King James Gospel
Fansided

How the Cavs Beat Boston in Multiple Ways

By Kameron Duncan

May 19, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) blocks the shot of Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) during the first quarter in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) blocks the shot of Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) during the first quarter in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 17, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Game 1

In Game 1, the Cavaliers shot 11-of-31 from three-point territory. The Cavaliers rely on the three heavily, as they lead all teams in the playoffs in three-point percentage. For many teams that thrive on timely outside shooting, this could spell disaster on the road in a playoff game.

Not so for the Cavs.

Despite having their second worst three-point shooting night of the playoffs so far (the only night they were worse was Game 4 against the Pacers), the Cavaliers persisted. They were able to not only out-rebound Boston 44-40, but also shoot a higher percentage from the free throw line. In Game 1, Cleveland made 80.0 percent of its free throws, compared to 55.6% for Boston.

When the threes weren’t falling, the Cavs changed their strategy to drive the lane. Of the 31 points the team scored in the second quarter, 11 were free throws compared to only 2 three pointers. As the Celtics’ defense began to anticipate drives to the basket, the Cavs were then able to spread the floor more effectively. 9 of their 11 three-pointers made in the game came in the second half, after the shift in strategy.