Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from Game 3 vs. Cavaliers

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 19: The Boston Celtics bench reacts in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 19, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. The Cavaliers’ role players stepped up

The Cavaliers are a much better team when every component is working at once. While LeBron James is beyond capable of burying the load, help from others is what brings out Cleveland’s best performances.

In the first couple of games, Boston did its best to be physical with James while forcing other Cavs to step up offensively. In Games 1 and 2, Kevin Love did. In Game 3, Love had a plethora of reinforcements.

5 Cavs not named LeBron finished with double-figures pic.twitter.com/H8cRlXtm3A
— SportsNation (@SportsNation) May 20, 2018

6 Cavs scored in double figures. pic.twitter.com/NOmhcwFvqg
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 20, 2018

Previous matchups have learned it takes an army to defeat Boston. The Celtics are too talented and well-coached to lose again by the hands of one or two. That means even the smallest arrivals of help could go a long way to having the chance at securing a victory.

Role players routinely play better at home. With the best player in basketball at their disposal, the Cavs don’t need performances like Saturday often. They just look so much more dangerous when they happen.

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