With the performance Cleveland Cavaliers put up during the NBA regular season, they were expected to have an easy outing against the Boston Celtics in their first round Playoffs match up.
The Cavaliers won both their home games against the Celtics to take 2-0 lead in the best of seven series, even though the Celtics have not made it easy for Cavs in the series. Celtics have played a good game in both the first and second game, but the Cavaliers have shown their class in the latter half of the game.
The Celtics were leading in the second quarter during both the games.
Brad Stevens, Celtics' head coach feels that the third quarter killed them in both the games. "... But the third quarters killed us both games. We've been fighting from behind from that point on in both games," AP quoted Stevens as saying.
Great teams are characterised by the way they react after trailing in games and with stars such as LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in Cavs line up, they can change the game on its head in a matter of seconds.
Stevens talked highly about James and Irving. "Obviously, they're great players," he said.
"I thought we challenged Kyrie a little bit better. ... But he's a really explosive ball handler and scorer. And then when LeBron just puts his shoulder down and wants to get where he wants to go, it's hard to stop him from getting there."
But with Celtics scheduled to take on the Cavs at Boston, they should make proper use of their home court advantage on Thursday as well. If the Cavs win this game as well, they will just be a win short of clinching the first round clash.
David Blatt, Cavs coach is aware about the threat Celtics are bringing with their game.
"They're coming in with a lot of firepower and scoring the ball," said David Blatt.
"We certainly have to do a better job with that. But at the end of the day, you're giving yourself a chance to win if you're holding your opponent to 91 (points) regardless of who's scoring."
However, the Celtics are required to win the third game if they are to have any chances of stretching the first round series.
Where to Watch Live
The NBA Playoffs Round 1 Game 3 between Cleveland Cavaliers Vs Boston Celtics is scheduled for 7pm ET (4:30am IST, 12am BST) start.
Viewers in the US can watch the game live on TNT.
Indian viewers can catch it live on Sony Six.
NBA fans can also watch the playoffs live on NBA.com.
