Celtics Take 2-0 Lead And Control the Outcome of this Series

Coming into this series, Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers looked like they had finally figured things out. After a nail-biting 7 games series with a gritty Pacers team, they were able to easily sweep the best team in the Eastern Conference in the Raptors sparking hilarious internet memes of "Lebronto" and "LeThanos". In that Raptors series, Lebron's supporting cast came up huge as he got monster games from Love and solid consistent production from Korver, J.R. Smith and Jeff Green. Everybody thought that this strong play would continue into this series against the Celtics and that Lebron would be off to his 8th straight finals appearance. Oh was everyone wrong. 

"Tomas Satoransky, Jayson Tatum"  by Keith Allison is licensed under C.C by 2.0

In the first 2 games, the Celtics have been able to do what no other team has been able to do so far in the playoffs; contain Lebron James. With their ultra-switchy defense on the perimeter and an excellent defensive scheme (courtesy of Brad Stevens), the Celtics embarrassed Lebron in game 1 as he finished with a mere 15 points and 7 turnovers. Although Lebron did explode for an unbelievable triple double of 42 points, 10 reb and 12 ast in game 2, the Celtics continued to pester Lebron throughout the game and still found a way to pull out a victory and improve to 9-0 at home in these playoffs. And did I mention that both Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, arguably the Celtics 2 best players are not even playing in this series. The Celtics have been getting key contributions from young guns like Tatum, Brown and Rozier along with steady veteran play from Horford, Morris, Baynes and Smart. Meanwhile the Cavs role players have struggled mightily, with J.R. Smith having more flagrant fouls than points in game 2, George Hill struggling from the field and just the horrible play of their bench. That's been the major difference in this series. Every Celtics player that has played has found some way to contribute, whether it be scoring, defense, rebounding or just energy to get the team and crowd going. On the other hand, the Cavs players (other than Lebron and Love) have disappeared and left the Cavs in a tough situation.

"Lebron James"  by Erik Drost is licensed under C.C by 2.0

Coming into this series, the Celtics were once again counted out by the media and NBA fans. A confident Rozier confidently told the world, "You can keep countint us out." However, after dismantling the Lebron led Cavs rather easily at home, the Celtics now control their own fate. Although they have beaten the Cavs rather convincingly at home (which they have been doing to teams throughout the playoffs) the Celtics have a 1-4 record on the road in these playoffs. Can they shake off their playoff road woes and reach the finals for the first time in 8 years? Can the Cavs wake up and start playing good basketball and make this series interesting? In my opinion, the Celtics are going to steal one game in Cleveland and be on their way to another NBA finals after dispatching the Cavs in 6 games.