The Boston Celtics’ quest for the Eastern Conference’s top seed continues but just how important is it in the grand scheme of things?The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers came into Wednesday’s game tied atop the East. By the end of the game, one team would own a one game advantage over the other. Also, the game’s outcome would be crucial for tie-breaker considerations if both teams finish with identical records. The Cavaliers have that advantage now, winning the season series 3-1.
LeBron James had interesting comments before the game. “I’m not one to get caught up in the regular season,” he said, according to ESPN. “I’m sorry. I’ve been to six straight Finals, man. I’m the last person to ask about a regular-season game, dude. Sorry.” While it would appear he was just trying to downplay the game, he does have a point.
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The regular season is not unimportant. It is where teams jostle for playoff positioning and a chance for a championship. However, the intensity is dialed up in the postseason and the message is simple – go hard or go home! A message the Boston Celtics have to digest very quickly after their blowout loss to the Cavs.
Boston may still finish with the East’s top seed even after this set back. However, in a potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs showed what they could do at TD Garden. Both teams are fully healthy but the Celtics only competed in the first quarter. Cleveland dominated the rest of the way.
In the NBA, champions win on the road. The Celtics have a superior road record at 22-17 to Cleveland’s 20-19. The Cavs are still the team to beat to get to the Finals. The Celtics took a thorough beating tonight instead. It has to serve as a wake up call. Winning the top seed might be moot if it’s this easy for the Cavs to dominate them.
Only two of the last 10 NBA Finals have been played by top seeds from either conference. Last season’s Cavs versus Golden State Warriors series and the Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers in 2008. From the East, only three #1 seeds won a title. The ’16 Cavs, the ’13 Miami Heat and the ’08 Celtics. LeBron James has played in seven of those series and finished as a top seed only twice.
So it’s safe to say it’s more how you play than where. Considering James’ involvement in over half of those series, maybe who you play with comes in as well. Finishing first would be a great feat for the Celtics. It validates Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens‘ steady development of the Celtics’ core .
However, it’s all for naught if the Cs can’t take advantage. James and the Cavs showed on Wednesday that they can and will take advantage on the road. It makes the reigning champion’s pregame comments more profound. He knows what matters and when it matters. And maybe where it matters too.
The loss to Cleveland might have been a blessing in disguise. As the postseason beckons, it highlights many holes in the framework and what must be done. Kevin Love had nine first quarter rebounds. You do not win in the playoffs giving up those type of numbers.
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Home court advantage is still within reach for the Celtics. But what they really need is to use this Cleveland masterclass to their advantage. Then they should be better prepared for Finals.