Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

BOSTON, MA - MAY 13: Boston Celtics Terry Rozier III, (12) Marcus Morris (13) and Jayson Tatum (0) celebrate after Rozier III hit a shot that made the score 96-68, and forced the Cavaliers to call a fourth quarter timeout. Cleveland's LeBron James is in the backGround at far right. The Boston Celtics hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game One of their NBA Eastern Conference Final Playoff series at TD Garden in Boston on May 13, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. The Cavaliers’ struggles weren’t all on Boston, however

Even in defeat, LeBron James can find a way to impress you. After facing one of the more complex defenses he’s seen in the playoffs, James took the world inside the detail of his memory.

This exhibit of mental gymnastics was later checked by video. You can guess who came out victorious.

LeBron James' photographic memory: 💯 pic.twitter.com/IALy2gQeFC
— ESPN (@espn) May 14, 2018

James’ memory will probably help make or break this series. The Celtics defended James with a variety of switch screens and blind side help on post passes.

Every time James thought he had pinned Boston’s defense, another white shirt dashed towards the basketball. As great of a performance as Boston put up, however, the Cavs matched them with missed shots and bad possessions.

Cleveland finished Sunday shooting 36 percent from the field and 15 percent (4-for-26) from deep. It was the kind of performance that we shouldn’t expect to see again.

"The Cavs will not have any other game all year, that's anything close to that performance by LeBron James."@getnickwright on why the Cavs will bounce back pic.twitter.com/4gQePySIwQ
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) May 14, 2018

Boston played a wonderful game defensively, but you don’t blow out LeBron James without a little bit of help. Expect a much different Cavaliers team come Game 2.

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