The Boston Celtics were trounced 116-86 by the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This result was largely due to the fact that Al Horford was held to a mere 7 points after having had big games in the first two editions of the series. In addition to that, the Cavs had six players put up double-digit scoring efforts after having only three players do so in Game 2.
Of course, Celtics players reacted to the loss in a classy manner, unlike the statements of LeBron James and company after they were blown out in Games 1 and 2. Point guard Terry Rozier said that the Celtics got their “butts whooped,” and forward Al Horford stated that "it just shows that, when you don't bring it as a team and you don't play the way you're supposed to play, these kind of things can happen. At the same time, you've got to give Cleveland credit. They played better. They were the better team tonight."
I know a lot of Celtics fans may be concerned after seeing the result of this game, but I think most informed basketball fans were expecting Cleveland to win big in this one. Generally speaking, teams down 0-2 who are playing at home in Game 3 find a way to get a game back. It’s just one of those NBA trends that’s difficult to ignore, and you could understand why: Teams have their backs against the wall, knowing that a loss in Game 3 puts them down 0-3, and they have the energy of their home court with them. It would have been embarrassing for the Cavs to have lost this game. My prediction before the series started was Celtics in 5, and the game I expected them to lose was Game 3, so I’m not the least bit concerned--I maintain my pre-series take.
The reality of the situation is that the Cavs will not shoot 50% from 3 and 49% from the field again, as they’re facing one of the best defensive teams in the league in the Boston Celtics. Furthermore, it’s hard for me to believe that Al Horford, the guy that has been massive in these playoffs for the green, will take only four shots in Game 4.
The Celtics are the better team. I believe that they will win Games 4 and 5, but even if they only take the latter (which is at home), it’s important to remember that a potential Game 7 will be held at the Garden, and the Cavs aren’t winning in Boston. It just won’t
happen.
(Stats via ESPN)
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