The Clover Report: Week Thirty-Two

With the Boston Celtics up 2-0 on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals; it was safe to say Boston was in the driver’s seat. But while the Celtics were 9-0 at home during the playoffs, they were 1-4 on the road. That trend continued in Game 3 as the Cavs demolished the Celtics 116–86. Cleveland dominated Boston from the tip as they outscored the Celtics 32-17 after the 1st quarter. LeBron James had 27 points and 12 assists while Kevin Love had 13 points and 14 rebounds. Honestly, this game wasn’t that hard to figure out, the Cavs wanted it more and came out aggressive. With that debacle out of the way, it was on to Game 4.

Game 4 was a better outing for the Celtics but it was still a disappointing result. After struggling again in the 1st, the Cavs were in control for most of the game and won 111–102. The Cavs had a 34–18 lead after the 1st and didn’t trail after that. LeBron went off for 44 points to tie the series up at 2 a piece. The Celtics had a balanced attack on offense as every starter scored double figures, But they kept playing from behind and that doomed them.

With the series tied at 2-2, it’s safe to say that Game 5 was an extremely important game. Luckily, the Celtics were back home at the Garden and they were  the ones that got out to a hot start. The Celtics led for a majority of the game and won 96–83. It was an incredible defensive performance for Boston as the Cavs only shot 41% from the floor. Jayson Tatum led the way with 24 points and Al Horford added 15 points and 12 rebounds in the win. So here we are, one win away from the NBA Finals. It’s truly crazy to say that. But if the Celtics can win one more game, it will be true.

Steve Santoro (SVS_1993)