Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics - 3/5/2024
Game Breakdown
Cavs - 105 - 104 W
Garland, Merrill, Okoro, Mobley, Allen
What a comeback after being down by 22
ALLEN continuing to show, and improve, that short roll finishing package is really impressive
Floater but also stop and shoot a 15 foot jump shot, makes a little left hand hook/floater
Has been a problem on the offensive boards early in the game
He has been absolutely awesome in the 1st quarter, with respect to Garland he is probably the most impactful all around Cavs player
Been switched onto Brown/Tatum more than I would have guessed and has held up better than I would have guessed
GARLAND is so talented
So much wiggle, shake and separation ability
MOBLEY looking to be aggressive early on offense
Has not been effective as the length of KP has seemingly bothered him
Decent response to start the 3rd quarter with a bucket and a couple really nice passes
LEVERT seems like a major piece of this equation
Averaging 7 rebounds and 8.5 assists in the last 4
I think he provides some of that all around value in terms of what he can do
MERRILL 40 of last 41 FGAs have been 3PAs
Takes the off ball transition charge
This is so annoying BUT it is a very smart play and it works
Love that he has the ultimate green light and understands that IS his value on the floor so he plays right into and never hesitates
If you are a 3PA specialist that ever turns down a shot then you aren’t maximizing your potential value
WADE off to a cold start but they need him to make these shots
Knocks down 2 after the Cavs fall down by 22 to start the comeback
Goodness, he went on a stretch here!!!
Game Winning OREB Dunk
OKORO offensive game has such a long way, very happy for him
Hits transition pull up 3P and gets a block after Horford OREB right during the middle of the 4th quarter comeback
Celtics
White, Brown, Tatum, Holiday, Porzingis
First 6 FGAs are 3PAs but half come off drive and kick and 2 of the misses do result in OREBs
Numbers say they are one of the best (if not THE) 3-point shooting teams in the league (1st in a lot of categories)
The versatility of their matchups is just crazy
Not even using White on Garland because they have Brown, use White to chase Merrill off screens and then play Holiday on Mobley and he is physical enough that he can do that even with the height difference
I just don’t like when they take a contested shot early in the shot clock, they are too talented
Example, Brown mid post iso shoots a 15 foot fadeaway over a GREAT contest from Mobley and air balls with 14 on the shot clock
Of course White steals the OREB (because these are the winning plays he makes)
PORZINGIS being your center and being effective playing in the corner offensively is just such an advantage
Sits there and can get one more pass
I think he has figured out the timing on cuts
Really puts the defense in a bind
OR he can play at the top of the key and make shots and plays from there
OR you can run PnR with him OR PnP
AND at times you can run the offense through him with mid post isolations (against the right matchups or switches)
I am not sure his offensive versatility is appreciated enough
He has had some AWESOME rim protection already in the 1st quarter
TATUM insane shot making was on full display early
He is able to create just enough separation and then it just doesn’t seem like you can really affect the shot at all
BROWN with some nice attacks of the basket
Attacking with aggression and physicality
HOLIDAY shows the ultimate unselfishness turning down short after show to make the “one more” pass but then is ready to step up and make a shot when the moment calls for it
HORFORD impact come playoff time is something I am really interested to see
How much is left in the tank?
Immediately gets 5 points on back to back possessions after I type this
I know the addition of Tillman is insurance here
WHITE with at least 3 blocks in this one
Best guard shot blocker in the league?