Celtics Get Embarrassed, Suffer Epic Game 2 Loss at Home

No 0-2 series deficit ever looked so ominous. On Friday night the Boston Celtics were annihilated by the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 130-86 to take a 2-0 lead in the best of seven series. This 44-point defeat amounts to the worst playoff loss in Celtics franchise history. Unfortunately for the Celtics, the margin of defeat is the least of their worries.

Cleveland not only dominated every facet of the game, they did so without meeting resistance from the white flag waving Celtics. It was one of the most embarrassing noncompetitive displays from a team of basketball professionals.

Any person affiliated with the Celtics should be ashamed for having contributed to the on-court product of that spiritless group. With the first five minutes of the game representing the lone exception, at no point did it appear the Cavaliers were in threat of losing Game 2 of the series. LeBron James and the Cavaliers were permitted to dictate the terms of the game from beginning to end. After the Cavaliers early start, the Celtics entered halftime trailing by 41. That 41-point halftime margin was the largest in NBA postseason history. 

While Cleveland deserves respect for their dominance, the Celtics abysmal play was beneath the integrity of the league. Boston played as if they hadn't earned the top seed in the East. Paying fans who attended and other supporters who upgraded cable television packages in order to watch the Celtics compete, deserved better. The level of ineptitude and apathy from Celtics players during the second half was inexcusable. High-quality perimeter players failed to make open shots. Defensive rotations were lackadaisical, and gave LeBron clear lanes to pass the ball without ever obstructing his path. 

After giving up 70 points to a young Devin Booker late in the regular season, the Celtics showed how vulnerable they were on defense. 

Both Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford, the Celtics two best players, were nonexistent in Game 2. Horford only managed to grab five rebounds and score 11 points. Thomas, who endured the affects of a 'nagging hip injury' cannot continue to carry the Celtics to victory singlehandedly. Cleveland is too good and too deep for one player – regardless of ability – to overcome all of Cleveland's weapons. Thomas' supporting cast is too talented to allow a visiting team to enter The Garden and dismantle them on their home floor. There is no excuse, and the only way Boston can regain the favor of its fanbase is to steal a game in Cleveland.