The Cleveland Cavaliers punched back in Game 2 and decimated the Celtics Boston by 24 points. Now, they have tons of momentum as the series heads to Cleveland.

Catch the game this Sunday, May 12th, at 8:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Boston Celtics (1-1)

Projected starting five:

• Jrue Holiday 
• Derrick White
• Jaylen Brown
• Jayson Tatum
• Al Horford

The Celtics lost a Game 2 for the third-straight series, which dates back to last season. It got ugly too, as the shocking 118-94 beating was the worst loss by a team who was favored to win by double digits. Further, it’s their second-lowest output this entire 2023-24 season.

Despite carrying momentum from Game 1 and the Miami Heat series, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both shot an underwhelming 7-of-17 from the field. The latter also missed all of his six attempts from downtown. All-Stars in their magnitude usually respond well in the very next game, so we’ll see if they do what’s expected.

Third scorer Derrick White was off as well as he only mustered 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting (1/8 from three). He needs to wake up ASAP, especially with  Kristaps Porzingis still out.

More than that, though, is defense. Their effort on the defensive end was severely lacking in Game 2, as they seemingly let the Cavs establish rhythm and do their thing, as evident in the blowout. It was quite uncharacteristic from this Celtics team.

HOME: Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1)

Projected starting five:

• Darius Garland
• Donovan Mitchell
• Max Strus
• Isaac Okoro
• Evan Mobley

Playing as heavy underdogs who got expectedly routed in the series-opener, the Cavaliers suddenly dominated Game 2 and earned their own blowout victory. They played aggressively on both ends, with the offense going for 118 points on 54.7% shooting, including 13-of-28 from downtown.

Donovan Mitchell led the way as per usual with 29 points, alongside seven rebounds and eight assists. What’s good is got plenty of help from everyone, with Evan Mobley lording over the Celtics courtesy of 21 points, 10 boards, five assists, and a pair of blocks. 

Adding to that is others playing their role well: Darius Garland shied away from scoring but was a floor general, Max Strus provided threes and defense, and Isaac Okoro was active everywhere – it’s a bonus that he reached 12 points. Caris LeVert, who has been quiet for much of the postseason, came off the bench to chip in 21 points. When such things click simultaneously, you can expect good things from the team.

This Cavs team stole homecourt advantage with force, and have gained a good amount of confidence while they were at it. It will not be exciting to watch them build from it for Game 3, when they are backed by their home crowd.

PICKS:

Spread: Cavaliers (+8)

Over/Under: Over (211)