LeBron, Cavs have reeling Celtics in must-win for Game 2

BOSTON (AP) — LeBron James did pretty much whatever he wanted to against the Celtics in the Cavaliers' dominating win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

He was efficient, scoring from the outside, rolling downhill and getting to the rim at will, passing to teammates and locking down Boston's scorers when called upon.

With home-court advantage gone, the Celtics face a virtual must-win Game 2 on Friday night. Boston must find a way to slow down James while not getting eaten up by a supporting cast, which other than Kevin Love's big game, didn't produce at its usual high rate.

Oh, and there's extra motivation for Cleveland — now 9-0 in these playoffs — which could earn another long rest if it makes quick work of the Celtics.

But here's the rub for top-seeded Boston on Friday night: James said he wasn't even playing at peak condition after Cleveland's 10-day layoff between rounds.

"I felt OK last night," James said Thursday. "I knew I wouldn't feel that great after the game, and I don't feel that great right now . ... But I should be much better (Friday)."

Better than 38 points, nine rebounds and seven assists? Good luck with that Boston.

Most of the damage in Game 1 was done by only two players — James and Love. Kyrie Irving had just 11 points on 4-of-11 shooting, and usually dependable sharpshooters J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver were a combined 2 for 8 as coach Tyronn Lue used a different second unit to start the second quarter with James resting.

A loss Friday would also leave Boston with the daunting proposition of having to win four out of five games to take the series — a nearly impossible task against a team that since James returned to Cleveland in 2014-15 has a 33-4 playoff record against Eastern Conference opponents.

But if the Celtics are going to pick themselves up, it must start with AllStar Isaiah Thomas, who scored 17 points, but had to work for every single one just to finish 7 for 19 from the field. He also had a team-high four turnovers — another red flag for Boston's prospects.

A bigger problem for Boston is that James scored on all seven defenders that the Celtics threw at him in Game 1 — Jae Crowder, Thomas, Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, Gerald Green and Kelly Olynyk.

Conversely, James has shown an ability to completely stifle Thomas on the defensive end. On the lone oneon-one possession in which Thomas was guarded by James — in the second quarter — the Boston guard was called for a travelling violation after James cut off his driving lane, contested his awkward layup attempt and forced Thomas to catch his own shot, resulting in a turnover.

And even if Thomas can rediscover his shot, he will need more scoring help against the Cavs' Big Three.