For the second time in a row, the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers will meet in the Conference Finals. This time, however, the signs are different. Can the injured Celtics stop the unleashed LeBron James? Game 1 will be shown for free on Sunday at 9.30 pm in the LIVESTREAM on SPOX.
What else can this Celtics team achieve? No Kyrie Irving, no Gordon Hayward and no Daniel Theis – and yet Boston is in the Conference Finals for the second time in a row. And that although the squad was completely renewed in the summer with eleven new players. After a real battle of wear and tear against the Milwaukee Bucks over seven games, Brad Stevens’ team also defeated the highly-favored Philadelphia 76ers in just five games.
In the decisive moments, the Celtics were simply cookier than the Sixers, even though Boston provided the younger team. But especially the youngsters convinced in this series. Rookie Jayson Tatum scored at least 20 points in each game, “Scary Terry” Rozier seamlessly continued his strong Bucks series and the stricken Jaylen Brown also showed strong performances with the exception of game 4.
Especially the enormous discipline stands out in this postseason. Anchored by Al Horford, the Celtics continue to provide one of the league’s best defences (defensive rating against the Sixers: 103.3), plus the brilliance of coach Brad Stevens, whose play calling in crunchtime and timeouts is unparalleled. This made it possible to conceal the difference in quality in both series.
Will this also work against Cleveland? LeBron James is not an aspiring star like Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons or Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the best player of the last decade. The Toronto Raptors, who were swept as the top seed of the East by James and his supporting cast – it cost the head of Raptors head coach Dwane Casey.
Especially the other LeBron players seem to have finally awoken from their deep sleep in the series with the Indiana Pacers. While Kyle Korver was the only constant alongside LeBron throughout the postseason, Kevin Love (20.5 points on average against Toronto), J.R. Smith (12.5) or (the battered) George Hill now had their share.
The Cavs reminded again of the frightening offense of the past years. They play even slower than Boston, but this is incredibly efficient. Against the Raptors, Cleveland had an offensive rating of 121.5, lonely top in these playoffs. It was less noticeable that the defense continued to act below average and is the worst in the remaining competition.
Unlike Toronto, the goblins have plenty of options when it comes to defending James. Horford, Brown, Marcus Morris, who sees himself as a LeBron stopper or even Semi Ojeleye, who became Giannis’ nightmare against the Bucks, can defend LeBron in parts and make the King work hard for his points.
In general, Boston have only two bad defenders in injured Shane Larkin and Greg Monroe, which could pay off especially in the defense switching. Even against the highly explosive Sixers team, the Celtics took out most of the shooters, and that must also be the plan against Cleveland. James won’t be able to control 48 minutes, but if his teammates are marginalized, the Celtics have a chance.
With the athleticism of the numerous young players, the Celtics should also try to punish the Cavs’ continued terrible transition defence (13.6 approved fast break points per game). In the half-field, Cleveland can defend himself to some extent, but he also has several weak points there. Much responsibility will lie on the shoulders of Tatum, Brown and also Morris, who will be responsible for the offense. Especially with Korver and Smith, Cleveland is very vulnerable on the wing.
Constant attack should therefore be Coach Stevens’ mantra, even though Boston only scored 42.3 points per game in the zone in the playoffs. Unlike Milwaukee and Philly, however, the Cavs have no elite ring protector on the field when Love dresses the Five. Only LeBron and Tristan Thompson (when he plays) offer the Cavs some protection.
You shouldn’t be dazzled by the sweep of the Cavs against Toronto: The Raptors were an excellent matchup for Cleveland, the Celtics are not. It’s gonna take more than just the brilliance of LeBron. Of course he will make his points, but the Cavs must dismiss their egg-laying woolly milksow as best they can. Kevin Love must confirm his good form and show that he can also score against Horford or Baynes in the post.
In connection with Hill, the Power Forward must provide for rest for James, also a few good games of Jordan Clarkson would not hurt. Tristan Thompson is likely to play a bigger role again, as Boston almost traditionally has weaknesses in rebounding. TT is still one of the best diggers on the offensive board after his injuries and weaknesses.
Otherwise the shooters have to hit as well as against Toronto (41.1 percent, 11.5 triples per game), so that LeBron has the space for his drives to the basket. Boston knows how to send help, but the past has shown that LeBron can punish it anyway.
This is a huge advantage, as the cavs are always able to put points on the scoreboard. Accordingly, as in the previous rounds, Cleveland will want to control the pace and offer the young Celtics few opportunities in transitions. If this is successful, the average defense in the halfcourt will suffice, since Boston still has many options, but no real go-to-guy.
Eventually even the best coach is no longer enough if there is too much talent on the other side. Boston will give the Cavs a hot fight, but Cleveland has a LeBron James in his absolute prime, who is hot for his eighth consecutive finals. Against Philly, the Celtics took advantage of the Sixers’ inexperience in crunchtime, against a savvy Cavs team this will not succeed again. With the home advantage, Boston can lengthen the series a bit, but in the end Cleveland remains the ruler of the Eastern Conference. Forecast: Cavs in 6.