Pardon me while I quote myself:
In the end… the matchups favor the Celtics. The defense is just way too much. LeBron is good for a win by himself. Their shooters can get hot and win another one. Celtics in 6.
Well... last night was all about "the other 4 guys." LeBron shot 5-16 for another crappy shooting night. But he had 8 assists... because everyone else was making shots... especially Joe Smith (7-8, 17 points) and Delonte West (7-11, 21 points). Does anyone expect those guys to shoot like that again?
My biggest problem with the C's last night wasn't that they lost. I think a lot of people expected a loss. Its that they gave up too many offensive rebounds (which is a strength of Cleveland's) and the offense got way too stagnant way too often. I think I speak for most people when I say I'm a little sick of Sam Cassell turning into a black hole when he's in the game. Its ok if he shoots... but how about working the ball around a little, huh Sam? And someone tell Rajon that those little baseline jumpers he was hitting in the 3rd quarter (when the C's cut a 20+ point lead down to 12) are the shots he needs to make early in the game.
So don't put any stock in the "they can't win on the road" mess that people will be talking today. Game 3 was about their role players playing out of their minds. There's no way that can be sustained. Maybe LeBron will step up and win a second game for them at some point... but if the Celtics come out and just.... play... basketball... they'll win.
Herald: C's out of their element | No place like home | C's turtle in game 3 | For this team's legacy, its title or bust | Point blank reason for loss | Players burn over pot shot | Globe: Cavs beat C's easily | Another disturbing roadblock | Posey denied home run | James gets lift from supporting cast | The saving of the Green | Giddy, and a little sheepish, loyal fans return | Columbus Dispatch: Team effort downs C's | ProJo: As Rondo struggles, Cassell forced into larger role | Garnett: "It's pretty frustrating" | Plain Dealer: West gets point across | LeBron confident | SI: C's need to step it up | ESPN Daily Dime: Deadline deal never looked so good