Boston Celtics: I was wrong, this series isn’t over after all
The Boston Celtics won Game 3 in stunning fashion. They proved myself and many others wrong. This series isn’t over after all!
What. A. Game! The Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-108 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on the road Sunday night. They did so without their superstar, Isaiah Thomas.
I’m glad to say the Celtics proved me wrong, as I didn’t think they had a chance to win a single game in this series without IT.
The first half of the game was more of the same as the Cavaliers and Kevin Love seemed to be hitting every three-pointer. Something must have clicked for Boston in the locker room at halftime though. They got behind by 21 points, but they kept on grinding.
Marcus Smart was phenomenal all night. He led all Celtics players with 27 points.
All out on D
While the offense got going a bit (46.2% shooting, 28 assists), it was Boston’s defense that made the difference in the second half. Cleveland was limited to 42 points in the second half, while Boston put up 61 of their own.
The Celtics held LeBron James to just 11 points, his lowest total in the playoffs in his last 58 games.
Boston played hard, with heart, grit and hustle. It was all about Celtics pride.
"“We just told each other, ‘No matter what happens, we’ve got to be the hardest-playing team,’ “ Marcus Smart said after the win."
It seemed like every Celtics player had a role in the teams’ win. They got something out of Jonas Jerebko, Jae Crowder, Gerald Green, Jaylen Brown, Kelly Olynyk, Terry Rozier, and everyone else! 11 Celtics logged at least seven minutes of playing time. Coach Brad Stevens knows what he has in this Celtics team.
"“We’ve got guys that have chips on their shoulders. A lot of these guys have been overlooked, and this is their first opportunity to really play a meaningful role. And as they’ve continued to play and play better and better and better, they’ve just risen in their games and with our team.”"
Jonas Jerebko was amazing off the bench in the second half after not appearing in the first. He scored 10 points on 4/4 shooting, including two from deep. The 6’10” forward was also able to secure 5 rebounds for his squad.
Avery Bradley comes up clutch
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The game winning dagger came from Avery Bradley. He hit the game winning shot, a three, with 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock to silence the Cleveland crowd. LeBron says he knew the game was over as soon as the ball left AB’s hands.
"“You almost knew that that shot [Bradley’s winner] was going to go in,” said James. “It was like, you already knew. As soon as the ball went out his hands, you kind of knew that shot was going to go in because of how the game was just played throughout the second half.”"
The always humble Avery Bradley deflected all of the praise to his teammates and coach after the game.
"“I think it was the play called by Brad Steven. He did a great job of putting us in the right position, forcing them to have to help and not be able to switch. Al Horford made a great screen and Marcus Smart made an even better pass, and I was able to knock down a shot. It was a great play by Brad.”"
Next: Will Hayward end up in Boston?
With the series now at 2-1, Boston will look to even things up in Game 4. That game will be played in Cleveland on Tuesday night at 8:30 PM on TNT.