Boston Celtics use physical and mental toughness in Game 1 win

The Boston Celtics used their physical and mental toughness to completely obliterate LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

After dispatching the Toronto Raptors in an embarrassing sweep, the Cleveland Cavaliers set their sights on another rematch wth their consistent arch-nemesis, the Boston Celtics.

Let’s be honest, it takes a lot to dethrone LeBron James in a seven game series. The best thing any team can do is minimize the damage. Even then though, King James will surely get his numbers. Heck, in Game 6 of the first round against the Indiana Pacers, LeBron still obtained 22 points on seven assists, while the Cleveland Cavaliers looked lost in a 35-point drubbing.

Boston throttled the Philadelphia 76ers on their side of the draw in five games behind a stifling defensive effort. They enter the Eastern Conference Finals haven’t not lost a home game all playoffs. Even without their star players, head coach Brad Stevens still rallied the troops for a rematch with the Cavs.

Due to a underwhelming performance in the regular season, Cleveland finished with the fourth seed, while the C’s grabbed the two-seed. Although dethroning the king is a tall task to handle, Boston could still be happy with their home court advantage. And boy, did that help.

ESPN had Cleveland as one point favorites going into Game1, but much of the media praised Boston for its versatility. That same versatility is what the Celtics used to completely obliterate everything the Cavs threw at Stevens.

All about the defense

The Celtics’ depth and defensive strategies was just too much to handle for LeBron and company, as Boston came out on top 108-83 in Game 1.

Prior to the game, I read an article on cbssports about Marcus Morris claiming he’s the best at guarding LeBron outside of Kawhi Leonard. NBA fans gave Morris flak for that comment, but the forward backed up his talk, as he held James to 5-16 shooting with only 15 points.

Other players stepped up as well on the defensive end, as guys like Al Horford and Semi Ojeleye had their chances at stopping him too. The Cavs’ lack of playmakers on offense reared its ugly head, and Boston’s defensive depth shined. The C’s have so much length and size, that it’s hard to find a rhythm if you’re the opponent. Even Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can hold their own on the 33 year-old.

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This was probably the most efficient offensive game the Celtics have played without Kyrie Irving. They moved the ball, and played ultra-aggressive. The first half saw Brown driving mercilessly to the rim, and spotting up for three. Tatum and Horford move off the ball effortlessly, especially when the forwards used picks to free them up.

Cleveland struggles to use that formula, and instead prides themselves on isolation ball, with LeBron having the ball in their hands most of the time. In Game 1, this did not work, because every guy on the floor for Boston could hang with the king. Even when Terry Rozier got switched on him, Horford or Tatum would move over for the double team. The Cavs don’t have enough knockdown shooters to destroy a double team.

According to ESPN, prior to this contest, Boston had six guys who averaged double digits for points. In Game 1, four players scored in double digits, and Jaylen finished with 23.

Horford has convinced me that he has one of the highest IQs in the league, especially after watching him switch on screens, and basically do everything for this team. He’s the backbone that they’ll always need. Stevens can use him in so many ways on offense, and Cleveland had no answer for him. Al finished with 20 points and six assists.

Next: Boston Celtics: Marcus Morris lived up to the hype in Game 1

Per usual, LeBron does not seem worried. After that terrible 35-point loss in Game 6 against Indiana, the king scored 45 en route to a Game 7 win. This series is far from over. However, Stevens has instilled a confidence in his young guys that LeBron hasn’t seen in quite some time. He needs to make adjustments before it’s too late.

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