2018 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers preview

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2. Can Cleveland’s supporting cast keep it up?

After Kevin Love was second on the team in scoring with 11.4 points per game against the Pacers in the first round, many dubbed LeBron’s supporting cast the worst he’s had since 2007, where he famously dragged a team of misfits to the NBA Finals.

Guys like Love, J.R. and Hill must have been listening, because in the conference semis against Toronto, they, along with others, played much better.

Five players not named LeBron James averaged double figures, giving James the supporting cast he’s needed to ease what is already a tremendous burden he’s had to carry this season.

One of the biggest reasons for this level of play was actually the absence of LeBron James, as Ty Lue rested James more than normal for stretches at a time, empowering his other players to go out and produce independently of the best player in the world.

Should Cleveland’s play against the Raptors translate over to the matchup with Boston, the Cavaliers will be dangerous on the offensive end.

Toronto wasn’t willing to double-team James, allowing him to get whatever he wanted on the offensive end.

Sending a second defender at him though isn’t a better option, as LeBron’s passing ability allows him to find the open man no matter the scenario.

If Love, J.R. and everyone not wearing a No. 23 jersey can keep the defense honest, the Celtics will have a real pick-your-poison situation on their hands, with neither scenario looking all that attractive.