(2) CELTICS V. (4) CAVS
GAME 2 - EAST FINALS
CLE 94 @ BOS 107
Celtics: 2, Cavs: 0
That's the score heading into Game 3. After a dominant second half performance, Boston now holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
In a run of impressive postseason victories, last night is easily at the top.
Down 0-1, LeBron James started the first period w/ a vengeance - he tied a playoff career-high for points in a quarter (21) while helping the Cavs establish a small advantage. On the other side, Boston rode Jaylen Brown's hot hand (13 1Q pts) - James & Brown nearly went shot for shot - to stay within striking distance.
Still, Cleveland led by 7 after 2, seemed motivated to return home w/ a 1-1 split.
Then, quarter #3 happened: Terry Rozier took over? (scored 11 of his 18 pts) & BOS held CLE to just 22 pts. Just like that, Boston had a 7-pt. lead of its own to take into the 4th & final period.
Cleveland never really came close after floundering in the 3rd. Al Horford (15, 10 & 4 dimes) made huge plays down the stretch, while Marcus Smart's all-around effectiveness (11, 9 dimes, 5 boards, 4 steals) served as a springboard to victory.
LeBron was efficient & very effective (TD - 42!, 12 & 10 boards) & Kevin Love was pretty solid (22 & 15 boards)..but it wasn't enough in the end. No one else contributed much of anything (J.R. Smith: 0 pts, G. Hill: 3 pts, 19 bench pts), playing right into Boston's "pick your poison"* strategy.
Brown finished w/ 23, 8 & 6 dimes, led 6 Celtics in double figures.
Just like that, Brad Stevens's young squad is 2 Ws away from reaching the Finals.
Is this version of the Cavs able to control homecourt and get back in the series?
We'll soon find out.
*forcing L. James's supporting cast to consistently put the ball on the floor, make decisions & big shots