LeBron James: Celtics set HUGE NBA Playoffs challenge against Cavs by Paul Pierce
THE BOSTON CELTICS must win the Eastern Conference Finals inside in six games if they are to reach the NBA Finals.
LeBron James is averaging 33.7 points per game in the 2018 playoffs
That’s the word of warning from former Celtics All-Star forward Paul Pierce.
The Celtics led the series 2-0 after their opening two games at TD Garden but a superhuman LeBron James effort has helped the Cavs to pull level at 2-2.
The four-time MVP posted 44 points in Game 4 as he dominated the Celtics to make real again the possibility of an eighth straight Finals and a fourth straight for Cleveland.
The Conference Finals now goes back to Boston where Brad Stevens’ No 2 seed will hope to regain control against James’ resurgent Cavs.
And Pierce feels that it is on Boston to claim the next two games and avoid a high-pressure Game 7 showdown against James be it home or away.
LeBron James has at times single-handedly carried Cleveland this post-season
Talking on ESPN’s The Jump, Pierce said: “The pressure is on Boston.
I’d say the Celtics have to win in six. They have to win this game and then get the road win in Cleveland.
“If you lose at home [in Game 5], you’re not that good on the road right now and you go back to Cleveland for a closeout game? I don’t see it happening.
“I’d say the Celtics have to win in six. They have to win this game and then get the road win in Cleveland.
“I’m just not comfortable with having LeBron in Game 7 no matter where it is. I don’t want LeBron James in a Game 7. I’m not comfortable with that.”
The Celtics, like many a team, have not been able to contain LeBron James
Paul Pierce on ESPN's The Jump
Paul Pierce has warned the Celtics that they must avoid a Game 7
James surpassed NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s all-time leader in successful playoff field goals with his 17-for-28 shooting taking him to 2,368 total baskets.
The 33-year-old - currently averaging 33.7 points, a career best in the playoffs - will need more of the same as Cleveland look to come from behind to move within one game of the Finals.
Cavs’ Game 5 against Boston is tomorrow morning with a 1.30am tip-off UK time.