Boston Celtics: 5 reasons they can upset the Cleveland Cavaliers

Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts with his team after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts with his team after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics
Mar 1, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Emphasis on improved defense

Watching the Celtics play inspires hope that the flopping era might come to an end. Well, aside from Marcus Smart’s random flailing that would make Anderson Varejao cringe.

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Boston’s consistent hustle on defense — despite its undersized roster — causes opponents to miss shots. Among the playoff teams that have played more than 10 games this postseason, the Celtics are third in opponent field goal percentage (45 percent) and first in opponent three-point percentage (31 percent).

The Celtics’ rough style of defense can throw teams like Cleveland off — even teams that seem to have a clear size and rebounding advantage. Against Washington, the rebounding woes continued, but the consistency on defense paid off after seven games.

Wizards role players like Marcin Gortat and Otto Porter could not produce throughout the stretch, allowing Boston to close out the series. Each possession is going to matter this series, and the Celtics should be able to keep up with the Cavaliers every step of the way.

They will not be able to keep Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, and Kevin Love from scoring, but if they contain the supporting cast, consistent solid outings from Boston can send Cleveland packing.