Celtics have absolutely got to treat this like Game 7. I imagine Cleveland will come out with another fast start, and in front of their home crowd, their role players will probably also have great games. Wouldn't surprise me if we see JR Smith have some 15-20 point blitz, or even Jeff Green with the same. If Cleveland is to win any game this series, I have to imagine it's tonight, and Cleveland will definitely try to make a statement. The last few games have honestly been embarrassing for them. I expect a close, heart-attack kind of game where there are tons of lead changes in the 2nd half.
I think Tatum is going to have a BIG game tonight. Probably 20-25 points at least. Hopefully Jaylen and Horford keep it up. There's a stat that says the Celtics are 13-0 (season & playoffs) when Horford shoots 70% or higher from the field. No coincidence, and Horford should keep cooking Love on defense. The WILD CARD is Rozier. He's generally been mediocre in road games (not horrible but not "Scary Terry" either), but if he has a great game tonight, that could be the difference.
Of course, we'll need Morris to have a solid shooting night and to *contain* Lebron as best he can. Smart's high energy presence may also be key in a hostile environment tonight. Keep hounding their shooters (outside Lebron), keep playing smart, limit the turnovers, make the extra pass to the open guy, and of course, knock down the shots. We've done that in Games 1 and 2 and won by double digits each time. Stick to the game plan, and we could be up 3-0 after midnight. Also, keep beating them in transition and out hustling them. That should continue to tire them out by the 2nd half, like in Game 2 as we saw. Celtics have to play a full 48-minutes on the road, plain and simple.
LETS GO C'S!!