Scared of LeBron?

Everyone in the media seems to be talking about the fact that the Celtics were pushed to 7 games by the Hawks and how it might spell trouble against LeBron James.  But the way I saw the series, it looked like this:

Games 1-2:  C's Dominated... end of story.

Game 3:  C's expected Hawks to rollover, and just got outplayed.

Game 4: C's paniced, didn't play team basketball, and lost

Game 5:  Got their act together and won easily

Game 6:  Again, poor team defense and expected Hawks to rollover... Loss

Game 7:  Brought the A game

The bottom line is that 2 of the 3 losses in the Hawks series came more or less because the Celtics weren't playing hard enough to win-- not because they couldn't win those games.

.... BUT what the media isn't talking about is that the Cavs and King James got taken to game 6 by an inured and overwhielmed Wizards team.

In the Cavaliers 4 wins, LBJ averaged 30/11/8, and in their 2 losses he averaged 27/8/4.  LeBron is gonna get his 30 points, but rather than focusing on shutting down his offense, all they need to do is stay physical in the lane to make it diffuclt for him to get offensive rebounds, and either try to limit him from kicking it out to an open man, or shift around to put a body on the open shooter.  If the Wizards were able to do that for 2 games, I have no doubt the Celtics can do it for 4.

LeBron can win a game on his own, but he can't win a series on his own.  If the Celtics can either clog the lane and make life difficult on LeBron as far as offensive boards and assists go, or get someone in the face of the open man on a LeBron pass, they should be okay. 

Celtics in 6.

Very good points. I agree with almost every thing.

I think the Celtics take it in 5 or 7. 6 would mean winning a clincher in Cleveland. That would be difficult , but not impossible.

The celtic are much better than an injured Wizzards team they should win. They also should not under estimate the Cav's. Detroit did last year and we all know how that worked out.

Celtics in 5. But not easy.

LeBron can win a game on his own, but he can't win a series on his own. 

I don't really think he has to. He's the focal point for the Cavaliers, but he's not the only capable performer that they have. No doubt, he must play well for the Cavs to prevail, but when Gibson, West, or Sczerbiak have their feet set, they are deadly from behind the arc.  This is actually a good matchup IMHO. The Cavs have a lot of big bodies to crowd the paint. Wallace will obviously guard KG, which will be a key matchup. If Wallace can merely contain KG to some extent, it will be a bonus for the Cavs. Ilgauskas will need to have a productive series if the Cavs hope to spring the upset. Perimeter defense could be a real problem for the Cavs, although, they didn't seem to have too much of a problem with the quick perimeter players of the Wizards. I wonder who will guard LeBron for Boston. I assume Paul Pierce, but thats a lot to ask of your offensive star. Boston needs to play smart help defense, and keep LeBron out of the paint. Once he gets into the paint, its as close to automatic points as anyone is going to get. If I were Mike Brown, I would mix up the high pick and roll that they always run, with posting up LeBron near the wing (like they did against the Wiz). That latter of the two allows LeBron to scan the floor and recognize whether the double team is coming.

I know this is the Celts board. I just thought you all may like the perspective of a Cavs fan. If the Celts get ho, there may be no stopping them, but don't discount the Cav's D. They have been known to ratchet it up in the postseason, and LeBron is a much better defender (when he wants to be) than many people give him credit for. Here's to an exciting, unpredictable series....The way that they all should be. Best of luck to you all.

the cleveland fans are definetly not as active as those Hawks fans.

I'll remember that when I'm at the Q for game 3 on Saturday.

If Boobie keeps shooting like he always has in the playoffs, you'll be surprised.

If Wally can keep it up, it'll be tough. With Lebron driving and those two on the outside, Z in the post, it'll be great.

It'll be a good series, two good teams, two bad coaches.

But I'm a Cleveland fan, I've seen Lebron prove himself in the playoffs time and time again, and the Celtics didn't do anything to show they are a playoff team, so I'm gonna go with Cleveland in 6. I think Boston takes tonight, but Game 2 will be the real key to the series.

Okay I take your point bigdog that 1 off game shouldn't make me think LeBron James is any less of a player, it doesn't.

However it does prove that our defense can at least slow him down.

Allen and Pierce definately had off-nights. Allen is the streakiest player in the Big 3 so that's not surprising. 3 pt shooting is a streaky forte no matter how good you are at it. How was Wally or Gibson in game 1 ? Not that great either.

Pierce is going to focus on defense for this series. If he has a good offensive game here or there GREAT. If he doesn't, but plays defense like he did tonight I am still happy.

And in low scoring, defensive battle type games like tonight, I'd pick the Celtics to win every time.

But considering that Pierce and Allen both had off nights, and we found a way to win, and that that way was defending the hardest player in the game to defend...

...you have to understand my confidence now right ?

Of course defending LeBron as well as we did and only winning a close one at home isn't exactly what I like to see.

I think both home games and road games will be tough. I think the home team might win every game this series. :D

Of course I'd love to see the Celts earn a split on the road and finish it in 5 or 6.

If your Cavs earn a split by winning Game 2 this would be an incredibly difficult series for the Celts.

Only Game 1 is down, it was on the road for your team, so absolutely nothing is decided yet.

But I am very confident in my team. It will be a tough, close series, and a fun one to watch. But I have faith in my boys.

GO CELTS

Does it really matter? Has anyone here seen the Hornets, Jazz or Lakers? East winner will get their ass whipped in the finals anyway.

Is the west better top to bottom? Of course!! Can Boston or Detroit win a 7 game series vs a West team. Yes they will. 

Agreed.  Lebron doesn't scare me it' the rest of his teamates.  If they play unbelievable, like the Hawks, then they will push the Celts.

But let's be realistic.  The Celts have 3 superstar scorers while the Cavs only have 1..they can let Lebron go crazy and as long as they don't let any others have their way, they'll win this series easily.

My guess is the Boston Celtics in 5 over the Caveliers.

How about Detroit....looks like they may lose Billups for the game!!!