Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Celtics
By Ryan Piers
1. LeBron James was outplayed by Al Horford
The playoffs are decided by the stars. In the battle of the two best players on the court, round one went to the underdog, Al Horford.
Look, this felt like just a “bad” game from LeBron. The -32 plus/minus was shocking, but we’ve seen LeBron struggle in Game 1 after rolling to four straight wins. Besides, 15 points, nine assists and seven rebounds is nothing to scoff at.
On a positive note, James seemed in good spirits following the game. When asked by a reporter to recount the Celtics’ fourth-quarter run, he tongue-in-cheek did in incredible detail.
.@KingJames' recalls the 4th quarter...in extreme detail.#WhateverItTakes https://t.co/86LNe2r2gX
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 13, 2018
On the other hand, Horford was dynamite. He twisted and twirled his way to 20 points, six assists and four rebounds, carving up the Cavs off the dribble while passing from the perimeter.
Al Horford records 20 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST to propel the @celtics in the series-opener at TD Garden! #CUsRise #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/i6AdBlDSay
— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2018
With the Atlanta Hawks, Horford struggled to get past playoff LeBron. Those teams were well-balanced and well coached, just like the current Boston squad, but lacked bruisers. Horford was often assigned James, especially when Paul Millsap was off the floor.
Next: Full two-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft
Boston has a bevy of wing defenders capable of at least freeing up Horford. Maybe that’s what he needs to dethrone the King.