The Celtics opened the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a 120-95 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Boston. They are once again in Boston for Game 2 of the best of 7 series. The Celtics started the first round series with a 114-94 over the Miami Heat. It looked like it would be a sweep until the Celtics came out flat in Game 2 and allowed the Heat to have a historic night shooting 3’s and lost the game on their home court.
The Celtics need to learn from their mistakes in that second game and come out strong in this game. They should not take the Cavaliers for granted and they must play with effort and intensity, especially on the defensive end. If the Celtics come out flat in this game, the Cavaliers have enough talent to make them pay and can steal a game in Boston. The Celtics must expect the Cavs best and they have to come out looking to put them away. Do not give them any confidence.
Much has been made of Jayson Tatum’s shooting slump and lack of offense in Game 1. Even though he didn’t shoot the ball well, shooting only 36.8% from the field and going 0-5 on 3 pointers, but he was able to influence the game in other ways. He pulled down 11 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, and blocked 3 shots. He was very active on defense and the fact that he can influence the game without having to take over the offense shows growth in his game.
This is the first meeting between these two teams in the post season since 2018 when the 4th seeded Cavaliers beat the 2nd seeded Celtics in 7 games. In 2017, the 2nd seeded Cavaliers beat the 1st seeded Boston in 5 games. In 2015, Cleveland beat the Celtics in the 1st round in a sweep. In 2010, Boston won in 6 games in LeBron James last year in Cleveland before moving to Miami. In 2008, when the Celtics won the title, Boston won in 7 games in the 2nd round. Previously, they met 3 times with Boston winning in 1976 and 1985 and Cleveland winning in 1992.
Kristaps Porzingis remains the only player on the Celtics injury report. He is dealing with a calf injury that he suffered in Game 4 of Boston’s first-round series against the Heat. He was at the Celtics’ practice on Wednesday, putting up shots. He was also seen walking normally without a limp. The Celtics started Al Horford in Game 1 and is likely to do so again. Luke Kornet came off the bench and brought energy and played very well, pulling down 10 rebounds, blocking 2 shots and contesting 9 others.
The Cavaliers have already ruled out 3 players and…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at CelticsBlog – All Posts…