The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Cavaliers-Celtics matchups
A year after the Cavaliers defeated the Celtics in five games to return to the NBA Finals, the teams meet again in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Each team’s roster is different than its counterpart a year ago. Each team arrives in the Eastern Conference Finals amid playoff runs perceived improbable in April.
The Cavaliers floundered at times against the Pacers. A matchup against the Raptors, who Dan Gilbert may as well own by now, too, delivered a series sweep and invigorated the franchise’s Finals hopes.
The Celtics began their season at Quicken Loans Arena, as did their yearlong adversity. Gordon Hayward suffered a gruesome ankle injury in October, Kyrie Irving’s knee saga removed him from active duty in the spring and the Celtics endured minor injuries to valuable rotation members.
Here’s how the teams stack up when their series begins in Boston May 13 at 3:30.
POINT GUARD
Cavaliers — George Hill: 9.8 points per game, 2.5 assists per game, 53.1 percent shooting Celtics — Terry Rozier: 18.2 ppg, 5.8 apg, 5.5 rebounds per game, 42.3 FG, 39.6 3-point shooting What to watch: Rozier is arguably the revelation of the 2018 NBA postseason. Without the Shaker Heights graduate, it’s unlikely the Celtics find adequate production in the backcourt to sustain their season. He’s lightning-quick off the dribble and dangerous from
the perimeter, shooting almost 40 percent on eight 3-point attempts per game during the playoffs. Likewise, Hill’s return from injury coincided with the Cavaliers’ improved play lately. Hill rejoined the lineup in Game 7 against the Pacers and the Cavaliers haven’t lost since. He’s also been a member of the Cavaliers’ most dangerous lineup this postseason. Hill was added to the roster for his defensive ability on the perimeter. At 6-foot-3, Hill’s length should help him against Rozier but staying in front of the Celtics’ dynamic point guard will be paramount to Tyronn Lue’s overall defensive scheme. Advantage: Celtics
Cavaliers — J.R. Smith:
10 ppg, 1.3 spg, 41.3 FG, 41 percent 3FG Celtics — Jaylen Brown: 16.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 48.7 FG, 41.5 3FG What to watch: Smith rebounded from an ugly first-round series against the Pacers to shoot 77 percent from the 3-point line and average 12.5 points per game against the Raptors. The most valuable thing Smith can do on the floor is create space for James and if he continues his hot shooting, the Celtics’ defense cannot divert attention to James off Smith. Brown also compiled a strong second round, putting up 15.3 points per game on 54 percent shooting against the 76ers. Brown missed the first game against the 76ers, but returned to provide quality minutes in four games. Brown’s offensive game took a step forward in his sophomore season, especially from the perimeter, and he’s the best overall defender in the series. As Marcus Smart will log heavy minutes in the Celtics backcourt off the bench, Brown will likely be one of the long, versatile wings Celtics coach Brad Stevens tries to use to slow LeBron James. Advantage: Celtics
SMALL FORWARD
Cavaliers — Kyle Korver: 10.5 ppg, 46.9 FG, 46.2 3FG Celtics — Jayson Tatum: 18.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.2 apg, 45.9 FG, 31.1 3FG
What to watch: Similar to Smith, Korver posted improved numbers against the Raptors. The 14-year veteran from Creighton shot 56 percent from 3 and averaged 14.5 points per game during the semifinals. Korver’s primary directive is similar to Smith, in that his best value is as a floor-spacer for James. Tatum’s compiled one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory, hallmarked by rare consistency for a first-year player. Tatum elevated his game against the 76ers, scoring 20 points or more in all five semifinal games to average 23.6 points on 52.6 percent shooting. Korver owned the Cavaliers’ third-best defensive rating of 104.2 points allowed per 100 possessions this season. Advantage: Celtics
POWER FORWARD
Cavaliers — LeBron James: 34.3 ppg, 9.4 rebounds per game, 9 apg, 55.3 FG%
Celtics — Al Horford: 17 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.3 apg, 57.8 FG, 36 3FG What to watch: James is putting together a postseason for the ages. His presence alone makes the Cavaliers a favorite to return to the Finals for a fourth consecutive season. James leads the Cavaliers in nearly every category and has been unstoppable at nearly every turn. Horford will likely spend most of his minutes at the center position. He is the Celtics’ best all-around player and was instrumental in the team’s ability to limit 76ers’ star big man Joel Embiid. He’s able to stretch the floor with a reliable 3-point shot and is a defensive stalwart. He’ll be a part of the bodies Stevens tries to throw at James.
Advantage: Cavaliers
CENTER
Cavaliers — Kevin Love: 14.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 39.4 FG, 38.5 3FG
Celtics — Aron Baynes: 6.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 52.5 FG, 47.4 3FG
What to watch: If anyone is searching for the cliched “X-factor” to the Cavaliers’ playoff run, it’s Love. The oft-panned big man was up and down during the Pacers series and scored seven points in the seriesopener against the Raptors, then put up three excellent games to finish the series. If Love is the player who puts up 25 and 11 each night, like he did in Games 2, 3 and 4, the Cavaliers become a clear favorite. At 6-foot-10, Baynes’ rim protection is his most valuable contribution to the Celtics. He’ll start, but has only played 20 minutes per game during the postseason. Against the Cavaliers, Stevens will likely shift Horford to center in favor of adding another wing like Marcus Smart or Marcus Morris in Baynes’ place. Advantage: Cavaliers
BENCH
Cavaliers: Jeff Green, Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Tristan Thompson Celtics: Marcus Smart, Marcus Morris, Semi Ojeleye
What to watch: Green’s the only Cavalier reserve scoring more than five points per game. He scores eight per game on 44 percent shooting and 37 percent from 3. The rest of the Cavaliers’ bench has been mostly punchless offensively, but received strong play from Tristan Thompson in spurts. His ability to switch onto quicker wings may make him an asset against the versatile Celtics. The Cavaliers’ bench ranks 13th in playoff scoring at 26 points per game. The Celtics’ 27.3 bench points per game isn’t much better at 11th, but Morris (12.3 ppg) and Smart (10.6 ppg) make more of an impact than anyone coming off the Cavaliers’ bench. The Cavaliers’ edge lies in depth, as Stevens’ rotation only goes seven deep with limited minutes given to Ojeleye as an eighth man. Advantage: Cavaliers
BEST LINEUP
Cavaliers: Hill-Smith-Korver-James-Love Celtics: Rozier-BrownTatum-Morris-Horford
What to watch: The Cavaliers’ starting lineup for each game of the Raptors’ series has been their best this postseason. The group’s shot 58.6 percent outscored opponents by almost six points and forced nearly six turnovers in about 16 minutes per game. The Celtics’ top lineup is a formidable defensive unit, holding opponents to 41 percent shooting in almost eight minutes per game.