For the Cleveland Cavaliers, Game 5 will boil down to doing exactly what they did in Games 3 and 4.
The only problem with that is at home the Boston Celtics are a completely different team. The C’s are 9-0 at home this postseason, and it’s vital for the Cleveland Cavaliers to take Game 5, allowing them a chance to end the series at home in Game 6.
Albeit vital, when you have LeBron James on your team, it’s never necessary to win any non-elimination game. That’s why Cavs fans still shouldn’t worry if Game 5 doesn’t go their way.
While it might not be labeled a must win, James and the gang know the importance of this game. That said, Tyronn Lue and the Cavs might’ve actually figured the Celtics out.
Ever since James’ “feel out” Game 1, he’s been electric and, for the most part, the Cavs role players have followed that lead. James and Hill have been the two players to make offense happen for Cleveland during their last two games.
However, James and Hill’s efficiency hasn’t been the most important aspect of Cleveland’s heightened play. The most important aspect is how Lue has exploited the C’s defensive flaws and turned them into easy offense. Also, how Lue’s substituted Thompson to play directly against Horford has been understated.
More of that will lead to a much higher chance of victory. But, they’ll still need more from their two playmakers.
That said, let’s break down what Cleveland will need from Hill, James, and their role players in Game 5 in order to win.