The Eastern Conference Finals are now upon us, and whether you predicted it or not the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers will go to war.
No one expected Boston to be back in this position for the second straight year with a whole new team. The way Boston has played this season has left me speechless. They’ve overcome so much, and they’re in a spot to do something special.
The Celtics match-up well with Cleveland and that says a lot when you have Kyrie and Gordon Hayward in suits. Here are a few key things to look into heading into the series for Boston:
Guarding LeBron
As I’ve mentioned before, a Tatum/LeBron matchup looks like the best option. Throwing multiple looks his way, however, can prevent and contain the King. Another good look to throw at James would be Marcus Morris. The two could definitely cause disruption on the defensive end, but at the end of the game, I’d want Morris to defend him. Morris is a new animal. If there were an award for the most improved player in the playoffs, he’d get my vote.
Controlling the Glass
This was a continuous problem last year for the C’s. Thompson and Love owned the paint. Horford, Baynes, Tatum, and Morris all have to crash when the shot goes up. All five guys on the floor have to put a body on someone and clear them out.
Perimeter Defense
Rozier, Smart, Tatum, Brown, whoever is defending the perimeter needs to stay disciplined on the outside. Going over the screens needs to be a constant when guarding guys like Kyle Korver and JR Smith. If they get into a rhythm it’ll be hard to keep up and late-game adjustments might not work.
For Cleveland, it’s apparent that there’s nothing to be done when playing against the Celtics. Most analysts are saying LeBron and company will run all over this Boston team. With the way the C’s have been playing, there are a few things the Cavs need to look out for.
Control the Tempo
With a mastermind coach like Brad Stevens, Boston has managed to control the tempo of games in the past two series. Cleveland can’t miss a beat while defending the Celtics because one wrong move could lead to a quick transition bucket. The Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the postseason in late game situations.
Hitting the Gaps
Boston loves taking advantage of open space. They’re penetrating to the top of the free throw line and getting a quick bucket or attacking the rim and dumping it down low. Rozier has a fast first-step and George Hill, or whoever is on him, needs to contain his movement at all times.
I believe we’ll see an entertaining series between two very talented teams. With games like these, it will come down to coaching and late-game situations. Who will execute when it comes down to it?
Who do y’all got?