4up/4down: Celtics vs Cavaliers (Game 2)

After another valiant effort, the Celtics just couldn’t muster up enough firepower to take down the Cavs. Down 2-0 in the series, things are looking bleak for our C’s. Fortunately, last night we saw a lot of good things, and it could lead to potentially winning a game or two at home.

UP

1. Defense

Against one of the best offenses in the league, the Celtics did a solid job defending the Cavs big 3. In the first 3 quarter they got Lebron James to settle for more perimeter shots, completely took Kevin Love out of the game, and made sure none of the other supporting cast played a big role. Staying home on shooters and not allowing Cavs to throw cross-court passes was something we have to continue to do.

2. Composure

When the Cavs quickly erased an 8pt deficit in the 1st, and marched out to a 14 point lead in the second half the Celtics never lost their cool, and continued to play smart basketball. For a young team filled with guys in their first postseason that’s very impressive, and another testament to the coaching that Brad Stevens has been doing.

3. Isaiah Thomas

It’s painfully clear that Isaiah Thomas is our only consistent source of offense, and again he had a strong night. He was hesitant early to drive all the way into the lane, but in the second half he really turned up the intensity, and made crucial baskets when it looked like the Celtics were going to get blown away. He finished with 22 points, 7 assists, and a perfect 10-10 from the line.

4. Jae Crowder

His numbers don’t jump out to you, but at this stage we already know his game. Crowder played some terrific defense on Lebron off the bench, forcing him into taking long midrange shots, and being aggressive when he got the ball himself. He had a tough night shooting (4-10), but he took it to the hole aggressively, and crashed the board, grabbing 3 offensive rebounds.

DOWN

1. Tristan Thompson

I can’t remember the last time a guy had a better impact on the game without even looking for a shot. In 26 minutes Thompson had 11 boards, 5 offensive, and was responsible for jumpstarting some back-breaking possessions for the Celtics. During the first half the Celtics did a solid job keeping the Cavs off the boards, but as we wore down Thompson and Co. took full advantage.

2. Lebron James 4th quarter

Going into the 4th quarter Lebron had 15 points. At the end of it he had 30.

3. Stevens rotation

During the regular season Stevens has gotten away with being patient with players, and letting them play thru bad stretches, or games. In the postseason that can’t be the case. When you’re fighting for your life in every game as an underdog, there has to be a bit more urgency when things aren’t going to well. Isaiah Thomas shouldn’t be sitting half of the third quarter, Evan Turner shouldn’t be leading the team in minutes, and if Bradley isn’t contributing offensively some of his minutes should be given to Smart (though last night he played phenomenal defense). Stevens has done a great job making some adjustments, but he needs to make quicker decisions with personnel before things get out of hand.

4. Boston’s starting five

If there has ever been a bigger group of misfits, this Celtics’ starting 5 may take the cake. Tyler Zeller, who’s the most efficient of the bunch seems to disappear after the first quarter. Evan Turner shoots horribly, can be a bit ball-dominant, and plays average defense, but gets the most minutes due to his ability to create. Brandon Bass looks too undersized to play defense down low, and turns into a dark hole once you pass him the ball. Avery Bradley is capable of scoring, but most of his buckets come off dribble hand-offs because he’s unable to create his own shot. Finally, Marcus Smart, still finding his way offensively, still trying to earn the respect of the refs defensively, but as of now is still a shell of the player he’s going to be. One of these guys is going to have to step up and play out of this world or we might never make it back to Cleveland. Hopefully a trip to the Garden can re-energize them.