LeBron, Cavs facing win-or-else Game 6

CLEVELAND » Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue was answering a question aboutBoston’s defense on LeBron James during a teleconference when he tripped the security systemat his home.

A piercing alarmsounded. “Uh-oh,” Lue said Thursday as hepunched in a code to silence the screaming siren.

While Lue and his home were clearly safe, and the light-hearted moment passed quickly, it was also symbolic of Cleveland’s urgent situation.

TheCavs are in a dangerous spot. Beaten for the third time in Boston in these home-sweet-home Eastern Conference finals, Cleveland will face its second eliminationgameof thepostseasononFriday night at Quicken Loans Arena. Game 6 is for everything. Except, of course, if there’s a Game 7 on Sunday in Boston.

Fueled by fueled-up Boston fans whomust feel somesortofbirthright to see their cherished team play in theFinals, the youthfulCeltics again showed zero fear or hesitation on their parquet floor on Wednesday night during a 96-83 win in Game 5 that was never in any doubt.

Despite shooting only 36 percent, the Celtics improved to 10-0 at home in the playoffs as coach Brad Stevens changed his starting lineup, shortened his rotation to seven and released waves of defenders at James, who lookedworn down as he attempts to advance to the NBA Finals for the eighth consecutive year.

Luenoticedearly inGame 5 that Jameswasdragging, but he’s confident the 33-year-old, who was chosen All-NBA first teamfor a record 12th time, will be ready to save his season and prolong what could be his final gameswith the Cavs.

“I know he’ll be ready to play Game 6, so fatigue won’t be a problem and an issue,” Lue said. “I’m pretty sure a lot of guys are tired during this stretch of the year. If I had to pick one guy and choose one guy toprevail, itwouldbeLeBron. I knowhe’ll be great cometomorrow.”

Stevens started center Aron Baynes for thefirst time intheseries and the move helped slow James, who had been crushing the Celtics when guard Terry Rozier switched on him. Rozier fronted James and got help from Baynes, the 6-foot-10, 254-pound Australianwho contributed seven rebounds, six points and attitude.

“We’ve got a lot of tough guys on our team,” Stevens said. “But I think they all will tell you Baynes isoneof the toughestwe’veall been around.”