The Cleveland Cavaliers head into Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a 2-1 lead over the Boston Celtics. They look to maintain the momentum for the rest of the series and build on their 29-point Game 3 victory.
Here are some notes heading into the game.
Cleveland Cavaliers
> Parker on Rondo: Look for Coach Mike Brown to keep Anthony Parker on Rajon Rondo. This has worked in part because the players were involved with this decision. The keys for Parker's defensive success have been clogging the passing lanes and conceding longer-range jump shots to Rondo.
> Garnett, Pierce, and Allen: It is imperative that the Cavaliers refuse to let Paul Pierce get warmed up in this series. They should also limit Ray Allen's opportunities for open spot-up jump shots. Analysts have been split on this, but if the Cavaliers are going to concede to one of the Big 3 having a good offensive game, it should be Kevin Garnett. The more Garnett scores, the less his teammates get involved.
> Celtics Bench: The Cavs need to limit the bench production for the Celtics. As of now, the biggest difference between Games 1 and 3 and Game 2 has been Rasheed Wallace's production. 'Sheed and Glen Davis need to be kept in check.
> Jamison and Hickson: Cleveland needs to continue to keep Antawn Jamison and J.J. Hickson highly involved in the offense. For Jamison, this means giving him lots of shots and lots of room to work. For Hickson, this means having him set lots of picks and constantly cut, especially when he is on the court with LeBron James.
Boston Celtics
> Rondo and Garnett: Look for Coach Doc Rivers to change things up with Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett. Rivers may try to put Garnett at the high post, freeing Rondo, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce to cut for open looks. This also puts Garnett's passing game to work and takes pressure off him to score.
> Captain Pierce: Paul Pierce has built his reputation as one of the NBA's best clutch players. Look for Boston to force-feed him the ball this afternoon. Their goal is to get at least 25-30 points out of Pierce.
> Bench: Wingmen Marquis Daniels and Michael Finley may see more action today. Their combination of spot-up shooting and hard-nosed defense may breathe some life into the Celtics.
> Containing LeBron and Antawn: It will be interesting to see what defensive matchups Coach Rivers will try to set up today. While Pierce and Garnett will likely remain the prime defenders at the forward positions, Marquis Daniels is a prime candidate to get more involved with guarding both James and Jamison. If Jamison finds himself out on the perimeter a lot, look for Rajon Rondo to help with the double team defense.
Here are some notes heading into the game.
Cleveland Cavaliers
> Parker on Rondo: Look for Coach Mike Brown to keep Anthony Parker on Rajon Rondo. This has worked in part because the players were involved with this decision. The keys for Parker's defensive success have been clogging the passing lanes and conceding longer-range jump shots to Rondo.
> Garnett, Pierce, and Allen: It is imperative that the Cavaliers refuse to let Paul Pierce get warmed up in this series. They should also limit Ray Allen's opportunities for open spot-up jump shots. Analysts have been split on this, but if the Cavaliers are going to concede to one of the Big 3 having a good offensive game, it should be Kevin Garnett. The more Garnett scores, the less his teammates get involved.
> Celtics Bench: The Cavs need to limit the bench production for the Celtics. As of now, the biggest difference between Games 1 and 3 and Game 2 has been Rasheed Wallace's production. 'Sheed and Glen Davis need to be kept in check.
> Jamison and Hickson: Cleveland needs to continue to keep Antawn Jamison and J.J. Hickson highly involved in the offense. For Jamison, this means giving him lots of shots and lots of room to work. For Hickson, this means having him set lots of picks and constantly cut, especially when he is on the court with LeBron James.
Boston Celtics
> Rondo and Garnett: Look for Coach Doc Rivers to change things up with Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett. Rivers may try to put Garnett at the high post, freeing Rondo, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce to cut for open looks. This also puts Garnett's passing game to work and takes pressure off him to score.
> Captain Pierce: Paul Pierce has built his reputation as one of the NBA's best clutch players. Look for Boston to force-feed him the ball this afternoon. Their goal is to get at least 25-30 points out of Pierce.
> Bench: Wingmen Marquis Daniels and Michael Finley may see more action today. Their combination of spot-up shooting and hard-nosed defense may breathe some life into the Celtics.
> Containing LeBron and Antawn: It will be interesting to see what defensive matchups Coach Rivers will try to set up today. While Pierce and Garnett will likely remain the prime defenders at the forward positions, Marquis Daniels is a prime candidate to get more involved with guarding both James and Jamison. If Jamison finds himself out on the perimeter a lot, look for Rajon Rondo to help with the double team defense.