The Celtics came out shooting 60% in the first quarter running up a 35-22 lead over the Cavaliers. But the Cavaliers returned the favor fighting back with a 33-19 second quarter for a 55-54 lead at the half. The difference? The Cavs turned up the defense and played a smaller line-up, inserting Iman Shumpert at the small forward position for part of the second quarter and throughout the game, being the sub of the game with 12 points and 16 rebounds and a pair of steals.
Once they inserted this smaller line-up, the momentum changed and the Cavs continued their run in the third quarter, outscoring the Celtics 36-29, shooting a lofty 67% for the quarter.