5. Do Or Die
Unlike the first two rounds, the Cavs are playing Game 2 in enemy territory. If you go back and look at Game 3 of each series with the Pacers and Raptors, that was when it seemed like the Cavs saw their biggest fights from the opposition.
When the Cavs owned home court advantage in the first two rounds, it was almost as though the Pacers and Raptors “expected” to be down 2-0 heading home.
Game 3 was essentially a do-or-die game for those teams.
Indiana led by 28 in Game 3 and had the Cavs on their heels, before LeBron pulled off a historically great comeback.
Game 3 in Toronto was a back-and-forth contest for three quarters, as the Cavs led 79-77 after three, before pulling away in the fourth.
Tonight in Boston is essentially the same situation as those two teams were in for their Game 3’s.
If Boston is able to at least split home court, it gives the Celtics a sense of new life. If Cleveland takes both games on Boston’s home floor, it could break the Celtics’ will and put the series out of reach before the teams even touch down in Cleveland.
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