The Boston Celtics had all the momentum after Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Cleveland Cavaliers, however, asserted their will in Game 3, cruising to a 116-86 win at Quicken Loans Arena.
Game 3 left a salty taste in the Celtics’ mouths. They aren’t ascribing blame to external forces, though — they’re mad at themselves.
Marcus Morris, who was excellent defensively in Games 1 and 2, derided himself for his poor defense on LeBron James in Game 3.
Marcus Morris: “I did a s—t job defensively against Lebron.” pic.twitter.com/AJxBqz4AF8
— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) May 20, 2018
Morris: "I didn't think he felt me at all; like I said, I made myself very vulnerable on screens, I got screened a lot; and he made us pay. He's a great player, and that's what he does, so we have to fix that."
— Michele Steele (@ESPNMichele) May 20, 2018
Second-year wing Jaylen Brown, who has emerged as a force in the postseason, said Game 3 left him “embarrassed.”
Jaylen Brown said he was embarrassed by his performance in Game 3. He’s eager to atone. pic.twitter.com/WfnVXkJI2R
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) May 20, 2018
And Terry Rozier called it a “reality check.”
Does Terry Rozier still think the Celtics needed that Game 3 butt whooping?
“It’s a reality check. I definitely do. Sometimes that needs to happen. I’m not taking nothing away from Cleveland but there’s a lot of things we could have done better."
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) May 21, 2018
Brad Stevens said the team is moving on after reviewing the film.
Brad Stevens: “There’s nothing more therapeutic than watching a bad film session and then coming to the gym and getting it out of your system.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) May 21, 2018
Looking Ahead
Boston will look to reverse its fortunes in Game 4. Cleveland will likely need another monster effort from LeBron, who had 27 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds in Game 3, to hang with the balanced and hungry Celtics.
Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals will air Monday at 8:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
