Cleveland Oh. – Game three started off decent. Like it could turn into a shootout. And then, the Cavs offense went sideways, and the Celtics made a few more shots as they won, 106-93. For the sixth time these playoffs, the Cavs failed to hit the 100-point mark. They were 1-5 in those games. It’s not that 100 points is the end all be all, but the Cavs are going up against a team that can score from multiple angles. The Celtics were led by Jayson Tatum with 33 points and 13 boards. Jaylon Brown scored 28 with 9 boards. Jrue Holiday scored 18 with 8 rebounds. Are you kind of sensing the theme here? The Cavs were outrebounded (44-35), outscored in the paint (50-48), and outscored from three (39-36). This was a winnable game. But the Cavs just couldn’t figure out a way to overcome.
What changed from game two to game three? Evan Mobley said after the game, “we didn’t get where we wanted to get. We need to watch film and get into our spots quicker.” Donovan Mitchell said “I think there were times we tried to hit the homerun, myself included. At the end of the day, I’m not mad at the aggression. … now it’s just get ready and figure it out for Monday.”
The third quarter was what did the Cavs in. After a first half that saw Mitchell go for 23 points, with 6 threes, the Cavs came out and gave up 14 straight points enroute to being down by 23 points. Then, Evan Mobley rolled his ankle, and it looked like the Cavs might be doomed. Instead, the Cavs welcomed back Dean Wade for the first time in eight weeks, and the small lineup provided some space, and the Cavs kind of came alive. They got it down to 15 to end the third, and then scored the first six points of the fourth quarter to trim the lead to nine points. But the Celtics would not allow them to get it closer. Tatum, and Brown refused to allow the Cavs to make a real run and the Celtics hung on. After the game, Mitchell, Mobley and Coach JB Bickerstaff all said the Cavs need to make shots. They can’t afford to fall behind against a team like the Celtics.
Game Four is Monday night at 7pm. It’s a tall task, but the Cavs are still in this series. They won on Boston’s floor so we know this is a team that can compete. They just have to relax, hit some shots, and……. Let Em Know!
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