Probably the worst news for the Cavs

[FallGuy]

In other "bad news" for the cavs Anderson Verejao is listed day to day still with back spasms. LOL

Hmmm. Doesn't sound like anything that will keep him out Friday, but it's nice to know we may not be the most banged up team in the series.

[incoherent]

Ultimately, I think the series rests with the Celtics, regardless of what the Cavaliers do. The Celtics are more capable of winning it and equally capable of giving it away. They’re better, but sloppier.

Well said, the series is ours to take or to give away, CLE is just here for the ride.

[youcanthandlethetruth113]

... is that Paul Pierce hasn't had a good game yet, and we still stole a game on the road.

Does anybody realistically think that Paul will keep putting up 13 - 14 point nights, on lousy shooting?  There are going to be games where he gets hot, and when he does, I think the Cavs are going to be in even worse trouble than they are now.

A lot of Cavs fans seem to be thinking that we've given the Cavs our best punch, and all they need to do is play better to compete.  However, our games have been far from perfect.  Pierce hasn't been contributing much, and the bench (outside of Rasheed last night) has been non-existent.  Despite that, we won a road game (and could have won two).

I'm very, very optimistic about this series.  At this point, I'd go so far as to call us the favorites, not just from a fan's point of view, but objectively, as well.

Roy, I agree with your point about us being the favorites as we stole home court, have the championship killa instinct/talent, etc....

HOWEVER

I'm going to disagree with you re: Paul Pierce's performances thus far.

I think Paul has come out very STRONG in each of the 1st two games. I think his all-around game (assits, steals, taking charges) is what makes him so special. Sure, he hasn't shot lights out but he's had an impact on the game dispite shooting a poor clip, and our balanced attack is what makes us impossible to stop IMO. I don't want Paul taking over a game and i think he's picking his spots nicely.

[incoherent]

Many people here are saying they don't want Paul to take the game over.

While that point might be valid, because it seems it's best for Rondo to dominate the ball, it would be very nice if Pierce got hot.

[jdpapa3]

Pierce taking over a game or 2 is going to be necessary to win this series. THAT is what can stop our offensive lulls. Rondo's scoring can be stopped when the other team focuses on it. Ray's can as well. Pierce, on the other hand, can do everything when he is ON and you can't really stop him when his mid range shot is going.

And I do think Cleveland has to be worried about Pierce heating up. He was a 41% 3 pt shooter and is shooting 27% on 3's vs the Cavs. Even though it is only 2 games and not enough of a sample, it does seem to be the same looks as the regular season and they just aren't falling...YET.

[pearljammer10]

Personally I dont think this team needs a break out game from Paul. The Celtics are better when they play as a team, Pierce's isolation stuff just disrupts the offense. If Pierce is hot off of Rondo's penetrations and KG post and outs then yeah let him take his shots. But i do not want to see Pierce trying to force up shots and wasting the shot clock.

Also, If Pierce keeps walking up the floor and being the last player over half court I dont think he deserve to get more touches than anyone.

[Mr October]

Pierce taking over a game or 2 is going to be necessary to win this series. THAT is what can stop our offensive lulls. Rondo's scoring can be stopped when the other team focuses on it. Ray's can as well. Pierce, on the other hand, can do everything when he is ON and you can't really stop him when his mid range shot is going.

And I do think Cleveland has to be worried about Pierce heating up. He was a 41% 3 pt shooter and is shooting 27% on 3's vs the Cavs. Even though it is only 2 games and not enough of a sample, it does seem to be the same looks as the regular season and they just aren't falling...YET.

I don't think a Pierce take over is necessary. (although I certainly wouldn't mind one in the flow of the offense!!)

If the Cavs can find an answer for Rondo, we go through KG in the post. If they find an answer for KG in the post, we keep attacking through Rondo. I don't think the Cavs will be able to answer both at the same time.

[celticinorlando]

ian thomson from SI was on our local columbus station today (cav homers as you can imagine). he said he expected the cavs to win both games in boston and last night was not much to worry. made it sound like the Cs got lucky

[angryguy77]

ian thomson from SI was on our local columbus station today (cav homers as you can imagine). he said he expected the cavs to win both games in boston and last night was not much to worry. made it sound like the Cs got lucky

You think these hacks would have learned their lesson after the 08 finals...

[Mr October]

ian thomson from SI was on our local columbus station today (cav homers as you can imagine). he said he expected the cavs to win both games in boston and last night was not much to worry. made it sound like the Cs got lucky

Yeah.... bring it Cavs! Bring it Lebron worshippers! We're ready!!!

[celticinorlando]

lebrick getting another MRI on the elbow before game 3....they say it was set up last week....whatever. i love reading the Cleveland media. they all say the cavs need to bring it and that is why boston won...the cavs are just bored. hmmm...maybe boston has had something to do with them looking confused....timid and out of sorts....


everyone here in ohio thinks the celtics can't play any better and the cavs are going to just turn it on. i go back to the bulls series. the cavs struggled vs chicago in 3 of the 5 games (2, 3 and 5). this has been going on long before last night.

[nyceltsfan]

I think before Lebron guards Rondo, they will switch Mo and Parker's defensive assignments.  This is how the Cavs won Game 1.

However...

The Celtics' mistake in Game 1 was not taking advantage of these assigments and going to Ray every single time down the floor in the post.  Ray can abuse Mo and he can also run Mo into multiple screens trying to get open when the ball is not in his hands.  Rondo found it a little more difficult to create against the lengthier Parker.  I say, if they want to put the game in Ray Ray's hands, so be it.  Pick your poison.

[celticinorlando]

if they play mo on ray again...ray is going to continue to post him up and run him through screen after srceen. mo williams is not capable of staying with ray. parker can't handle rondo. if they put james on rondo...you then have mo on ray and parker on PP. those are horrible match ups for the cavs...

and in the end the cavs still have zero post presence other than shaq...who is going zero...jamison isn't going to post KG...

[RebusRankin]

Varajeo possibly being out hurts Cleveland. Gives them much more energy, allows them to push the pace, hurts us on the offensive glass etc.

[celticinorlando]

Varajeo possibly being out hurts Cleveland. Gives them much more energy, allows them to push the pace, hurts us on the offensive glass etc.

agree....boston needs to be physical with him