Late night blogging.
Can't beat it right?
Well, the Cavaliers showed they can beat the Celtics in a game that matters. The good thing for them is that they won by 24 points despite LeBron James continuing to struggle to make shots. He went only 5-of-16 from the field.
The bad news for Cleveland is LeBron James is still not himself. Still shooting the ball poorly, but he was 3-of-5 from 3-point range. Remember, he hadn't made a three in the first two games, going 0-for-10.
The Celtics once again continue to play the Jekyll and Hyde game. Great at home, gloomy on the road. They're 0-4 on the road in the playoffs and if they play that way Monday, they'll lose and have a series on their hands.
The thing that must concern Boston is at some point, James will find his shot. He will make more baskets. One thing you probably won't see from James is him bringing his oldest son to the podium at a press conference.
Cute kid. Just kept talking and interrupting James as he was answering questions. It was cool, kind of funny and to see James getting flustered a bit and asking for someone to get his son kind of showed a human side that many of us have felt in that when having to watch a child.
"You see what I have to deal with every day," James said.
As for the Celtics, I can tell you that Paul Pierce was upset after the game. He talked about the mood of the players in the lockerroom after the game so look for the Celtics to respond.
The problem Boston has is it came out fired up before road playoff games against the Atlanta Hawks and lost three times to them. In the last two games against Cleveland, the Celtics have fallen behind early.
Boston coach Doc Rivers said they were just fortunate to be at home in Game 2.
The thing is this.
Boston has the better team. In a seven game series, the better team tends to win. So if Cleveland wins Game 4 on Monday, it becomes a three-game series. With Boston having home court advantage, they would have Game 5 and if necessary, a Game 7 at home.
Unless Cleveland can crack one in Boston, the Celtics will win the series. Then again, I didn't think they the Cavaliers could win that now famous Game 5 when James went bonkers on the Detroit Pistons last year.
Come to think about it. Cleveland won Game 5 two years ago in Detroit to take a 3-2 lead in the series, but lost the series in seven.
OK. Let's back it up.
Don't want to look too far ahead, but what we found out in Game 3 is if the Celtics have a weakness, it's at the point guard position.
Now I love the way Rajon Rondo plays, but he can be shaky at times as was the case in Game 3 Saturday.
3-of-10, no assists, no steals.
Not good.
As for his backup, Sam Cassell. We know he can be clutch. We know he's won championships with the Houston Rockets.
What we also know is Cassell is a gunner. When he's on the floor, the offense tends to stop and he goes 1-on-1 and puts up shots. When he's hitting, it's great, When he's not, other guys get lost in the offense.
So when Cassell goes 0-for-6 from the floor as he did in Game 3, that's a problem for Boston. You don't forget how well he played in the first two games of the series, but you know he can shoot a team right out of the game.
Well, it's time to head out. Got to get some rest before Game 4. Do some work Sunday, call my mom and wish her a Happy's Mother Day.
In fact, call your mom right now.
Well, wait until the morning.
See you Monday night.
- Duane Rankin