Cleveland Cavaliers/Boston Celtics Game 5 Analysis
16 Wins A Ring Writers offer 3 different perspectives on ECF, Game 5 results: Cavaliers 135 — Celtics 102
Cavaliers Analysis by Brendan Vogt
What Worked:
The Cavaliers were aggressive from the tip on Thursday night, and almost immediately they looked to establish themselves down low. They jumped out to an early lead by dominating the paint.
It was a complete quarter for Cleveland though, one featuring strong defense, LeBron dunks, and the usual early production from Kevin Love. The Cavs opened up a 21-point lead on a 43 point quarter — the third time they’d hit that mark in this series alone.
Deron Williams scored all 14 of his bench points in a second quarter that featured a ton of action at the free throw line for Cleveland. The Cavs would hit 20 of their 24 attempts from the stripe in this game, but 12 of those attempts came in those 12 minutes alone. The bench play and free points helped Cleveland extend their lead, and they headed into the locker room with an insane 75 points.
Cleveland’s defense looked to be in shambles in the final weeks of the regular season, and some saw it as cause for concern as the playoffs loomed. But it didn’t seem to hold the Cavs back in their first 10 games of the playoffs. Then, an embarrassing loss in game three and a tough first half in game four lead to the reemergence of those concerns — and a straight up embarrassing quote from Tyronn Lue.
“The stuff they’re running, it’s harder to defend than Golden State’s (offense) for me, as far as the actions and all the running around and all the guys who are making all the plays, so it’s a totally different thing. Like, they hit the post, Golden State runs splits and all that stuff but these guys are running all kinds of (stuff). And Brad’s (Stevens) got them moving and cutting and playing with pace and everybody is a threat.”
The Cavaliers were able to right the ship defensively in game five though by racking up 13 team steals, while forcing 18 Boston turnovers. The Celtics never led, and Cleveland lead by as much as 39 as the C’s were handed their worst loss in franchise history when facing elimination.
Lessons Learned:
The King erased any doubts that may have stemmed from his game three flop by eviscerating the Celtics in game five, as he did for most of the series.
If game four was the Kyrie Irving game, then you can add this one to the long list of playoff games that belongs to LeBron. While Kevin Love led the way with a ridiculous 43 +/-, James lead all players with 35 points and 8 assists on a ludicrous 13–18 (72.2%) from the field, including a 4–7 performance from deep.
After two games in this series, LeBron looked like a Monstar: a ruthless, inexplicably large blend of the very best basketball talents in the world. In game three, he switched roles, and it looked as if the Monstars themselves had drained him of his NBA powers.
But James has regained his swagger and confidence over these last two games. We can stick with the Space Jam theme here, Bron looked like he was sipping on Michael Jordan’s “secret stuff” before game five.
Hang on, did someone say MJ?
LeBron has made it clear that he’s not just chasing rings, but also chasing a ghost. He may never catch Jordan outright, but on Thursday night, at least in one category, Bron didn’t just catch MJ, he surpassed him.
At 32-years old, LeBron James now holds the record for most playoff points ever scored, a mark that becomes truly remarkable when you note the rate at which he’s climbing the assists leaderboard as well. Now, with another accolade under his belt, the King will advance to the finals for the seventh straight season — making him the only player that wasn’t on Bill Russell’s Celtics to accomplish the feat.
Congratulations folks, we did it. We survived one of the most injury filled, excitement-less, and unnecessary NBA playoffs in league history. On the other side of this dark tunnel is a bright light, waiting to embrace us all in its warmth. This should be one of the greatest Finals that any of us see for as long as we live. Grab your popcorn, keep your eyes peeled for 16 WAR’s series preview, and enjoy the show.
Celtics Analysis by Danny Emerman
What Worked:
What a disappointing way to end a magnificent season. The Celtics played their hearts out in all 100 games they played, except in Game 5. Having their season cut short by LeBron James and a scorching hot Kyrie Irving is no shameful act, especially considering Isaiah Thomas’s injury, but Boston showed no signs of the fight they had in the previous two games.
Playing a team with such obvious superior talent can be demoralizing, but Brad Stevens’ Celtics rarely gave up or backed down. They may have played scared in the first two games, but they battled from the tip to the final buzzer.
But effort, best exemplified by players like Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier, does not alone win NBA playoff games. And once the Cavaliers’ offense started cooking, the Celtics didn’t even get the effort they needed.
The Cavaliers’ Game 5 rout once again indicates the massive chasm between the gold standard of the league, Cleveland, and the ten-dollar stock that miraculously skyrocketed like IBM in the 90’s. Boston is still missing several pieces to the championship puzzle, while the Cavaliers have one of the best rosters LeBron has ever played with. The Celtics have moves to make, but it’s quite possible that no one is catching King James any time soon.
Jaylen Brown (7 points, 2/3 FG) played his best on a bum hip in Game 5 and his series says a lot about his progress. Brown averaged 9 points per game in the Eastern Conference Finals and the Celtics could depend on his defensive competitiveness and offensive confidence.
Lessons Learned:
So much of defense is effort, and the defense was simply nonexistent out of the gates. Sure, LeBron and Kyrie Irving drained some ridiculous shots, but allowing 74 first half points is unacceptable, no matter if you’re playing the Monstars or the Dahntay Jones’ YMCA pick up team. The 135 points Cleveland scored was the most in Cavaliers playoff history.
Boston put no pressure on LeBron off the ball, allowed him to get to the rim once he caught it, and had countless lapses in communication on screens, allowing shooters open looks.
They also learned that they’re a much better team when they’re running their motion offense hard with player movement and ball movement. The Celtics averaged about 27 assists in the playoffs prior to Game 5. In Game 5, they only had 20 assists on 37 field goals. That’s indicative of a more stagnate, isolated offense consisting of tough pull-ups and contested drives that should have been kicked out.
The Celtics also struggled taking care of the ball. They aren’t going to win many games coughing the ball up 18 times. Much of that has to do with traditionally secondary ball-handlers inheriting Isaiah Thomas’ responsibilities, but much of it was careless.
The Celtics didn’t deserve to win this game, and they certainly had no business winning the series. But their lack of effort, carelessness, and offensive predictability was extremely disappointing, especially in an elimination game.
Neutral Analysis by Tamberlyn Richardson
Why Cavaliers Won:
Heading into the night there were certain expectations. Specifically, after Game 3 and the first half of Game 4 it was a veritable certainty LeBron James would produce a complete game with focused effort. The King delivered on all counts mixing drives, efficient scoring from the field and dunks which hit their mark. Additionally, James collected enough points to surpass his childhood inspiration Michael Jordan for most points scored All-Time in NBA playoff history.
James kicked the Cavaliers off with so much aggression he single handedly sucked all the energy out of the Garden. His first quarter stats reflected his mind set with 11 points, 6 assists (including a rim rocking dunk) and 4 rebounds. Cleveland finished the quarter with 43 points essentially telling Boston — it’s over!
After twisting his ankle in Game 4, Kyrie Irving showed no ill effects. But, it was Kevin Love who delivered once again with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Love added 3 assists, 4 steals, a block and a team high plus +43. After taking a few seasons to acclimate to his role, this series demonstrated his comfort level. As much as LeBron and Kyrie each had stand out games it was Love who was the most consistent of the Big 3 in the series.
With the game well in hand by the half it offered Ty Lue an opportunity to dust off his reserve unit. Finally Cleveland’s bench brigade delivered, scoring 49 points (2 more than Boston). This was a key point as the Celtics won the bench battle in each previous game (handily).
With the win the Cavaliers get six full days to rest and prepare prior to playing what is the trilogy of their series versus the Golden State Warriors.
Why Celtics Lost:
Boston left their best ball in Cleveland. Perhaps the pressure of being back at the Garden took a toll as the squad came out looking unprepared. Gone was the aggressive defense and energy of their two efforts in the Land.
Worse the Celtics looked mired in sand as no one was moving on offense and the result was the ball stuck with players trying to do too much iso ball.
I maintain my earlier series comments of Al Horford not delivering enough to push the Celtics over the top. Without Isaiah Thomas, Horford needed to take over or at least establish the type of aggression required. In this final game his 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 turnovers and minus -30 was not acceptable from a player acquired to make a difference, particularly in the post season.
Moving forward there is plenty for the Celtics to be excited about. After a slow start to the season Jaylen Brown made a believers out of this pundit. While Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk, Marcus Smart and Jonas Jerebko deserve hat tips Brown was the biggest surprise. He consistently brought effort, was one of the few who never looked scared and embodies the character synonymous with Celtics lore.
As Boston now prepares for the draft the big question will be whether they hang on to the number one draft pick (Markelle Fultz?). Or, will Danny Ainge decide to utilize it to capture a disenchanted star from another team. To that end, there will be plenty of speculation surrounding the potential for Jimmy Butler or Paul George to end up in Boston in exchange for the top pick.
The other player to keep a close eye on is Gordon Hayward (though the Jazz can match any offer given his restricted tag) who may want to rekindle his relationship with Brad Stevens.
Additionally, decisions will need to be made regarding the future of Isaiah Thomas. Unquestionably he is the Celtics top player. The problem is can he transfer his regular season dominance to the post season. Furthermore, do the Celtics want to pay Thomas what he’ll want next summer when he hits free agency.
Boston’s brain trust has plenty to ponder, but the fact they have these options speaks to a bright future ahead.
In closing:
From this scribe’s perspective the 2017 playoffs has failed to deliver and ranks as the most boring in memory. There are fewer than a handful of games (let alone series) which lived up to expectations. With the Association at an all time high in popularity, it’s a shame the NBA failed to capitalize on the opportunity to gain new fans.
That said, with a single loss in 25 games the finals showdown of the top two NBA squads offers room for enthusiasm. Here’s hoping it can turn the tide with top level performances and a competitive 7-game series.
Over the next six days the Cavaliers and Warriors will prepare for a record setting first time the same two teams meet in three consecutive NBA Finals.
To that end, make sure to catch Sixteen Wins A Ring Finals Series Preview as three writers offer varying perspectives. In the interim catch our daily quality content on all NBA teams.
