Game 4: Cavaliers vs. Celtics
Tipoff: TD Garden, Boston, 1 p.m.
Series: Cavaliers lead, 3-0.
TV: ABC. Radio: WTAM-AM 1100 flagship; WAKR-AM 1590 Akron.
Projected Starters
Cavaliers: C Timofey Mozgov; PF Kevin Love; SF LeBron James; SG J.R. Smith; PG Kyrie Irving.
Celtics: Tyler Zeller; PF Brandon Bass; SF Evan Turner; SG Avery Bradley; PG Marcus Smart.
Injury Report
Cavaliers: C Anderson Varejao (Achilles) out.
Celtics: None to report.
Dribbles
1. The Cavs know what they accomplish Sunday, and it's more than just a first-round sweep of the Celtics. With the Bulls losing to the Bucks on Saturday, it will also mean a little bit of time off.
2. The Bulls lead their series vs. the Bucks, 3-1, with Game 5 in Chicago. That means the Bulls are expected to wrap it up Monday. If the Cavs win Sunday, they'll get an extra day before starting the second round. If not, the Cavs and Celtics will play Game 5 Tuesday in Cleveland. Not a big deal if it happens. But the Cavs would prefer to just finish this job and not waste any more time with this particular very pesky opponent.
3. The Cavs are holding the Celtics to 43 percent shooting for the series, including a paltry 30 percent on 3-pointers. Leading the way defensively has been none other than rim-protecting center Timofey Mozgov, who's averaging 3.0 blocks in the first three games.
4. Of course, the Cavs haven't been too shabby offensively, either. The Big Three of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are combining for 68.3 points, 20.0 rebounds and 13.7 assists.
5. Or how about this stat: James and Irving have scored or assisted on every basket in the fourth quarter of the previous two games. Some people may not think that's good balance. But I'd call it the benefit of having major stars on your team. This is the time of the year you want those types of players. Superstars win championships.
6. As for the Celtics, it's only a matter of time before this ends. But guess what? This has been a banner year for them. Nobody really expected them to get this far after reshaping the roster on the fly during the season. Their time is not now. But it is coming.
7. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge traded Jeff Green (to Memphis), Rajon Rondo (to Dallas) and got rid of most of the guys he got in both deals. The idea was to land lots of first-round draft picks -- which Ainge has done. To create a winning culture while doing all of this is a real tip of the hat to the coaching staff, the players, and the organization as a whole.
8. In fact, Ainge destroyed the Mavericks in the deal involving Rondo. It may not have seemed like it at the time, as media and fans have vastly overrated Rondo -- who's been little beyond a headache since arriving in Dallas. His best years, clearly, are behind him. Someone will overpay Rondo this summer, but truth is, he's little more than a backup on a good team anymore. Today, Rondo is a little guard with so-so knees who can't shoot and causes friction in the locker room.
9. Meanwhile, the Celtics landed a first-round pick and Jae Crowder, who's become a fan favorite with his great attitude, strong work ethic and endless determination. They also turned some of the other players obtained in the deal into IsaiahThomas. And all Thomas has done is turn into a major scoring threat and borderline All-Star.
10. On top of Crowder, Thomas and all those draft picks, the Celtics boast a constantly improving young frontcourt, as well as rookie Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley in the backcourt. Read: This is a team that has the potential to go places, and soon. The Celtics won't be playoff fodder for long.
