National Basketball Association

Cavs overpower C's to win Game 1

Published May. 1, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Just in case anybody had second thoughts, LeBron James demonstrated why he was just named the league’s back-to-back MVP. He simply controlled both ends of the court in compelling the Cavs to a come-from-behind 101-93 win against the Celtics that broke the seal on the series.

Not only did LBJ light up the scoreboard — 12 for 24 from the field, 7 assists, 35 points — but on defense he put the cuffs on Paul Pierce.

However, despite LeBron’s run-of-the-mill brilliance, the game ball is awarded to Mo Williams. Late in the third quarter, with Boston seemingly in firm control of the game, and with LeBron taking a blow, Mighty Mo single-handedly rallied the Cavs and turned the game around. At 5:16, the Celtics led by 11, but over the course of the next 2:04 Williams scored 10 points, had a steal, and shaved the Cavs’ deficit to five points.

From that point on, the Cavs played with supreme confidence and the Celtics played with the shakes. And when LBJ re-entered the fray, he proceeded to take over the proceedings and the outcome was never in doubt.

What else did Cleveland do to outlast Boston?

Overall, the Cavs defensive adjustments and interior power — primarily in the persons of LBJ and Shaq — simply wore down the Celtics.

What must the Cavs do to win Game 2? More of the same, with the possible exception of getting more touches for Antawn Jamison.

The Celtics, however, have to make dramatic adjustments.

Above all, the Celtics must not allow themselves to be intimidated by the Cavs' physicality. They must also take measures to maintain their focus and keep attacking the basket instead of settling for perimeter shots.

Moreover, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to double LeBron on every catch (if possible with a small to keep the bigs at home). If a big man sets a screen for LBJ, then two-time James with the defending big, and rotate in the lane to prevent the screener from rolling hoopwards in a straight line. By any means, get the ball out of LBJ’s hands and force Williams or West or Jamison or anybody else to carry the offense for sustained periods of time.

After all, what do the Celtics really have to lose? Besides, that is, the next three games?