Boston Celtics should build off the second half to bounce back in Game 2

The Boston Celtics were destroyed at home in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the second half provided some hope for Game 2.

The Boston Celtics had no answer for LeBron James, or Kevin Love, or Tristan Thompson in Game 1.

Now, down 1-0 and with their home court advantage gone, Boston will aim to bounce back with a strong Game 2 win. The second half provided the team and fans with a bit of hope tonight, but only time will tell how they respond.

I addressed a few key areas that the Celtics needed to succeed in to win this series the other day. The team was flat and failed in each and every area covered.

Boston was out-rebounded, out-hustled and out-run by a rested and healthy Cavaliers team. LeBron got things going early and never stopped. Kevin Love became more involved in their offense than he has been throughout the playoffs. Thompson was grab boards on both the defensive and offensive glass to help the Cavs break out to a huge lead.

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Isaiah Thomas, like many others, struggled offensively. That shouldn’t last and he should be able to find his rhythm.

In the second half, Boston actually won. They outscored the Cavaliers in both the third and fourth quarters. Of course, Cleveland may have taken their foot off the gas a bit to end the game, but Boston showed heart as they fought to the end.

Boston will still need to find an answer to LeBron, and that may be a challenge. They don’t have a defender with the size and athletic ability to keep up. To be fair, what team does have a player to shut down James?

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Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals will be played Friday at 8:30 PM at the TD Garden on TNT. Hopefully Boston can come back to even the series 1-1 as the teams head to Cleveland for games 3 and 4.

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