After getting blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1, the Boston Celtics would have been better off forfeiting Game 2 and saving themselves the embarrassment. It was game over well before halftime, with the Cavs setting an NBA playoff record by holding a 72-31 lead. The Cavs went on to win 130-86, their most points ever in a playoff game and tied the NBA record with 13 straight playoff wins. The Celtics' night summed up by this sad fan.
When you're reduced to hoping the NBA calls the game at the half pic.twitter.com/plBSDzYAS0
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 20, 2017
Essentially everything went right for the Cavs in the first half. LeBron James was an absurd plus-40 in +/-, the Cavs shot nearly 60 percent and the Celtics couldn't buy a bucket. Even J.R. Smith hit this unreal buzzer beater.
To cap off an NBA playoff-record lead at the half, J.R. Smith hits the absurd spinning shot. The #Cavs lead the #Celtics 72-31 pic.twitter.com/JpLsjpRTFu
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 20, 2017
James was once again a man among children. He racked up 30 points, seven assists, four boards, four steals and three blocks. He put up several highlight reel plays before sitting for the fourth quarter
Kevin Love throws one up for LeBron James, who lays it over Isaiah Thomas! #DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/05ZBmOkSQW
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 20, 2017
Why dribble when you can pass the ball the entire way on a fast break? #DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/7Uy3VU38kj
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 20, 2017
Kevin Love continued his strong play, with 21 points and 12 boards. Kyrie Irving was better in Game 2 than Game 1. He racked up 23 points on 8 of 11 shooting.
Isaiah Thomas had just two points and failed to make a shot in the first half from the field before leaving with a hip injury. The Celtics had plenty of open looks, but nothing would fall. Al Horford didn't score until second half and finished with 11 points. Jaylen Brown had 19 points, but much of that was in garbage time.
Avery Bradley had 13 points, but was just 6 of 17 from the field. He was also rejected by James.
LeBron James with the rejection of Avery Bradley! #DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/q16wa2OHlM
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 20, 2017
Game 3 of the series is Sunday in Cleveland. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
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