BOSTON — LeBron James made history last night.
He stunk. Change that. He really stunk.
The 23-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers star got a first-hand look at a defense that has earned the moniker as the NBA's best this past winter.
James made only two of 18 shots. He missed all six of his 3-pointers. And he had 10 turnovers, his highest total this year.
"You have to give the Celtics credit," said Cleveland coach Mike Brown. "(LeBron) had a tough night and he is entitled to it. My last press conferences, as I've said, he is always terrific, terrific and terrific. He tried to attack, which is good."
The Celtics' ploy was double team him as much as possible and always have a body waiting for his arrival down low.
"It's not one guy covering him," said James Posey, who spent about 20 of his 25 minutes following James' every move. "It's a team defensive scheme. It might look like one guy is covering him sometimes, but everyone knows where he is. If he drives, we are supposed to collapse."
James said, "I missed a lot of shots I know I can make. I missed layups, layups I've made my whole life."
That was a lot of layups as he scored just two of his 12 points in the second half.
Homeland defense
The Celtics allowed just over 90 points a game this past season, which is impressive.
Well, they've picked it up a notch in the post-season, especially at home. In the five home playoff tilts the C's have given up an average of 76 points.
"The Celtics have the best defense in the league," said Brown.
You don't say
"Ray (Allen) and I played LeBron to a standstill," said Paul Pierce, jokingly referring to he and Allen's combined 2-for-18 shooting. That was also what LeBron James shot.
James leads all categories
Thus far in playoffs, LeBron James leads the Cavs in every major category per game: minutes played (41.1), field goals attempted (19.7), 3 pointers attempted (5.3), free throws attempted (12.4), rebounds (9.4), assists (7.9), steals (1.3) and, of course, points (27.3) ... Cavs reserve guard Damon Jones and Sam Cassell were dancing a bit to the music before the game as the starting lineups were getting ready for the opening tap ... Cavs forward Ben Wallace has hit only 3 for 12 free throws heading into the game last night. But that didn't stop him from making both of his first quarter attempts ... Patriots nose guard Vince Wilfork was at the game with tight end Ben Watson, fellow defensive lineman Ty Warren, and their families. Wilfork was called upon by "Lucky" to hold the ball in front of the basket during a timeout, setting up a somersault dunk off the mini-trampoline ... Why does P.J. Brown wear No. 93? It's the year he entered the league with the New Jersey Nets.
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