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*Photo via Getty
Cavaliers VS. Celtics Game One
The Boston Celtics gave it their best shot in game one, but in the end the Cleveland Cavaliers were just too much. Boston hung around early, taking a four point lead at the end of the first quarter, and as much as eight in the first half. The Cavs quickly gained back the momentum, outscoring the Celtics by 12 in the second quarter.
The second half was an uphill battle for the Celtics, as they saw the Cavs’ lead grow to as much as 20 in the third. Boston had some fight in them, closing the gap down to six at one point, but the Cavs then put their foot down and closed out the third on a nine to zero run. Boston got it down to 10 points with 12 minutes to go, but that was as close as they would get, losing 113-100.
The Cavs got big contributions from their “Big 3,” who combined for 69 points. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love played well in their first postseason game. Irving had 30 points, including five three pointers, while Love posted a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. The veteran of the “Big 3,” LeBron James, added 20 points as he was looking to get his playoff-inexperienced teammates involved early.
The Sixth Man of the Year candidate Isaiah Thomas was the most productive Celtic in the loss. He had 22 points, 10 assists and five rebounds off the bench.
Player of the Game: Kyrie Irving- He played 41 minutes and scored 30 points on 11-21 shooting, while shooting five of nine from three. He also added three rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal.
Dud of the Game: Avery Bradley- He played 31 minutes, scored just seven points on 3-10 shooting, and he was one of six from three.
Stat of the Game: The Cavs shot 42 percent from three.
The Cavs took game one by double digits, but the Celtics were winning by eight at one point and showed fight by not going away, even when they were down 20. Thomas also seemed to have his way with the Cavs’ defense and he wasn’t just scoring, but finding teammates as well. They got great contributions from their bench, and if their starters can get consistent scoring in game two, they may be able to keep it closer.
The Celtics won’t win any games if they allow the “Big 3” of James, Love and Irving to go off each night. It is also bad news for the Celtics and the rest of the league that Irving looked completely unfazed by the stage of the postseason, going off for 30. If Irving and Love continue to play like that, taking the load off James to carry them, they will have an easy time with Boston and make a deep run.
Game two is Tuesday at 7 p.m. on TNT.