[OhCanada-Participant]

I think they are just trying to have as many guys on the court that they can in theory switch onto Lebron. I mean they started four guys Brown, Tatum, Morris and Horford that can in theory gaurd him. They also went ahead and got Nader, Ojeyele and Yabasule. Also Hayward when he returns. As many bodies as possible to match up with him.

We can talk about the Raptors fear for Cleveland all we want but tactically the Cavs also killed them by doing 1-5 screens Hill/Love, 1-3 screens Hill/Lebron and 3-5 screens Lebron/Love. So far Boston is gaurding all of that extremely well and it seems like they have the Cavs number up by 20 in the first. What a start.

[XYRYXParticipant]

while you are right many of them can (at least try to) guard LeBron I think the biggest difference right now after the first 12 minutes the Celtics actually have a offensive game plan, came prepared to attack the basket cause there is just no one inside who can stop the penetrating. Horford pulls Love out of the paint and the Celtics habe zero problems beating whoever is defending the penetrator and like I said there is no inside presence at all. 

The Celtics just continue to play their game and go to the rim first and the off ball players move well enough to create opportunities from the outside. The Cavs are just a piss poor defensive team like all year and on offense they are just clueless and they look afraid to make mistakes  Aside from LeBron no one creates and somehow they are scared to penetrate and Baynes seems to have a Alonzo Mourning type of presence. 

It’s still impressive how focused and relaxed every Celtics player is and Tatum and Brown are the best young duo in the league. Wow

[The GoatParticipant]

 Switchable defenders is the key these days, and yes you have to be able to do it against LeBron too.. and they are. 61-35 at half. They can really strangle the life outta teams.

Im waiting for the ping pong balls to drop, they could sneak in there too with the #2 or #3. The league would shudder. If they could add Bamba to the mix, no one will be able to score against them.

[Sewok15Participant]

 This is pretty much the whole reason Boston beat Philly. Boston doesn’t play guys like Reddick and Belenelli big minutes. Everyone they play can defend multiple positions well. 

The Celtics would just run their offense through whoever JJ was guarding or had switched onto. It was an effective game plan but could be easily fixed next year when the Sixers hopefully have Kawhi, PG-13 or maybe even the King himself. 

Boston is a shot blocker away from being a ridiculously great defense. Bamba might be a few years away from being a major contributor even on D because he is so super skinny right now. Embiid would eat him alive compared to Baynes who did a good job based just on strength and positioning. 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Clevelands not out of it yet. Been stuck at 20 for most of the 3rd. Im still watching I think they will adjust.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 Cavs will struggle defensively. They were very bad all year. Tough team to deal with in a series when your D is piss poor. I am sure they will try zones next game. They dont have the talent to guard their men. Celtics in 6.

[cominup7Participant]

 You hit the nail on the head…we’ve gone thru the big man era and the point guard era, but in general the most successful teams in the league have had skilled wings, 6-6 to 6-9 players with size, length and ball skills. Danny Ainge was smart enough to load up on wings not just to stop LeBron on d defense, but because they provide the most versatility on offense,  which is necessary in Stevens system

[BeastMode716Participant]

 & will be even Stronger next season w/ Kyrie & Hayward 

Gotta believe Lebron is going to leave Cleveland this summer 

I’m a Lakers lifer so of course I want him in Lala land – I’m hearing it’s down to Houston, LA, Phila or stay in Cleveland 

Gotta admit if Lebron goes to Phila that rivalry (Boston vs Phila) will Dominate the East for years to come & will b a Lot of fun for NBA fans across the world to reanimate two Classic Franchises who are NBA Royalty in the C’s & 76ers plus that move could really extend Lebron’s career

But, as for this series – still a long way to go, Clev’s defense looks bad but the Celtics struggle on the road – it’s hard to bet against Lebron but the Celtics look Amazing! Horford, Tatum & Brown are absolute STARS! 

 

 

 

 

[bdmoteParticipant]

 feel free to eat me alive but C’s in 4. (note I have been a Celtics fan since second grade)

[TRC1991Participant]

The big difference is Cleveland has 1 guy that can create and Boston has like 6

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