The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Historic Season Hits a Roadblock
The Cleveland Cavaliers are having a season for the ages, boasting a 40-10 record and a +10.5 differential. Their offense is the second-best in NBA history, trailing only the 2024 Celtics. However, their biggest obstacle lies in the remaining 2% of teams that can match up against them. Unfortunately, the Boston Celtics are one of those teams.
The Celtics’ Scheme-Proof Roster
Brad Stevens has built a roster that can adapt to any style of play. They can play fast, take a bunch of threes, or go big. The Celtics’ versatility makes them a nightmare to handle, and their ability to neutralize the Cavaliers’ double big lineup and high-powered offense is a significant problem for Cleveland.
Defensive Weaknesses
The Cavaliers’ defense struggles against the Celtics, particularly on the wing. Players like Darius Garland are attacked every possession, and the Cavs’ lack of perimeter defense allows the Celtics to exploit their weaknesses. The absence of Okoro and Wade only exacerbates the issue.
The Celtics’ X-Factor: Derrick White
Derrick White is the Celtics’ most important player, and his clutch shooting is unmatched. He makes the “backbreaking” threes that deflate defenses and take the crowd out of the game. When White is aggressive, the Celtics are nearly unstoppable.
Al Horford: The Difference Maker
Al Horford is a big part of why the Celtics can neutralize the Cavaliers’ matchup problems. He can limit two of Cleveland’s most important pieces, Garland and Mobley, and his defense is a game-changer.
The Celtics’ Road Warriors
The Celtics own the best road record in the NBA, and their 19-9 record against teams.500 or better is impressive. They are road warriors, and their ability to win on the road gives them confidence.
The Cavaliers’ Struggles Against the Celtics
The Cavaliers have yet to show they can consistently overcome their matchup problems against the Celtics. Unless they address their roster holes, it’s hard to see them beating Boston in a playoff series.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Celtics’ win against the Cavaliers was a wire-to-wire victory, with the Celtics taking the lead early and never trailing again. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were impactful players, despite not shooting well. The Celtics’ defense was solid, and their rebounding and fastbreak points were key to their win. However, the officiating was inconsistent, and the Celtics’ struggles with wide-open layups are alarming.
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