5 things the Cavaliers needs to do to even their series with the Celtics

BOSTON, MA - MAY 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 13, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-83. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – MAY 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers speaks with the media following Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics on May 13, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. LeBron must bounce back

Just after the Cavaliers unceremoniously eliminated the Toronto Raptors from the Playoffs social media was lit ablaze by a fresh round of LeBron vs. Jordan debates. Then James went out and played one of his worst games in recent memory against the Celtics in Game 1.

That doesn’t really change the nature of that debate, but it does prove that LeBron is actually human. At the risk of stating the obvious, he’ll need to be much better in Game 2 if the Cavaliers are going to have any chance at all of evening the series.

The easiest way LeBron can do that is by playing with more energy at both ends of the floor. He was a horrific -32 in his 36 minutes in the opener. That proves just how poor he was in every aspect of the game.

His seven turnovers were particularly harmful to his team. Taking care of the ball should be a big priority for LeBron in Game 2. Yes, he needs to create for himself and his teammates, but he also needs to avoid committing live ball turnovers that gift easy baskets to the Celtics.

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On the defensive end, he needs to accept the challenge of taking one of Boston’s wings out of the game. Whether it’s Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown is a matter for he and the Cavaliers coaching staff. He simply has to make sure one has a rough day on the offensive end to give his team a chance to keep the Celtics offense in check.

It may not be fair to expect greatness from LeBron James every time out, but he’s capable of that level of brilliance. The Cavaliers will need him to play up to his massive potential in Game 2 to even this series at one win apiece.

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