Fast-paced approach propels Cavs to 116-86 victory over Celtics; Three takeaways

CLEVELAND – The Cavaliers had three days to recharge from a demoralizing, 107-94 loss to the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Adjustments and a revamped game plan turned the tables on their 2-0 series deficit.

Cleveland came out with a surge, playing with fast pace, crashing the boards with tenacity and excelling on both ends of the floor en route to a 116-86 victory over Boston in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday evening at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

With the competitive edge, the Cavs got a wide array of contributions from their starting lineup – all five starters registered 10-or-more points – and outrebounded their opposition by a wide margin, 45-34.

LeBron James paced the offense with 27 points, five rebounds and 12 assists, while Kevin Love posted a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. George Hill – who could only register eight points between Games 1 and 2 – was arguably the difference-maker, notching 13 points, three rebounds and two assists.

The road five never held a lead in the one-sided affair, particularly because Jaylen Brown and Al Horford were limited to just 12 field goal attempts and 17 combined points.

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