Cavs vs Celtics Game 4: Three Things To Look For

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the chance to do what many experts predicted they would and that’s sweep the Boston Celtics out of the first round of the NBA Playoffs on Sunday Afternoon. The Cavs vs Celtics series has been a lot more competitive then many expected, as Boston have made Cleveland earn every singly victory, as they have played hard and physical against the Cavs.

With all the pressure being on the Celtics in Game 4, LeBron James understands that it’s going to be a tough outing for his Cavaliers, per Joe Varden of the Northeast Ohio Media Group:

"“I mean, it’s a very important game. You know the type of pressure that the opposing team is under. It’s win or go home for them, and they’re going to bring everything in the tool box that they have to try and get this victory and compete in this game. We want to play well we have an opportunity to close it out, but it’s not the end of the world for us. We’re not approaching it that way.”"

While Cleveland would love to finish Boston off on Sunday, James is right. This isn’t a ‘must-win’ for the Cavs, as they would still be in the drivers seat with a 3-1 series lead but with that being said, rest in the playoffs is vitally important and with a physical series against the Chicago Bulls on the horizon (granted Chicago don’t become the first team in NBA history to drop a 3-0 series lead against the Milwaukee Bucks), the Cavs will be hoping that the flight back to Cleveland doesn’t involve the Celtics.

Here are three things to look for as the Cavs and Celtics prepare to battle on Sunday Afternoon.

Can the Cavs contain Isaiah Thomas again?

After burning Cleveland in the first two games to the tune of 22 points in both, Thomas was shut down by the Cavs in Game Three. Iman Shumpert, Kyrie Irving and others guarded the feisty point guard excellently in the Game Three victory and Thomas only managed a useless five points in 21 minutes of action.

The Cavs forced Thomas to go right every time, which forced him into tough pull-up jumpers and they managed to cut off all of his lanes to the hoop. Thomas is the heart and soul of the Celtics and without him; they have very minimal offensive firepower. If Cleveland can manage to contain Thomas once again, they will be on their way to a sweep.

How will Kyrie Irving bounce back?

Irving had his first ‘welcome to the playoffs’ moment in Game Three, as he was pounded every time he attempted to drive against the Celtics and without getting any help from the officials, he only managed 13 points struggled from the field, shooting 3/11. After a wonderful showing in his first two games in Cleveland, Irving seemed not to be fazed by the bright lights of the playoffs. He was brought back to earth in Game Three though, as Boston’s physical play gave Irving fits all night.

It has been well documented lately that if the Cavs want to achieve their ultimate goal, the Big 3 needs to be on their A-Game. Irving struggled in Game Three but the other two-thirds on the Cavs dynamic trio, James and Kevin Love, were able to pick him up and lead the Cavaliers to victory. It will be noteworthy though to see how Irving bounces back after his first poor playoff game.

Can Kevin Love keep the good times rolling?

Kevin Love has been the biggest positive for the Cavs this series, as he has played a great three games and he will be hoping to carry that into Game Four. After a stellar 23 point, 9 rebound effort in Game Three, not to mention his two huge three pointers down the stretch, the Cavs need to look to get Love involved early on Sunday Afternoon.

More from King James Gospel

They key to Love’s big games has been Cleveland giving him the ball in the post to start off the game, which eventually opens up his perimeter game as the match progresses. I mentioned earlier how the Cavs Big Three needs to be on their A Game during the playoffs and a major factor in that is getting Love involved early. If Cleveland can do that in Game Four, get the brooms ready.

What will you be watching for in Cavs Vs Celtics Game 4?

Next: Video: Shirtless LeBron Hits Full Court Shot in Practice