1. Limit Cavaliers’ supporting cast
After a tough seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers, Cleveland’s chances weren’t looking good against the Toronto Raptors in the conference semis, as everyone outside of LeBron failed to produce at a high level, forcing James to almost singlehandedly lead the Cavs to victory.
Against the Raptors, however, James’ supporting cast showed up to the playoffs, with five other Cavaliers averaging double-digits in scoring, as Cleveland’s offensive potency proved too much for Toronto, losing in a sweep.
Notice a pattern?
When Cleveland’s other guys produce at a high level, its offense becomes too much to handle for the opposing defense.
Boston can’t double-team off LeBron, because his teammates’ ability to hit open shots will prove too costly.
They also can’t play James with just one defender. With his strength and athleticism still at a high level, LeBron will simply bully his way to the basket on every possession, getting easy buckets and drawing fouls.
Shutting down guys like Kevin Love and J.R. Smith puts more of the pressure on LeBron James, forcing him to do even more than what he’s been already doing.
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While he’s proven capable of winning both games and series seemingly by himself in the past, the Indiana series proved that it might not always work.