CLE Cavaliers at BOS Celtics (May 16, 2008)
2008-05-16 06:29:00
PA SPORTSTICKER NBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW
(BOSTON-CLEVELAND)
*James, Cavs look to survive elimination in Game Six*
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Boston at Cleveland 8:00 pm EDT
Eastern Conference semifinals Celtics lead, 3-2
CLEVELAND (Ticker) - The Boston Celtics haven't had success on
the road in the postseason, and LeBron James would like to keep
it that way.
James will try to make sure the Cleveland Cavaliers don't get
eliminated from the playoffs on Friday when they meet the
top-seeded Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference
semifinals series.
James poured in 23 of his 35 points in the opening half but the
Cavs blew 14-point lead after the break to fall 96-89 to Boston
in Game Five on Wednesday.
Despite the loss, and the prospect of having to come back to
Boston to advance to the Eastern Conference finals, James
admitted to having no worries.
"A LeBron James team is never desperate," the 6-8 All-Star said.
Kevin Garnett scored 26 points and Rajon Rondo added 20 and 13
assists for the Celtics, who are looking for their first road
win of the postseason.
"This momentum, and what we did here (Wednesday)," Garnett said,
"we've got to figure a way to carry this on the road."
"We've got some work cut out for us as we go out here on this
road and try to close this out, which is the most important
thing for us right now," Celtics guard Paul Pierce said.
Pierce finally had his breakout game of the series, scoring 29
points on 8-of-19 shooting. It was his best performance of the
postseason.
"Starting (Thursday), we gotta work on somehow, some way,
closing out this series," Pierce said.
If the Cavaliers are going to force a pivotal Game Seven back in
"Beantown" they have to do without the services of backup guard
Daniel Gibson, who suffered separated his left shoulder.
"We're not looking for a spectacular game from anybody," James
said. "We just want to continue to do what we've been doing in
the two wins we've had at home guys stepped up. We're not
looking for a guy to go out and score 30 points or anything like
that."
With Gibson being sidelined due to injury, Cavaliers coach Mike
Brown could turn to Sasha Pavlovic, who hasn't seen much
playing time the entire playoffs.
If the Cavs are hoping to return to the NBA Finals, they have to
first take care of business here.
"You can't panic," Cleveland guard Delonte West said. "This is
when it gets fun. This is when you see what your team is made
of."
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