Boston’s Bench, Suffocating Defense Key in Dominant Game Two Win
If Boston’s bench continues to play like it did in game two, LeBron James should start packing for Beijing now.
Leon Powe, Sam Cassell and James Posey all gave the Celtics huge minutes off the bench, combining for 27 points and 13 rebounds in Boston’s 89-73 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The trio sparked a decisive 10-0 run in the second quarter to give the Celtics a lead they would never relinquish.
Not only was Boston’s bench production fantastic, but for the second straight game, their suffocating defense completely shut down King James. James managed 21 points and six assists but shot only 6-24 from the field and turned the ball over seven times. For the series, LeBron is shooting an embarrassing 19 percent and has an assist-turnover ratio under one.
Boston now leads the series 2-0, and quite honestly, it doesn’t look like Cleveland has much of a shot at turning it around. With the exception of Zydrunas Ilgauskas, no one is providing any kind of help for James; Delonte West has pulled a disappearing act, and Wally Szczerbiak continues to hurl bricks at the rim. And without Cleveland’s role players stepping up, Boston can continue to double- and triple-team James, frustrating the superstar.
Furthermore, Kevin Garnett is the only one of Boston’s big three to play up to his own lofty standards. Granted, Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 19 points on Thursday, and Ray Allen added 16, but if either of them catches fire, Cleveland will be watching the rest of the playoffs in their respective homes.
As the old cliché goes, the series isn’t over until you lost on your home court. However, Cleveland needs to make some serious adjustments before Saturday’s game three. First, and most importantly, James needs to adjust to Boston’s in-your-face defense. This would obviously be a lot easier if his teammates show up—which is the second key—but LeBron has to start hitting some shots. Finally, Cleveland can not allow Boston’s bench to beat them; the big three is one thing, but if the Cavaliers are going to allow Powe and Posey to be as productive as they have been, Cleveland doesn’t deserve to win.
Guard Play Carries Spurs to Game Three Victory
For all intensive purposes, game three of the San Antonio-New Orleans series was an elimination game for the Spurs. Thanks to Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, they passed the test with flying colors, winning the game 110-99.
The Spurs two starting guards were stellar, combining for 62 points and 17 assist in the must-win game. Tim Duncan added 16 points and 13 rebounds for the defending champs, who appear to have regained their classic swagger.
The game was shaping up to be a classic for three and a half quarters, but San Antonio’s starting backcourt decided to take charge midway through the fourth period. With nine minutes to play and the Spurs leading by a deuce, the duo fueled an 11-0 run to seal the game. Bruce Bowen’s triple from the corner with just under six minutes remaining was the final dagger in the Hornets’ hearts.
The Hornets were again led by Chris Paul, who scored 35 points on 15-25 shooting and dished out nine dimes. David West was also dominant in the paint, tallying 23 points and 12 rebounds. However, no other Hornet scored more than 12 points, and on defense, New Orleans never had an answer for Ginobili or Parker.
With the victory, San Antonio keeps their hopes alive of repeating as NBA Champs. It is unlikely, however, that their backcourt will give them that kind of production every game, so Duncan will need to up his scoring output. For the Hornets, they are golden on the offensive end, but on defense, they obviously can’t allow San Antonio’s guards to get into the paint with such ease.
Of the four Conference Semifinal series, this is still the most intriguing match-up. San Antonio always seems to find a way to get the job done, while Paul is proving why he should have been named MVP. Ultimately, this series will be a back-and-forth tussle with the youngster carrying his team through to the Western Conference Finals in seven games.
