MENDOZA...

While that win was the Celtics’ 10th straight to keep their playoffs unbeaten slate intact at TD Garden, it happened because LeBron’s supporting crew malfunctioned anew. It’s always been like that. LeBron would shine as always as he seemed to be a person that doesn’t know how to have a day-off. Alas, his back-up would seemingly play on and off with ridiculous regularity, like greenhorns prone to frequent hit-and-miss routines.

Cleveland’s start in Game 5 was a classic example.

While Boston quickly sped to a decisive start, Cleveland couldn’t shake off a cold takeoff, save for LeBron.

The Celtics would wrap up neat a 3219 first-quarter lead as only Kevin Love (10 points) and LeBron (8 points) could deliver, with the rest of the Cavs combining for a measly point.

The Celtics highlighted their dominance as five of them scored in double figures. The Cavs’ anemic shooting saw LeBron score “only” 26 points on 11-of-22 shooting after a monstrous 44 points in Game 4.

Worst, while LeBron had a 50-percent field goal shooting, the rest of the Cavs in Game 5 had a combined 38.5-percent clip.

Obviously, that’s the result of “control what you can control,” which is what Boston coach Brad Stevens keeps telling his boys since the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs started on May 14.

Boston could not control LeBron (who could?) but make LeBron’s supporting cast the exception.

Thus, even if LeBron scores 100 points today, it will mean nothing if his back-up can give him a mere solitary point.

Farewell LeBron or a Game 7 on Monday?