2. LeBron’s fast start didn’t frighten Boston
We’ve seen often in the playoffs where LeBron James shows from the opening tip he’s not leaving the building without a victory. Bullying his way to 21 first quarter points and 25 to end the half, the King set out to steal Game 2 in Boston in that exact manner.
21 points in the first quarter. If you doubted LeBron James, you’re wrong pic.twitter.com/NjhpW4muLO
— Brandon Pope TV (@BpopeTV) May 16, 2018
Most teams would have folded, and maybe past Celtics teams would have as well. But not this bunch. Boston did its best to keep things close going into halftime, with the third quarter being where they would eventually make their move.
The #Celtics close out the third quarter with a 23-11 run, lead 84-77 going into the fourth. Lots of bodies getting it done for Boston. Gotta love the game in the third from Marcus Smart. Hits the shot gives C's first lead, continues to make #winningplays (has 7 pts, 7 assists). pic.twitter.com/ryBYvISBzz
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) May 16, 2018
This is unreal. Yes, the @celtics are damn good, but this is some of the most God-Awful defense by the @cavs in this 3rd Qt than I’ve seen in some time! How do you come out after halftime — a time when adjustments are suppose to be made — and look like THIS?
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 16, 2018
Whether it was halftime adjustments or lack of defensive from Cleveland, Boston responded in ways most teams don’t to LeBron-led teams.
The third quarter gave us the last time the Cavs controlled a lead in the game, and on the way there we witnessed a play that has described the series so far. It also instantly became a meme sensation:
https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/996573496388931584?s=20
If the Cavaliers are to win the series, they must do more than roar out of the gates. They must respond when Boston roars back.