The Boston Celtics have played well in their first two playoff games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but not well enough to win. The team came into the series as big underdogs and has kept the Cavaliers in check, but they still have not found a way to overcome them. As the series shifts back to Boston, can the Celtics use home court advantage and get a much needed in Game 3?
The Celtics held leads in the first two playoff games, but gave in late as the Cavaliers hit a 53-25 run in Game 1 and a 32-9 run in Game 2 to give them wins in each. Head coach Brad Stevens is aware that have a lead is one thing and keeping it is another, something the Celtics have yet to conquer. In Game 2 Boston actually looked poised to potentially win the game after coming within two midway through the fourth quarter. However, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were simply too much as they combined for 24 points and the win.
James and Irving have been the story so far in the playoff run. James has been looking every bit the seasoned vet so far while Irving is showing no signs of nerves in his first time in the postseason. The point guard has averaged 28.0 points in the first two games while going 8 for 17 from long range. The only struggles James has shown is in turnovers giving the ball up 11 times in the first two games.
The Celtics have improved defensively, but simply lack the star power to overcome Cleveland's top-notch roster. They have been outscored 176-85 in the first two games. Isaiah Thomas has been the lone star, putting up 44 points and 17 assists off the bench. The Celtics need to find some kind of scoring power that could push them past Cleveland. The best starter for the team has been Marcus Smart who put up 10 points, but only had one assist. The most production has been coming off the bench from Thomas, Jared Sullinger and Jae Crowder.
