King James Gospel
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics: King James Gospel Roundtable Preview

By Nathan Beighle

Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) works the ball against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) works the ball against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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June 2, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) speaks to media following the 110-77 loss against Golden State Warriors in game two of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
June 2, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) speaks to media following the 110-77 loss against Golden State Warriors in game two of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Leonard New

The Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers will be over in 4 games.

The Cavs have incentive to end this series as early as possible to minimize the rest that Golden State will have once the Spurs are dispatched in a sweep.   That means each game in the series will be crucial to the Cavs and they will play like it.

Yet, the ultimate reason why this series will be a sweep is that Boston has no strategic advantage over the Cavs.  The Cavs are a better shooting team.  The Cavs are a better passing team.  The Cavs are a better rebounding team.  The Cavs are deeper scoring team, more athletic in the frontcourt and more experienced off the bench.  When motivated, the Cavs are a better defensive team too. The Cavs also have the best player on their team and 3 of the 4 best players in the series.

If Boston plays small, then LeBron will capitalize with drives to the paint highlighted by layups, dunks and trips to the free throw line and/or kickouts to shooters.  If Boston plays big, expect Love and Frye to have open 3s.

The only X factor Boston possesses is the perceived benefit of the home court advantage.  That means that the referees will surely be influenced to give the Celtics their share of questionable calls in the Garden, especially relating to Isaiah Thomas and his free throw attempts.  The problem Boston has is that with LeBron there is no such thing as the team he is facing having home court advantage.

The only chance Boston has to keep from getting swept in this series is if Kelly Olynyk pulls out Kevin Love’s arm once more, and Kyrie breaks his kneecap again.  Even then the Cavs would win a game 7 in Boston.