King James Gospel
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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 19, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half against the Boston Celtics in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half against the Boston Celtics in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Game 2

Defense was the word of the day for the Cavaliers in Game 2. They held the Celtics to 31 points at halftime. This was Boston’s lowest output in a single half in this year’s playoffs. The Cavs were also able to rack up 10 steals against the Celtics in Game 2, giving them several opportunities to increase their lead. Throughout the game, Cleveland was able to hold Boston to 29.6 percent shooting from three-point range and 37.2 percent from the field overall.

The Cavaliers experienced a significant improvement in their own three-point shooting in Game 2. After dominating in a slightly different way in Game 1, they were able to revert to their normal style of play. It ended up paying dividends, as the Cavs were able to light up the scoreboard and set several team and playoff records.

Kyrie Irving in particular had somewhat of a “bounce back” game, scoring 23 on 8-of-11 shooting after a less than stellar 11 point performance in Game 1.

Cleveland went 19-39 from three in Game 2, with LeBron James and Kevin Love each making four. The Celtics were outmatched by the Cavaliers in Game 1, even with a bad outside shooting night. If the Cavaliers are making their threes against Boston consistently, Game 2 could be the norm rather than an anomaly.

If the Cavs are able to adapt to their opponents as well as they have through the first 10 games of this playoff run, they may be able to hang another championship banner in the rafters of Quicken Loans Arena.

Related Story: Cavs - Celtics Game 2: What We Learned

Why do you think the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to beat the Boston Celtics in Games 1 and 2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.