NBA Playoffs: Why Boston Celtics will test LeBron James and the Cavs - Max Kellerman
BOSTON CELTICS have been backed to offer LeBron James a sizeable challenge because of the height and wingspan of their defenders.
ESPN pundit says Boston Celtics can test LeBron James
That’s according to ESPN analyst Max Kellerman, who agrees with NBA legend Scottie Pippen that Boston are capable of upsetting James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Celtics overcame the Philadelphia 76ers while earlier today in Game 5 of their semi-final series, winning 114-112 to close out the series at 4-1.
That’s after the Cavs swept No 1 seed Toronto Raptors 4-0 to put themselves one step closer to a fourth straight NBA Finals.
But Kellerman, like Pippen, believes James and co. will be tested by Boston even without Gordon Hayward and former Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving.
“When you look at the match-up, the real issue with the Cavs is that you have five-star LeBron James MVP and Kevin Love playing like a four star. He’s an All-Star,” Kellerman said.
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“We all know when LeBron has an All-Star with him, he’s tough to beat.
When you can throw multiple long, tenacious defenders who have the size to guard LeBron and Kevin Love - that match-up, just strategically, really helps the Celtics in a way that Toronto couldn’t help themselves.
“But what do the Celtics have to counteract that? Scottie Pippen literally named every single one of them.
“They have athletic, long defenders who could maybe give LeBron all he can handle.
“LeBron can handle anyone but at least make him really work and maybe really help with Kevin Love.
“He [Pippen] mentioned every single one of them - the four most obvious are [Al] Horford, [Marcus] Morris, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
“Those are the long guys but you have to include Marcus Smart because he’s that plucky and tough and good defensively.
“When you can throw multiple long, tenacious defenders who have the size to guard LeBron and Kevin Love - that match-up, just strategically, really helps the Celtics in a way that Toronto couldn’t help themselves.
“I agree - it is possible that the Celtics can win this series.”
Game 1 between the Celtics and the Cavs tips off at 7.30pm UK time on Sunday night.
