Ah, Monday Game Tapes are baby, baby! It’s going to be a quick one today since I was at the game and these are almost impossible to do if you’re not keeping a running post while watching the game at home (fire up the excuse train CHOO CHOO).
The Cavs came out and did what they needed to do to take a 1-0 series lead. Obviously emotions were high and it showed in the first quarter but once everyone slowed down it was smooth sailing from there.
Kyrie dropped 30, Kevin added 19 & 12, LeBron had a ho hum 20, 7, & 6, Tristan Thompson seemed like he was everywhere, and Kelly Olynyk’s bloody eye gave us all nightmares.
Here are your highlights:
The Q was rocking during pregame intros. I’m a sucker for those light up glow sticks that they hand out
I’m pretty sure our section collectively pissed our pants during this K-Love hook pass to LeBron for a fast break dunk. LeBron also gave Evan Turner a staredown that even made me a little nervous for Evan’s well being.
KYRI33333
During halftime some dude stood on about 20 metal chairs and did handstands and stuff. It was thrilling, exhilarating and I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. What a showman.
Joe Haden was very concerned during the performance
Playoff scrums are the best scrums
His name is James Jones and he’s been here before (peep K. Love’s reaction on the bench)
Mozgov took a shot right to his huge Russian nuts. Poor guy.
Something weird happened to Kelly Olynyk’s eye and GOO!!
Couple quick thoughts:
-The energy at the Q was slightly above average. I’m pretty sure it’s because Boston isn’t that great but you’d think the first playoff game in Cleveland in forever would have warranted a little more excitement.
– I was in the same section as Jared Sullinger’s family. Before I knew who he was I HATED Jared’s brother JJ. Our section wasn’t too fond of him either. I found out it was JJ about midway through the 3rd quarter and felt bad for the things I was thinking. Former Buckeye, gotta respect that.
– LeBron’s gotta feel pretty good about not having to do any of the heavy lifting this game. If he can rely on Kyrie and Kevin for these early series and coast through these games, I think we’ll see a very healthy and springy LeBron come ECF and Finals time.
– If I’m Brad Stevens I’m not taking Isaiah Thomas out of the game. I don’t think there’s really any Cavs player on the roster who could do a great job of guarding him. He’s a waterbug.
– The girl who sang the National Anthem absolutely CRUSHED it. Great story too if you get a chance to read up on it.
– Gotta love Shawn Marion. Comes in for 30 seconds and gets 2 crucial steals at the end of the 3rd quarter.
– Hopefully JR Smith can stay out of foul trouble. Definitely need to see more of him.
– Saw Marcus Smart catch an elbow to the face and it made my heart all warm and fuzzy.
All in all it was a great first playoff win for Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and co. One down, fifteen more to go. Like I said, this was going to be a short Game Tape, we’ll be better for game 2. Promise.
(vines via @gifdsports and @fansidedgif)
Bottlegate 