Preview: Cavs vs. Celtics Game 2

After fighting hard for the No. 1 seed, the Boston Celtics have already seen their home court advantage disappear in the Eastern Conference Finals — and it only took the Cleveland Cavaliers 12 minutes into Game 1 to make it clear. The scariest part is, LeBron James was not impressed with his team’s 117-104 victory.

Game 1

Despite being the No. 1 seed, the Celtics were not favored in Game 1. In fact, the Cavs were 4.5 point favorites. When LeBron James is playing, typically the opposing team is not chosen to win. LeBron reminded everyone why that is on Wednesday night with his 38 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. James has now scored at least 30 points in a career-high seven straight playoff games. (Reminder: LeBron is 32-years-old and in his 14th season in the NBA!)

The surprise of Game 1 was Kevin Love. Love was the second leading scorer with 32 points. He also notched a double-double, adding 12 rebounds. At halftime, he was in double-digit points and was only one rebound shy of having a double-double. The last duo to combine for 70+ points in Boston for a playoff game was Elgin Baylor and Jerry West in the 1966 Finals.

Love works his way to the rim on @NBAonTNT.@cavs have their biggest lead of Game 1. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/1aRBsrvbkA

— NBA (@NBA) May 18, 2017

Stopping Isaiah Thomas

Boston guard Isaiah Thomas seemed to have trouble in Game 1, shooting just 36.8% from the field and 28% from downtown. Thomas said he was not surprised by any of their defensive schemes, but he just needs to make shots.

Notables

• With a victory in Game 2, the Cavaliers could tie the Lakers (1988-89) for the record of most consecutive postseason wins (13).
• The Celtics are 3-5 this postseason when Amir Johnson is in the starting lineup. When Gerald Green starts in his place, the Celtics are 5-1. Amir Johnson is starting in Game 2.

Game 2

When: 8:30 pm

Where: TD Garden in Boston

Where to Watch: TNT