The Celtics have their backs against the wall heading into Game 5 on Thursday evening. After a stunning win in Game 3 on the road, the Celtics weren’t able to carry their magic into Game 4, mostly due to a Kyrie Irving takeover. Irving scored a playoff career high of 42 points, and the Celtics had no answer. The Cavaliers won 112-99 and now the Celtics are facing elimination for the second time this postseason.
Cavaliers vs. Celtics 2017: Tipoff time, TV schedule, and live stream for Game 5
Cleveland has a 3-1 lead on Boston heading into Game 5.
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The Celtics have played better in Games 3 and 4, though. They seem to have some rotations going that the Cavaliers have had trouble defending. There are a couple of reasons this could be happening and neither is because the Celtics are better off without Isaiah Thomas. The first is that without Thomas running the show, this is now a team the Cavaliers haven’t been able to properly prepare for. Coach Brad Stevens has the Celtics constantly trying new schemes and lineups to try and fill the hole of Thomas. The second is that it’s hard to know how tough it was for Thomas to play with his hip injury. While fighting through it in Games 1 and 2, he may have been unable to be the Isaiah the Celtics needed.
It wouldn’t be crazy to think the Celtics could win Game 5 at home. They’ve played well enough the past two games to make it happen, and being on their home court will surely have its advantages. That said, the Cavaliers know the Warriors are getting plenty of rest waiting for the NBA Finals to start, and they likely want to do the same.
Game 5: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics
DAY: Thursday, May 25
TIME: 8:30 p.m. ET
CHANNEL: TNT
WHERE: TD Garden, Boston
SERIES: 3-1, Cavaliers
LIVE STREAM: TNT
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