Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers 2010 Eastern Conference Finals Game 1
[Applause] by the Cavaliers and during the regular season the Celtics and the Cav split their four meetings each team winning on the road and there have been some testy moments throughout this season series as Mo Williams opens up with a short jump shot great little dribble action out on the perimeter between the two guards in forward switch action nice jump shot there by Mo Williams Paul Pierce the Cavaliers with the best record in the NBA 61- 21 opening round of the playoffs they won their Series in five on the turnover Here Comes Pierce Pierce on the drive took a hit was able to lay it home two possessions for the Celtics two buckets by Paul Pierce we saw a little bit this in the first round series match up with the bulls Dangs in games four and five kind of going at LeBron James as the Celtics come up with another turnover here’s play by James kicks it out to per he’s tempted gets it a bit closer rebounded by LeBron James James using that right hand as he goes it Pierce will not get the call does not get the continuation it’s a on- shooting foul well we talked about it very important for Paul Pierce that’s an early foul just under two minutes first foul that he picks up guarding LeBron James he’s the only player that the Celtics have at the offensive in that are going to that’s going to be able to put pressure on LeBron James and dock Rivers telling us earlier he’ll start out with Pierce on James LeBron will also see Tony Allen and perhaps Maris Daniels who did not play much in that opening round series nearly turnover number three well good job there by the Celtics LeBron James trying to back down Paul Pierce you all got to have a foot in the paint let him see green jerseys all around Cavalier on the inbounds and Jameson not able to hit here is Rondo Anderson lost it but it’s retrieved by Parker Rondo really wanted to throw that basketball out you never want to jump in the air to pass you got caught in the air and had to put the ball up at the basket sha getting position down low on Perkins crowd wants track to go right at Perkins and he does and Mike Brown saying they’ll try to get tril O’Neal involved early on here’s Pierce firing up for three Parker on the rebound I like the aggressive nature here in the early start by Paul Pierce Parker yes known primarily as a jump shooter especially in those short Corners when LeBron James able to get into the teeth of the defense surprise move taking the ball off the dribble fman going 50 and 32 in the regular season had that shaky finish Jameson on the foul and the feeling is they felt they could turn it on and off and then in the first round they beat Dwayne Wade in Miami in five well speaking with head coach Doc Rivers it was really pick your poison the last few games of the regular season to try to get that fourth spot go against the Miami or go down and possibly play Orlando in that second round Garnett not able to hit backhanded by Perkins on the save able to get it to Garnett Allen with the catch and shoot and it’s a two he had a foot on the line he is a major concern of the Cavaliers Ray Allen has hurt Cleveland in recent years with that lightning quick release well Mike Brown talked about even double teaming him off of that single Double Down Low O’Neal O’Neal kept it alive Rondo with the save between the legs of O’Neal and handled by Garnett well it’s okay you bend down and try to get the basketball big fella and the Celtics turn it over here comes LeBron are you’re wondering if that right elbow is a little bothersome usually that would be one of those Tomahawk One Hand gunks by Lebron James playing through that string right elbow and a bone bruise on the under side of the elbow Allen misses on a three Mo Williams in the open court Celtics get back Williams coming off a strong Series against the balls nice pass O’Neal blows the stuff but he was pushed foul on Perkins nice dump down by LeBron James Ro William coming off the pick and loll right here LeBron James rolls and just finds a wide open LeBron or excuse me sha this is just a simple drop down for LeBron James usually we see that or Windmill and sha at the line in the opening Series 7 of 12 which is good free throw shooting for Shaquille O’Neal 67% in that series versus The Wolves shot at a 50% clip during the regular season and it looks like his form and follow through looks much better since he’s come back from that hand injury he appeared to find his game after the first of the year was averaging 14 points in January and February perhaps someone stepped in too quickly let’s see what the call is official time out must be a blood rule for Kendrick Perkins 30 seconds to stop the bleeding so Perkins over at the uh Celtic bench Ed ler the athletic trainer checking him out cland Cavaliers coming off a first round victory over the Bulls backto back 60 win seasons one point they won 13 straight games one shy of the franchise record last season they won 66 and and 16 best record in franchise history and then in the postseason they swept the Detroit than Atlanta but in the Eastern Conference Finals they lost to Orlando in six and you’ll see Kendrick Perkins is headed back to the Celtic locker room well you talk about Danny Ferry surrounding LeBron James with some of the best players in the world goes out in the off season and brings Shaquille O’Neal in but to me I think the bigger pickup this off season was Anthony Parker a player at that 6667 range being able to guard the bigger Defenders out to me that was the problem in that series Conference finals against Alando last year the inability to guard hedo turkalo and his capabilities are stretching the floor Glen’s Big Baby Davis has come on for Kendrick Perkins Barnett swings inside on Jameson and it’s put home Paul Pierce with the funnel so six points for Pierce Celtics up by one Davis defending on O’Neal stepping away James posting up on Pierce rebounded by Garnett Garnett had an excellent first round Series against Miami in fact Doc Rivers saying that Kevin is as healthy and has played as well as he has all season long as Pierce once again very assertive here at the start has connected on four of his first five well you talked about Kevin Garnette being healthy but Paul Pierce as well both of these guys basically got hurt at the same time when this Celtic team had that 23 and5 record was getting ready to go out west as you see one of those awkward shots that you’re going to see all series from Antoine Jameson here’s Rondo down to Garnett daret getting position on Jameson it’s like a flashback for Shaquille O’Neal was late February in a game against the Celtics where fellow LSU Alum Big Baby Davis made cont attack with the thumb of O’Neal leading to the ligament injury and kind of tugged on it a little bit later on and sha had to leave and set out final 23 games of the Season Davis way off that’s not his his game now he would have pump F that and check off the dribble got to put pressure on him Zack will let him shoot that all night Zack trying to get position on Davis now Jam on the Move Jamon he is fouled blocking foul on [Applause] Davis anine Jameson here not settling for the outside shot like big baby did takes the ball off the drible might have got away with one Davis did a good job of moving look like his feet were set anine Jameson had a terrific Series against the Bulls a huge game five team High 25 points 20 in the first half major factor in that LeBron had only three points in the first half well what I like about Antoine he’s accepted that number two scoring roll he misses on that second free throw remember last season it was Mo Williams who struggled during the postseason in that rle Antoine Jameson accepts it understands it in fact encourages it 3 second violation ball back to Cleveland timeout with just under 6 minutes remaining here on the first well Paul Pierce trying to send a message to the king himself you’re going to have to be able to guard at both ends of the floor eight early fors and then Kevin Garnett one of the other healthy Celtics out chatting during the game and Mo Williams said that if Kevin’s going to start talking you want him talking to himself when he’s talking to you he’s getting in your head they’re going to go right at him when he starts the wolfing they think that’s the best way to get him to start criticizing himself and his teammates M Williams said Don’t expect to see too many people helping each other up during these next seven games Mar wondering if uh Kevin Garnett when he criticizes himself foul was called on O’Neal does he Express that verbally to himself no kg yes he does did he talk as much as a member of the te- Wolves no he didn’t but he didn’t have the supporting Tas that he has much better here obviously with the Boston Subs with Hall of Famer Ray Allen and Paul here and here comes James and the foul is called as a James was blocked on Davis that is his second he talking with SH baby and I’d like to say I was talking with big baby and I said are they still calling you the ticket stub and he said only when he starts you recall he replaced Kevin garet when he was suspended in the uh Series against Miami and he was referring to to himself as the ticket stub so he came off the bench tonight he is not the ticket stub well let me get this straight I thought earlier in the season as Leon James misses uh laying left-handed he didn’t want to be called big baby anymore correct now he doesn’t want to be called the ticket stub only starts if he starts that’s ridiculous own up to your nicknam all right here comes Williams with the step nice thr by Mo Williams Glen Davis not big baby didn’t want to pick up that third foul somewhat let Mo Williams get to the basket with his off 10 rashed Wallace walking over to the scorers table he will check in momentarily shot clock down a six Allen out to go glass handle by Williams bames met by Rondo Parker with the step oh rejected by Garnett nice weak side help there by the big ticket Kevin Garnett four minutes left in the first game TI of 12 here’s Rondo and it was no help so o is coming on for Shaquille O’Neal un aable to cut him off jamon something to watch during this series K Garnett is going to have to be able to close better to Antoine Jameson very fortunate he missed that shot good job by James on the Strip Davis back and he picks up number three stopping James and you can see LeBron did not want that right elbow Touched By Davis now Leon will go to theine and this the scenario the last time he went to the line closing seconds game five this past Tuesday night and he shot left-handed because of the injured right elbow I remember when we were calling the game well actually you were in Cabo vacation while me and and the eagle were calling the game but when he switched his feet position to go left-handed I knew something was wrong and even looking at him in the early stages of this game he looks very Ginger holding that right elbow he doesn’t look very comfortable out here playing a couple shots have been left-handed hasn’t really taken a a jump shot I was on vocal rest which I would highly recommend to you okay okay on the subject of the right elbow there has been talk here in Cleveland concerning the possibility of a Boston player taking a shot at LeBron’s elbow what’s what’s your reaction to that can you recall that that type of situation taking place in your playing career absolutely it’s hard to take a shot at an injury I mean unless subtle shot caret got the step on verou just checked in that’s vintage Kevin Garnett move but getting back to that it’s hard for anyone to say you know what I’m going to try to go after an elbow you’re not concentrating on someone’s illness or ailment you try to go out there and [Applause] play here is elus rebounded by Garnett Tony Allen has come on for the Celtics Delante West the former Celtic checking in for the Cavaliers ball knocked Away by Parker last Touch by Parker two and a half remaining in this first quarter Rondo going at Parker and scores what a shot by Rajan Rondo Anthony Parker went too removed on that pick and roll and rightfully so Rondo’s not going to step back in knock down jump out but nice body control Rondo played very well during the regular season against the Cavs and James is fouled again this time by Tony Allen this is Kevin Garnett from his earlier days as you mentioned as a timber wolf taking the ball off the dribble and that’s the original Big Ticket welcome back to Cleveland Celtics four-point lead on the Cavaliers LeBron James who will make it two straight MVP awards it’ll officially be announced tomorrow as you take a look at LeBron’s Hefty credentials and uh Lebron is requested to accept the most valuable player award at the University of akman that’ll be tomorrow and the official presentation will be made by NBA Commissioner David Stern prior to Monday night’s game two here in Cleveland can’t argue with that you look at the numbers better from the field from the three-point line free throw assist numbers are out of the roof for a player of his size and that forward almost nine assists a game it’s just unbelievable r as we’re watching him here in the first quarter you feel it’s it’s kind of a lowkey start I don’t know if the word tentative would be corrected at at this point but uh I think he’s been very careful with that elb I thought he was being very Co with it when it went down in game five and during the practices see the nice little dump down by Rondo to Perkins can’t get it to go but gets fouled he just looks very Ginger with it we haven’t seen a other than the free throws I don’t think he’s taken a shot everything’s been to the basket and with the left hand kendri Perkins checking back in after he left earlier in this first quarter for more of that let’s go to David Mar got five es after he got a cut right above the lip as you can see when he went blocked that shot from Shaquille O’Neal but obviously back out on the court Kendrick Perkins who is a very valuable guy defensively he’ll fight you in the post as Long Reach good timing and it’s an interesting match up with Shaquille O’Neal who’s now sitting down with zrus elskus coming out and zunis figures to get more playing time in this series did not play much much in the opening round Series against Chicago we also might see JJ Hixon as well even Leon po very deep roster and bench for these Cavaliers shot clock running down that a one Parker too late 247 violation basket will not count well great team defense by the Celtics and one on the point of oses Doc Rivers was talking about being able to chase the Cavaliers this Cavaliers team is a very good good three-point shooting team one of their main weapons you got to be able to run the the caves off that three-point line and they have not attempted a three to this point second in the NBA this season right behind the Phoenix Suns in three-point percentage they were 39% from downtown now here comes Michael Finley for Ray Allen Mo Williams Delante West Anthony Parker Jamario Moon all huge cont USS in that first round Series against the Chicago Bulls from long distance Ronda with a pretty pass to Rasheed Wallace Rajan Rondo with a nice setup and the Cavs are down by six they double up on jeames tip missed by Veria crowd getting a little anxious it’s very early 1 minute remaining in this opening qu and the Celtics have a six-point lead and as Rondo flipped it back the other way to Allen the foul is caught on the Cavaliers Rondo in this first period has done an unbelievable job of attacking the paint area and finding his teammates they’re getting fouled going to the free throw line and this is another player who has really improved his free throw shooting during this postseason El galus on the foul and Rondo who has five assists already in this opening quarter will shoot two a programming reminder TNT in June it’s a new season and a new reason to get more leverage The Leverage 2hour season premere event Sunday June 20th 9 Eastern a central only on TNT well you’ve got the Celtics shooting 50% and the Cavaliers only shooting 28% here in this first period LeBron James one of four from the field looking very uncomfortable with that right elbow cavali here just five of 18 shooting trailing by eight Jamario moon now has checked in a lot of shuffling here at the start by head coach Mike Brown the ball knocked Away by Ronda recovered by Moon who fires forth three remember Jamario Moon had a hot hand in the opening round Series against Chicago particularly from three-point range he has four in one game miscommunication and run goes pass when sailing into the ball back Rondo has to get that ball up on the glass right there you had rebounding opportunities with Kendra Perkins and rased Wallace again you don’t jump to pass you jump to shoot about a 5c differential as this first quarter winds down James going at Allen look like Perkins got a piece of it recaptured by the BR now they can play it out well James chaines mine and he’s fouled by Wallace all about closing quarters correctly you always hear Doug Collins talking about that Celtics had an opportunity here to be anywhere up from seven to nine points but this is how you not close a quarter and there’s LeBron James again very uncomfortable using that right arm comes up with the steal here and good foul here by rashed Wallace sending Lon to the free throw line LeBron Jes playing for that strain right elbow and a bone bruise all of this causing as he says there’s been pain and numbness in his forearm says the elbow has been troubling him for uh several weeks and as you know Reggie LeBron is ABY dextrous he can drive he can dribble he can create with either hand wres with his left hand but does not normally shoot free throws with the left hand as he did back in game five the Cavaliers say there are no plans for surgery after the season is over and uh Lebron is receiving routine treatment for joint injuries and he’ll undergo a a follow-up MRI C say sometime next week to see how that injury is healing I guarantee you this you know we talked about players trying to come out and actually go after that elbow it’s on the radar of the Celtics but they’re going to play through it and they’re going to test that elbow oh you’re changing your mind no I’m not changing my mind but it’s hits the three with one tenth of a second remaining nine points five assists on a one turnover for Rondo Celtic start at 6 for 16 uh from the field and then hit the five in a row so they go 11 of 21 in the first quarter and Cleveland just 6 for 20 they have that 1 three right at the end of the quarter by Jamari Mo and a foul out O’Neal who starts out the second quarter for sha that’s his second well I really love the aggressive nature that Rondo has taken in this game here he’s taken it straight to the body of the big fella and the block was clean but it was the body that got him down low which is going to send Rondo to the free throw line nine points five assists already early on in this first half you mentioned earlier that Rondo’s really improved at the line he shot 62% during the regular season we were talking about this with Doc Rivers who said but he came on toward the end end of the season and in the playoffs he has hit 17 of 20 now 18 of 21 at the line now last summer he did work with one of the great free throw shooters of all time Mark Price who has kept in touch with Rondo during the course of the Season well Mark Price one of the former great Cavalier guards here working with the Boston Celtics to improve his free throw shooting I wonder how that’s going over with the faithful here I don’t think they know they know now now let’s check in with David you mention that Mark Price shooting coach for the Atlanta Hawks he said he could not work with Rondo during the regular season obviously because he’s under contract with the Hawks but he said when you saw him on TV he thought he was keeping his arm in a little bit more consistently and that was the big thing keep the elbow in but price said he still lets it slip out from time to time what you could expect from a guy who shoots shot better than 90% career from the line one of the great free throw shooters of all time all right David foul on Wallace Anthony Parker and Delante West in the back court Anderson VAR show jario Moon and Shaquille O’Neal on the front line here’s sha trying to get position and has not been able to find the range 0 for four from the field Perkins is doing an excellent job of bodying Shaquille O’Neal if you want to call it that and a reach in foul as O’Neal and moon doubled up and the question is is it in the ACT well what else would he have been doing I think they’re going to give him two free throws here as he splits the double team and that’s good call there by Eddie Rush look like he was going to shoot that basketball sha picked up his third and takes a seat well we thought this was going to be a favorable Series going against the slower and lumbering Kendrick Perkins remember Joe Keem NOA was so active in that first round series for the Cavaliers JJ J Hixon going to get his first lookit but sha three fouls probably done for the rest of the half JJ Hixon out of the rotation in the previous series only making cameos but in game five in return to the mix 10 points for JJ got some more playing time due to the foul trouble of the Cavaliers National coverage of the NBA Playoffs continues tomorrow on ABC game seven between the Bucks and the Hawks followed by game one of the Jazz and the Lakers Lakers squeaking by the Oklahoma City Thunder what a run by Scott Brooks and the Thunder then Monday on TNT game two in this series we’ll be with you from Cleveland selts and Cavaliers followed by game one of the Spurs and the Suns starting 8:00 eastern time and then Friday on ESPN game three of the Cavs and the Celtics followed by game three of the Suns and the Spurs Marv Albert Reggie Miller David Aldridge we at the Que early second quarter traveling violation is called on hickon defensively this is one of the better games I’ve seen the Boston Celtics play everyone’s on a string rotating together weak side help everyone man on man ball hand does an excellent game plan early on by Doc Rivers and his bunch and these are both excellent defensive teams as you’ve seen many deflections here in this first half Cleveland allows 95 points per game same as Boston both among the leaders although the Celtic did drop down remember they started the season 23 and five and then a hit by injuries and ended up 27 and 27 did not finish strong over the final weeks Wallace gets inside and it’s rebounded by hickon Mo Williams who just checked back in fires to three and Finley Let It Go Out of Bounds well everyone’s wondering the talk over the last few days LeBron James gimi right elbow and he looked very Ginger here even though he took that shot left-handed that did not count with that left hand and everything else has been with the left hand you see the hard foul there by Glenn Davis and him holding that right elbow one of five from the field only seven points he does have six free throws Pierce going at Moon here’s Pierce look like Moon got a piece of it rebounded by Williams Cavaliers with just one field goal the last six and a half minutes down by [Applause] 10 West gets it down low hickon is fouled by Perkins oh what a excellent pass there by Delante West 43 here’s the no note here you can’t let him split the double team but you think he’s going to throw it out there to the quarter to Jamario Moon and he just finds JJ Hixon nice hands that goes up with the finish and gets foul JJ Hixon at a second year out of North Carolina State first round draft pick a year ago started for most of the Season averaging eight points and five rebounds at about 20 minutes a game and then went to the bench following the trade for Antoine Jameson well I think Mike Brown has to find minutes for him because of his activity especially in this series as he misses both but nice activity on the offensive glass there by moon to keep it alive Williams and West in the back court gon with Hixon and moon up front that unorthodox attempt by Jameson but came up short the Cavaliers just won for their last 11 from the field you have the extra shot opportunities here by keeping the basketball alive that last one by JJ hickon the one previous by Moon they have not come up with a field goal in seven minutes of play and that finally comes to an end on the drive by West you can give a team especially at home the number one SE three opportunities and looks at the basket DED Wallace posting on Antoine Jameson rebounded by Moon Celtics get back West is open and now wace on the recovery and call for the foul making contact with West yeah he got him on the wrist right there that’s a good call there by the official Jason Philip lante West understanding he has the 610 Wallace who picks up his third foul just goes right by him and you you see the foul there on the on the wrist there by Wallace so you got Glen Davis with three fouls and Wallace with three Celtics with their 13 foul garet returns coming on for Wallace West on the pullback yes Delante West a guy who does concern Doc Rivers doc says it is a guy who will always take big shots particularly down the stretch here’s Moon 3on one West Delante West to spark the Cavaliers who are now within four Celtics call the ti two years ago Doc Rivers guiding them to the 66 wins NBA championship turning it from difficult times after Danny a pulled off the big trades for Kevin Garnett Ray Allen here’s Ray all just checked back in Pierce passing on a three got it to Oh beautiful slip pass from Rondo to set it up for Davis so Big Baby Davis back on the floor despite the three person Rondo is living in that paint area whether it’s for himself or producing for his team six assists for Rondo Devonte West has had the hot hand shot clock down of five hits with the bucket and a foul and that’s ly Davis’s fourth foul right there with the hand checking down low that’s a creative move by JJ hickon there taking the ball off the dribbles normally you don’t see that from your power forward unless their name is Kevin Garnett or Tim Duncan but right there just being able to take the ball off the dribbles maybe some of those one-on-one sessions with Antoine Jameson shooting at awkward angles has paid off Celtics were looking for a travel but it’s number four on Davis Hixon missed his first two at theine only a 68% free throw shooter during the regular season three-point play for Hixon and the Boston lead once 10 is now three something to watch as this game Progressive the Cavaliers eight of 13 from the free throw line only 62% this is the worst shooting free throw team in the league double up on Garnett Garnett coming up short kept Alive by Pierce Allen digging Baseline and scores what of move a deceptive move by Ray Allen you know everyone just thinks Ray Allen’s going to camp out behind that three-point line most of his career he was pretty good at putting the ball on the floor getting to the cup here’s West rejected a backhanded block by Perkins at last Touch by the Cavaliers now LeBron James will cavers check back in number 23 LeBron James talk about having a Supporting Cast there James on the bench Dante West and JJ hickon getting it done offensively for the Cavs Lebron 13 minutes just one of five from the field seven points Jameson defending on Garnett dumps it off oh it is in’ll Count a go t on Hixon circus shot attempt by by Rondo yeah but better than that what what a luxury to have your power forward and Kevin Garnett who runs about 7t just being able to look over the defense and find the Cutters coming up on the halfway point of this second quarter James to the bucket and [Applause] scor Garnett’s pass blocked by Jameson darnet on the recovery Garnett oh nicely done by Kevin Garnett so long athletic fat move there by Kevin Garnett seven-point Celtic lead Hixon yes JJ hixen who had a three-point play conventional three-pointer just a moment ago Cleveland now six of its last seven after that one of 11 drought that lasted about 7 Minutes nice pass again and Allen put it home see the luxury Mike Brown has when you can go with a bigger lineup with either sha or big Z out there or a smaller lineup with JJ Hixon as your Center Cavaliers turn it over Rondo beautiful pass inside to Perkins how about ran Rondo with yet another assist that’s number seven he is absolutely the best Celtic this year as well as the most consistent just running the floor finding your big man working hard Celtic 5 and a half left in this first half 4233 Celtic lead they’ve hit their last five shots here’s LeBron James LeBron hitting that drive to the rim just a moment ago has not been able to hit from the outside just two of seven to this point and that’s his first perimeter shot and the call is against the Celtics Garnett up the foul I don’t know if I necessarily agree with this offensive foul because all he’s doing he pivots before yeah he moved a little bit that’s a good call there by Bill Spooner you can’t move his your body into the defensive player good call Mo Williams Delante West in the back court Antoine Jameson LeBron James JJ Hixon up front that was deflected into the back court by the Celtics no violation shot clocked to seven pixon rejected by Perkins that’s his second block Allen guarded by West and lost [Applause] it James delivers to Hixon and that’s a dynamic that shat and big Z can bring to this team JJ Hixon can run the break at that five position makes it very difficult for Kendra per to stay with him seven points in seven minutes of play for Hixon Garnett got the step nice move on Jameson strong first half for Garnett 8.6 rebounds he brought that ball right back to anine jaman who couldn’t come up with the block shot there’s James yes and the foul it’s on Pierce Paul Pierce collecting his second well you’re Paul Pierce you’re wondering where’s the health he gets into the middle and that’s Kevin Garnett you’ve got to give that shot back to Antoine James and if you’re Kevin Garnett especially if you feel like you’re out on the island when you’re guarding LeBron James and braon in the series against the Bulls had one triple double then in game five just one assist away from another sh five of 12 19 points and and then in the closing minutes of that game you can see that he was bothered by the strained right elbow six-point lead for the Celtics here Rondo with a driving Bank Shot whoa 15 points eight assists Celtics have hit their Le last seven shots mix up between West and Jameson leads to this Rondo all the way won’t count offensive foul it is a charge on [Applause] Rondo Rondo here in the open cour thinks he has a lane to the basket Mo Williams at the last minute that’s a bad call and a technical foul called on the Celtics that’s a bad call I mean I know Block charge is the hard hardest call in our game to recognize but in a situation like that that there was somebody on the Boston bench who had something to say but Mo Williams had able to take advantage it was Tony Allen who said something that uh was not taken well and he was hit up with a a te well the officials never like they under they’ll give the head coach a lot of leeway but if you’re barking From the Bench nine times out of 10 you’re going to get that technical foul I hear enough of it from the guys that are on the court I know sometimes guys feel they can get away with it because the official might not recognize the voice and that is deflected out last Touch by the Celtics well Paul Pierce picking up his second foul now Ray Allen has switched over to trying to guard LeBron James shot clock at [Music] [Applause] five West having difficulty getting it in and it’s saved by Hixon down to two down to one James has to Fire and did not make contact with the rim it is a 24 second violation the Celtic defense right now holding the Cavaliers who are one of the better scoring teams in the league 40% from the Field Cleveland shoots just under 50% during the regular season that’s third in the league and they average 102 points a game that’s in the top 10 shot clock to six Garnett rebounded by Perkins Garnett Hixon had it knocked away and batted out of Bounce by Rondo it’ll be Cleveland ball feltics playing very well in this first half but we talked about at the top Rajan Rondo that speed kill being able to get into the paint tonight 15 points but more importantly eight big assists [Applause] game’s going at Pierce offensive foul LeBron James picking up his first well it was that spin move that picked up the offensive foul right here just turning right into the body of Paul Pierce for LeBron to pick up his first foul as you see Doc Rivers clapping it along I love the challenge that Paul Pierce has picked up even with two fouls still guarding LeBron James Garnett showing confidence doing it from all angles in this first half five of 11 shooting 10 points six rebounds for Garnett it’s been a combination of Pierce Garnett and Rondo and the foul is called on Pierce that is number three [Applause] Celtics are over foul liit so three on pierce three on Wallace four on Davis right here let’s check in with Ernie Johnson back in our Atlanta Studios Ernie all right Marv coming up shortly the T-Mobile halftime report Kenny Charles and C web are here to break down the first half in Cleveland later tonight we’ll all be here with Inside the NBA with all the highlights on the postgame yakity yak and you can get that on nba.com too with live streaming coverage of the postgame press conferences now back to Cleveland Mar and Reggie little hesitation there what’s going on with EJ EJ’s been kind of lately trying to bother you a little bit that’s okay all right not a smart third foul there by Paul Pierce understanding you’re going to be guarding LeBron James the bulk of this ball game you can’t come up with silly fouls as Maris Daniels gets his first look of the evening for Doc Rivers and the Celtics Maris significant player during the regular season as Perkins not able to hit Garnett kept it alive then veral on the rebound Daniels set out four of the five games in the Miami series but Doc Rivers telling us we’ll see time in this series against the Cavaliers West met by Allen West yes oh he’s got hot Delante West had that 60 run to help the Cavaliers get back into it earlier in the second quarter he’s hit four of five from the field it’s a seveno Celtic lead as we come about a minute to play on the first half Londo does it again he has 17 points he is just going at the heart of Mo Williams Williams going to have to take a challenge very much the same way in that first round match up between Orlando and Charlotte nson was just destroying Raymond Felton Daniels defending on James nice job made him give up the ball shot clock to three West and it’s swept by Perkins Cavaliers do have a foul to give 35 seconds to play in the half nice move again by Rondo and he is fouled V came over to help out it was a combination of Williams and vou and Rondo shaken up Williams his first person foul is called on Williams this kid is tough right here taking it and that’s one two three Cavalier Defenders as he goes straight to the body of veral like maybe that hit might have hit him in the chest knocked the wind out of him Rajan Rondo had that breakout playoff performance last season following another solid year signed to a contract extension May the allstar team this year had a terrific first round against Miami and he’s at the line to shoot two four for four from the line while amazing is being here season tickets for 2010 2011 on sale now go to nba.com ticks to reserve your seats the NBA work amazing happens and where Rondo really picked up his game this season is you talked about the injury to Kevin Garett and Paul Pierce after they were 23 and five doc River says that’s when we really put the ball in Rondo’s hand and kind of let him be Chris Paul in that Hornet offense dribble dribble dribble attack and finish and now he’s had to go back to being more of a facilitator James getting to the rip he thought he was fouled do not yet the call Celtics could hold for a final shot of this first [Music] half spread it out down to five down to 3 seconds Londo wheeling in hins and they’ll check it out the indication is that the basket does count but they will go to the ninth in the league in rebounding during the regular season out rebounding Cleveland plus five and Mar they’re 30th in Second Chance points and tonight leading in that category here against the Cleveland Cavaliers pass play broken up James with Pierce back Pierce playing with a three foul beautiful shot by James they can see Garnett with that outstretched arm just coming short of a block shot what a tough basketball play by LeBron James and Paul Pierce lucky he didn’t pick up his fourth foul on that nine point Celtic lead well a little change here by Mike Brown to move Anthony Parker on to Rondo Kevin Garnett continues his excellent allaround play Garnett is now six of 12 from the field yeah Kevin Garnett feels he can shoot over the outstretched hands of Antoine Jam Antoine jamson anytime he likes and a foul it is onet that’s his second as we go over to David Aldridge David reie you mentioned and Anthony Parker’s going to get the assment on Rajan Rondo the second half give him a little different look some different size that Mike Brown saying that that’s the whole key to the game right now is keeping Rondo from getting easy looks at the basket they just felt like not only did he get into the paint but he got easy shots both for himself and for his teammates Mar and that time Rondo feeding out to pierce who had the open shot just underway third quarter shot with his first two go well what if Kendrick Perkins for K andil being the last player after the rebound down the floor you got to find him early Garnett nice pass Allen can’t [Applause] finish there’s Williams got the step sets it up for sha and he’ll head to the line foul on Garnett gar sha gets the rebound and throws the outlet if you’re trolling the play this is a secondary break look how slow he’s moving and then steps up as he gets the ball coming towards him with the Finish Garnett picking up his third sha one of two at the line so three of piece on Garnett Pierce and Wallace four on [Applause] Davis the lead is down to eight and how about the shooting of three members of the starting five for the Cavaliers O’Neal is just one of five from the field Jameson is one of five Williams with a low-key first half he’s attempted only four shots to and four sha hitting on both two minutes in third quarter Cavaliers to get back into it they have trailed most of the way and the call away from the ball with Mo Williams involved along with Ray Allen and mo picks up his second yeah and if they’re going to make that switch I like what Doc Rivers is doing put the taller Ray Allen on the Block either to post him up or run him off a series of picks to try to free Ray Allen Ray Allen and I don’t care if Mo Williams is guarding him you’re going to have the height advantage to be able to shoot over him Pierce met on a switch shot clocked down to five oh it’s picked off by Parker he saw that coming James in the open floor LeBron is fouled that’s a good foul there by ryel and Paul and uh I’m told they are four piece late in the game that’s all the information that I have as Rondo is able to twist his way into side a beautiful scoop shot by Rondo who has 21 points along with eight assists I think Rondo was taking a sneak peak out of this first round series as he watched Derrick Rose just slice up the Cavaliers guard nice drop step but O’Neal way off crossover move that a fake and he draws the foul how quick was that double High pick and roll up top for Rondo just finds a way to get into the lane here and this is real speed right here you see the double High pick and roll through the legs come here big fella as he takes the contact goes to the free throw line and we talked about the improved free throw shooting tonight six of six for Rondo from the free throw line sha picked up number four only a 62% free throw shooter during the regular season Rajan Rondo who has had a career year and capping it off here in the post season now Anderson vou comes back coming on for Shaquille O’Neal you know varal took a shot to the knee in the series against the Bulls as he and Derek Rose came together did not have a particularly strong Series against Chicago although he’s had an excellent season and has played very well during the regular season against the the Celtics has not been able to get much going thus far tonight we talk about those four regular season games 13 points 63% from the field and nine rebound Mo Williams on the drive so the Boston lead is seven Mo Williams can get it going offensively only one of two from the field in that first out here’s Rondo and he’s fouled again this time by Jameson going for the block shot this kid just putting his head down and getting into the pain area now sooner or later you’re going to have to make the adjustment and try to get the ball out of his hands and I like what he told David Eldridge right at half they’re going to take the ball out of my hands that’s when the big three are going to step up but they are now the big four with Rondo making the All-Star team this year Rondo perfect at the line he’s nine for nine he has 20 Four Points his playoff career high is 29 did it last season against the Bulls the Celtics 12 of 13 at the line in contrast is’s that first Miss by Rondo in contrast to the Cavs who have missed seven free throws nice pass bar set up by James James P so much attention and eyes on him in that particular R situation verel slipped through the basket easy laying that’s his first field goal six point Celtic lead there’s Rondo Circle move and then tries to wheel it outside deflected by the Cavaliers Boston with 10 on the 24 I like what Doc Rivers is doing double High giving the option for Rondo to go either left or right he’s doing a good job of making the decision and getting into the paint Pierce using the pick and met on the double it’s deflected by [Applause] ver Mo Williams on the move back comes Rondo Rondo with a driving one-hander one-hander by Jameson and the pace is picked up here in this third quarter and that’s not good to have the pace picked up for the Celtics James’s pass broken up by Pierce Here Comes Rondo puts the speed on nice pass for Garnett and Garnett on the second effort able to tip it home delay delay of game is called delay of game warning is called on the uh on the Celtics the next delay of game if there is one be a technical foul points in the pain already 38 30 Advantage for the Celtics ver out Perkins comes flying in and a foul Perkins was taken down by Jameson according to NF rush so Jameson picks up his third oh I love Perkins getting into the play here coming back and rebounding you just see a little bit of body contact down low and this is what the official Eddie Rush sees right here because if he’s not able to complete the pass out and it’s stolen you’ve got to call that foul if you’re the official fourth team foul on the Cavaliers Celtics have three 5 minutes in third quarter Pierce tough angle Celtics get the new [Applause] 24 Londo Allen for three yes Ray Allen from downtown Second Chance points 132 in favor of Boston attack the paint attack the paint attack the paint you suck him in and then you finally get that three-point lethal shooter from Ray Allen James for three for the Cavaliers only their second three point during the season second and three-point shooting right behind the Phoenix Sun 66 58 Boston halfway through the third here’s Allen for three well I like the call right there under Rondo recognize that Ray Allen just knocked down the three previous let’s see if we can get him going offensively was quiet in that first half Williams is hit out of reaching by Rondo so the Celtics with their fourth team for the other two he’s been their most consistent player from two-point range as well as three-point range Celtics back to the 11o advantage James stopped by Allen with the shot clock running down Parker not able to hit doc River staying with his starting lineup here’s Perkins and Garnett on the front line Rondo and Allen in the back court bad pass that time from Rondo Here Comes Williams Mo Williams going all the way and stops here was try to get him kind of a decoy although did not want to get too close because he has three three personals and that was a facial served up by Mo Williams that was a Sleek jump there by Mo Williams Parker breaks it up Williams yes well he felt pretty good about that dump comes back with the jumper how about Anthony Parker three steals in the third quarter the lead is down to seven and the Celtics take time well it’s been their Lan Four Points in that first half six already in this third quarter for MO and this has been a a testy rivalry in recent years Garett once again from the outside eight of 15 shooting 16 points8 rebounds for Kevin Garnett Boston is up 7162 here’s Williams yes so he has turned it in the third quarter maybe he heard some of our telets of Rajan Rondo just torching him in that first half offensively now trying to get it going Allan on a quick release so you’re saying that you feel Mo has been listening to The Telecast or been getting tweeted oh I see maybe he got some tweets from his at half time from his boys yeah just under four left in the third Williams [Applause] yes he has scored the last eight points for the [Applause] Cavaliers the Boston lead is five they’ve led by as many as 11 on S occasions thebr going to the steel let’s check in with David Aldridge David well guys that was according to the Cavaliers Mo Williams first career dunk you talk about sending a message at the appropriate time Mark he was waiting for the proper moment shot clock to three Allen Ray Allen nice move by Ray Allen wait a minute first career dunk as a Cavalier or in general we’ll have to have the staff check that out no way Williams and a foul as he is run into we’re told it is as a Cavalier his first career dunk that’s still pretty impressive foul is called on Rondo that is number three at line Mo coming over from the Milwaukee Bucks emerged as an Allstar last season in his first year with with Cleveland and has now poured home the last nine points for the Cavs well mind you LeBron James is is resting during all this stand come fourth quarter time LeBron James the number one fourth quarter scoring during the regular season had almost eight points during the playoffs almost 10 points in the fourth period for LeBron Mo Williams 10 points over a minute and 40 to cut the lead to five rashed wers who just checked in unable to hit from downtown and Jameson was fouled by Rondo that’s four on Rondo well the Celtics have gotten away from their game plan that was so successful in the first two periods wondo packing the basket and finding offense for himself as well as his teammates now a lot of isolation in oneone and long shots has resulted in this Cavalier run in the third period Celtics over the limit Antoine Jameson who has had his ups and downs at the line this evening just two of five at the free throw line a programming reminder tbs in June from executive producer Ice Cube comes a brand new sitcom about one family’s journey to get there are We There Yet a brand new series premieres June second at n e Central only on TVs Cleveland is now within four just under three to go in the third game one of his best of seven Wallace wide open Baro had it slapped away another foul on the C this time Tony Allen who will just come on call for reach [Applause] in so the Cavaliers back to the line and things have turned here in the third quarter propelled by mole Williams who had 10 straight points for Cleveland well Mo’s been spectacular at the offensive game but two silly fouls for the Boston Celtics one for Rondo to pick up his fourth foul and this pass foul on Tony Allen sending Vera to the fre thr line you’re the Cavaliers you get a chance chance to settle your defense but more importantly score with no time coming off the clock 124 run for Cleveland down to a two-point lead and the Cavs are doing it without the usual outstanding allaround offensive performance by LeBron James Allen nice move yes and the foul so the basket counts and Tony Allen will go to the line nice body control here by Tony Allen he takes the little bump and contact by Mo Williams to stop the bleeding for the Celtics and it hooks the Cavs over the limit Tony Allen has been injury hit this season kind of a streaky shooter very tough defensively Rivers telling us earlier that Tony Allen now accepts what his role is now at least for the moment now he should have always known when he even came into the league what his role is play tough defense and make opportunistic baskets at the offensive end Williams forced the shot as he’s played byab but cover by Val Jamon with the bucket big play by Anderson B so the Cavaliers once again within three Big Baby Davis now up up with theed Wallace and Paul Pierce Jam breaks it up and last Touch by [Applause] pis Mo Williams in this third period has been Mo Better Blues up for his first dunk ever with the Cavaliers step back jumper and then let me get into the lane with my little floater and then off the pick and roll situation knocking down the dagger who’s writing your material tonight R what are you talking about M MO is four of four here’s Williams again make a five to five from the field in this third quarter and the Cavs are within one coming up on a minute to play in the third 18 points for Williams 14 of the 18 here in the third Allen kicks it out the other out of Ray fires it up off the scramble Davis rejected Allen on the F Tony Allen playing very well here in the final minutes of the third 7875 Boston Williams for three B PS it out of the hands of w and they get the new clock there’s Hixon who just came back in Hixon Hixon has played well four for five nine points and suddenly the Celtics are not able to stop the Cavaliers that’s why Mike Brown has to find minutes for JJ Hixon this his activity Off the Bench Pierce met on a Swit by verou they have seven on the shot clock Pierce on a step back for three he’s been off after the Good Start Cleveland can hold for a final shot of the third and they can take the lead James met by piss here’s LeBron on the drive and he scored at the buzer all right David first first Cleveland lead since the early minutes when they were up 76 they outscored the Celtics in the third 3624 James looking more active now not able to hit rebounded by Wallace here’s the lead Davis ahead of the field a hard foul by Devonte West to break it up yeah if you’re Doc Rivers you can’t be happy with a 36-point third quarter especially when your team had established Tempo in that first half the first first half the Cleveland Cavaliers shot poorly as you you see the third quarter sum 65% from the field in the third we look at the points in the paint a lot of those from Mo Williams drives and LeBron James drives Cavaliers had 43 points in the first half nearly matched that in the third with the 36 one out a 219 Run game is tied at 79 just under theway in the fourth Marv Albert Reggie Miller David Aldridge at the queue in Cleveland game one of the best of seven Eastern Conference semi-final game two here in Cleveland we’ll have it for you on TNT Monday night starting 8:00 Eastern Time Rajan Rondo with the lead for Glen d backto back moments for Glen Davis running the floor making something happen for the Celtics here 11 assists along with 24 points for Rondo West and Parker now in the back court James with Hixon and Bara up front Parker set it up for hexon Parker has not been able to get the shot going but he’s done other things three steals in the third quarter came up with that assist and five rebounds hson Off the Bench 11 points and Davis lost it he was pounded by B the ball back to Cleveland what I like about JJ Hicks in good hands you understand you could throw it lower high to him he can catch and finish now back on and now Mo Williams makes his return 33a Shaquille O’Neal coming back sha just one of six from the field makes his return he’s playing with four fouls being guarded by rashed Wallace Williams fouled by Tony Allen Mo Williams with the 10 points within a stretch of a minute and 40 seconds in the third quarter to help turn things around for the Cavaliers and mo heads back to the line sh reminder national coverage of the NBA Playoffs continues tomorrow on ABC game seven of the Bucks and the Hawks followed by game one of the Western Conference semi-final series between the Utah Jazz and the LA Lakers and then Monday on TNT as we mentioned a moment ago game two in this series we’ll have it for you right here on TNT game one of the Spurs and Suns with coverage starting at 8 with the Celtics and the Cavaliers and Friday on ESPN game three of the Cavs and the Celtics follow b s to the Spurs well you wondering if Mike Brown is going to try to find a chance here to rest LeBron James or is he going to go with him this whole fourth quarter with Paul Pierce resting for the Celtics here’s Davis and it’s deflected out last Touch by the Celtics L Davis trying to make things happen down low you see the swipe down by Shaq nice hands over top by LeBron James might have went off of LeBron and there’s no question that LeBron is playing through that strained right elbow and a bone bruise on the other underside of the elbow he has been staying out of traffic for the most part but still has 23 points and seven assists backs his way and score he get back down Ray Allen and shoot over him and Ed his size nice jump hook there in the paint by LeBron Cavaliers up 85 [Music] 81 Garnett trapped and loster this has been some swarming second half defense by the Cleveland Cavaliers on all the Boston Celtic players Tony Allen now defending on LeBron James shot clocked to five James Loston Rondo goes one on Three Rondo is fouled timeout taken the Cavaliers had 22 Point paints oh 22 points in the paint already they have 22 and we’ve got 8 minutes and 46 seconds to go left in this [Applause] game as you see Rondo now 10 of 11 at the line Cavaliers up by two B Williams Delante West at the guard Shaquille Anderson Baria and LeBron James on the front line here’s sha putting a move on Davis nice fake and he scor there’s no way that Glenn Davis can guard Shaquille O’Neal down low he’s just too big too strong can shoot over him Rondo with the shovel pass to Allen gets it out to Garn shot clock at seven here’s [Applause] Garnett James now met by Rondo James on the Move James with the photo and a foul and Doc Rivers looking for a traveling violation LeBron James here taking the smaller wand off the the dribble here Doc Rivers is looking for a travel and he might be right there’s a little bit of contact kind of close too close to call foul on Davis number [Applause] five J and shooting two shots LeBron James very Workman like effort tonight by LeBron James kind of careful tonight with that very injured elbow yeah that was the old LeBron crab dribble I believe which we we’ve seen he made that famous one was that against the Washington Wizards exactly M Paul Pierce said the other day you know LeBron with a bad elbow still better than 95% of the league and I believe Paul has a point although James just missed both free throws but he has 25 points and seven assists well Paul you’re wrong in your calculations it’s 98% that 2% possibly Kobe Bryant here’s Pierce for three I think that other percent would maybe be Carmelo Anthony maybe Dwayne Wade possibly 97% how about that for Paul Pierce’s first field goal since back in the first quarter and the Cavalier leaders one on the steel Here Comes Rondo Allen passed out a three here is Pierce and it’s deflected out of about GL touched by the Celtics fans wanted a foul on Boston now I’m going to tell you why Ray Allen didn’t take that shot the official Jason Phillips threw off his sight line and being a shooter you don’t want nothing in your sign uh your your uh sign of vision when you’re running to that spot and it kind of threw him off a little bit that’s why he gave up the ball looked like Jason Phillips was the defender on that play five minutes gone by in the fourth quarter oh battle between Garnett along the base slide and Jameson Garnett Hit the Floor Garnett from a tough angle rebound Perkins loose ball foul on Kendrick Perkins look at as the ball is delivered here by Rondo you think Ray Allen has a wide open three which he does but look at his right side he sees that free safety and official Jason Phillips kind of throws him off a little bit well he put up his hand to indicate that it would be a three he thought it was a Defender right there offensive foul on the Cavaliers Jameson offive call for number four now there’s a battle going on down low between Kevin Garnett and Antoine Jameson the foul rund down for Boston five on Davis four on Rondo three of piece on Pierce Garnett Perkins Wallace four a piece on Jameson and O’Neal for the Cavs Rondo met by O’Neal Pierce Fires for three jerson able to hustle the down settling for a lot of long range shots instead of attacking the basket is what they did in that first half coming up on the halfway point of this fourth quarter passing head of for James deflect it out last Touch by the Celtics step Cavaliers second best three-point shooting team in the league at about 38% they make about seven a game and take about 19 tonight they’ve only only taken seven three-point attempt they’ hit just two of the seven Mo Williams and Jamario Moon able to connect here’s James for [Music] three Cavaliers by four so they match their biggest lead of the game nice pass as O’Neal came out to help on the D and left Perkins wide open and Jameson is telling Shaq don’t come over and help I’ve got him when he’s 15 ft away from the basket shot clocked out to seven the step back by James for three and the long rebound is handled by Rondo Cavaliers and Celtics meeting of the postseason for the first time since back in 2008 pierce with a pretty setup for Perkins Boston winning in seven two years ago in the Eastern Conference semis on their way to the NBA Championship that was an epic series particularly a game seven that saw in 1972 what a lift to be a part of Steve Nash the last to go back to back in 2006 game tied at 90 O’Neal backing his way and he scores the k o has given the Cavs a two-point in now that’s vintage an old sack right there the Up and Under move Kendrick Perkins you got to stay down make him shoot over Rondo oh he is hammered and hit he was hit hard he was hit hard but that’s a good playoff foul right there now that’s just a player in Rondo who’s about 6263 170 lb soaking wet going against the biggest man in the planet in Shaquille O’Neal 7 ft 355 that’s it’s not malicious he not a flagrant that’s a good hard playoff Bou second time that Rondo has hit the deck stretching himself out two shots he’ll have two shots 11 of 12 at the line O’Neal picked up his fifth foul Cleveland’s 13 foul Boston has three that’s one of those make you think about it fouls misses the first free throw you’re going to drive in here like you were in that first half he’s going to be con the coures the pay it has been a sensational game though for bran Ronda 27 points 11 assists his playoff career high is 29 did it against the Bulls last season postseason high in assist 12 one-point lead for the cats they’ve come come back from an 11-point deficit sha nice fake on Perkins cannot convert rebounded by Garnett I don’t know why Kendrick Perkins is leaving his feet every single time you’ve got to stay down and sha make him shoot over the top just under four minutes to play here in the fourth Ray Allen for three so that’s a pretty good call there by Doc Rivers misdirection play see if you can catch the Cavaliers falling asleep James met on a s ttch shot clock to six Pierce went down to draw the foul James and it’s put home James with the foto he has 30 not bad for a guy playing with a strain right elbow and a bone bruise on the underside of the the elbow but he has been a bit cautious tonight still putting up big numbers 30 points seven assists SC clock out of five Pierce recked from behind by James Paul trying to get to the body of Shaq thought he had the foul as Doc Rivers is going to talk about this with before a second left on the shot clock here’s the block Shaq coming over late he gets by LeBron James but there’s the big fella and look at the offensive move the body control here thinks he got the offensive foul gets the ball up tip it back Allen turns for the three it’s deflected out and last Touch by O’Neal so Boston maintains possession and they have the new 24 and you look back at the regular season games for LeBron against Boston and he has put up huge numbers 42 38 36 and 30 and 30 here tonight despite the elbow injury Pierce on a step back has not been able to find the ring for n missing Point L PA Pierce hit four of his first five to start the game one for his last 10 since then so Cleveland with a three-point lead two and a half to go on the fourth James that was a three-point attempt back tap kept Alive by James was on the floor Williams shoots for three rebounded by Rondo oh you got to take that ball out and run some clock if you’re Mo Williams Garnett from Rondo so Rondo able to push it Garnett with 18 points another assist for Rondo and the Celtics are within one these game for Kevin Garnett 18 points 10 [Music] rebounds two minutes to play qu in the fourth sha comes out to set the pick Perkins picks up James now Pierce back on him one on the shot clock James with the run that count just did get it all Cleveland 96 Boston 93 yeah you’re Paul Pierce you’ve got to keep LeBron James out of the paint with the shot clock running down Jack jumping out on a switch here is Pierce trying to draw the contact Perkins kept it alive Pierce for three PA Pierce ring out he cannot find the ring one of his last 12 from the field coming up on a minute remaining in the fourth Cavaliers by three James for O’Neal O’Neal on the follow O’Neal with thep [Applause] time out Boston Cleveland up by five The Big Aristotle getting it done tipping the ball in keeping it alive St 11 points for the third quarter LeBron James now with 32 points seven assists seven rebounds just under a minute remaining in the fourth Allen gets it download Barnett met by varo just came on lost it and it’s deflected out last Touch by the Cavaliers and they put 24 seconds back on the shot clock even Cavaliers swarming defense here ball goes down low to kg you got four Cavalier jerseys around him now they change the uh the shot clock down to 10 which is accurate Rondo will inbound Mario moon with those long arms defending on the inbound toot clock to six Rondo slips it inside Perkins not able to handle it it’ll be Cavalier ball that’s a chough pass for kendri Perkin to handle maybe you can throw it from your sidearms to Kevin garet but to Kendrick Perkins your Center that’s a tough pass Cavaliers 41 seconds to play in the [Applause] fourth Bon does have a foul to give and they’re letting the Cavaliers just play it out down to 25 seconds James for three LeBron James from downtown and he is it up in the second half I’m not quite sure if you’re doc liiv either you get the ball out of his hands but you got a foul in a situation like that you’re down five points and you have a foul to give you might as well take it early remember this is a c the Cavaliers the worst free throw shooting team in the league tonight they’re only shooting at at a 68% clip and he has a it’s a good it’s a good pass just to the wrong person and here the pick and roll situation LeBron James dialed in from long distance James now with 35 points 12 of the 35 here in the fourth Cleveland closing with seven unanswered it was 9493 and the Cavaliers have ripped off seven consecutive points to take what represents now as their biggest lead of the night 491 and Paul Pierce gets into the lane doesn’t get one to go and then gets the step back three and misses that and he’s been downhill ever since for the Celtics this after an excellent first half by Boston but the Cavaliers able to turn up the pressure defensively in the second half LeBron more assertive particularly in the fourth quarter Pierce has not been able to hit the shot one for his last 12 there’s Michael Finley who just checked in for his three-point shooting not able to hit rebounded by West and the Cleveland Cavaliers come from behind come from 11 now to take game one here at the Que
2024 NBA Season
