Joe Soriano
O.J. LewisCeltics survive
May 19th 2008 08:57
The team won, but the player almost had it.
LeBron James had 45 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but in the end the Boston Celtics remained perfect at home in the playoffs, winning 97-92 in an NBA Eastern Conference semifinal.
Boston was in control from the start, and took a 10-point lead into the half. But Cleveland found life in the second half and with 2:20 to play had the lead cut to 89-88, and a chance to take the lead after James got a rebound on a Boston miss and tried for a 3-pointer on his end. That was the tale. Despite James’ 45 points, it was the ones he couldn’t make late that hurt. He was o for 3 on field goals in the final 2:20 and 1 for 2 from the free throw line in that span.
Granted you want the ball in your best players’ hands when the game is on the line, and no doubt James is that man to the Cavs. But he definitely tried to do too much, and took some ill-advised shots in late. He drove the lane in heavy traffic one time, when the Celtics gave him room for a 3. He showed that he is going to need more around him if the Cavaliers are to be serious contenders.
But no one will remember that. What this game will be remembered for is an epic battle between James and Boston’s Paul Pierce who had 41 points, and made his shot late.
Pierce’s job was a bit easier just because he had Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen around him if needed. They weren’t needed much. James. Pierce. James. Pierce.
"I had it going, LeBron had it going and we just didn't let up," Pierce said. "Neither one of us wanted our teams to lose."
LeBron did. Pierce and the Celtics now get to face Detroit in what should be a classic NBA Eastern Conference Final.
LeBron James had 45 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but in the end the Boston Celtics remained perfect at home in the playoffs, winning 97-92 in an NBA Eastern Conference semifinal.
Paul Pierce had 41 points for the Celtics on Sunday
Granted you want the ball in your best players’ hands when the game is on the line, and no doubt James is that man to the Cavs. But he definitely tried to do too much, and took some ill-advised shots in late. He drove the lane in heavy traffic one time, when the Celtics gave him room for a 3. He showed that he is going to need more around him if the Cavaliers are to be serious contenders.
But no one will remember that. What this game will be remembered for is an epic battle between James and Boston’s Paul Pierce who had 41 points, and made his shot late.
Pierce’s job was a bit easier just because he had Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen around him if needed. They weren’t needed much. James. Pierce. James. Pierce.
"I had it going, LeBron had it going and we just didn't let up," Pierce said. "Neither one of us wanted our teams to lose."
LeBron did. Pierce and the Celtics now get to face Detroit in what should be a classic NBA Eastern Conference Final.
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