from the wing before Jefferson goes to Frye and he misses from deep this time. Brown into the paint and he has a chance at the and one. Boston's biggest ever NBA loss is 52 points. Celtics - 75 Cavaliers - 119
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 5' Cleveland work it inside, with a kick out from Jefferson to Frye who sinks a corner three. Mickey a quick miss for Boston before Williams runs the floor and drops one in. Celtics - 73 Cavaliers - 119
Scott Pryde
Expert
In answer to JD St George's earlier question, it may actually be Boston who hold the highest ever points total in a playoff game - we aren't going to get there now, but in the first round of the 1990 playoffs they ran up 157 against the Knicks.