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Find out the scoop on the CAVS from award-winning sports writer Bob Finnan.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Game 81: Celtics at Cavs

BOSTON CELTICS (25-55) 111, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (32-49) 99
Quicken Loans Arena
Saturday
Radio/TV: WTAM (1100 AM)/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED?: Try and convince me this team hasn't packed it in.

Cavs coach Mike Brown was asked after the game whether that has happened. He doesn't know how to answer the question.

His starters just abandoned him on Saturday. They've now lost by a combined 15 points to two of the worst teams in the league in Milwaukee and Boston. In the case of the Celtics, they're 0-3 against Boston this year. What's that all about?

The Celtics came into Saturday's game having lost 14 of their last 16 games. Despite being in tank mode, they knocked off Charlotte and the Cavs on back-to-back nights.

They were playing without two starters in center Jared Sullinger and point guard Rajon Rondo.

The two players that stepped in for them were fantastic.

Center Kelly Olynyk, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2013 draft, had 25 points and 12 rebounds, both career highs. I implore the Cavs to find a player as good in the 2014 draft.

Point guard Phil Pressey started in place of Rondo and dished out 13 assists. He has 26 assists in the last two nights.

His dunk in the first half was also a thing of beauty. He followed a shot that bounced off the rim. He grabbed it in mid air and threw it down with authority. Remember, this guy is 5-11, 175. 

He's the son of former Cavs assistant coach Paul Pressey.

It's only human nature to set your sights on the finish line. It's been a long season, and a difficult one at that. But one would think the Cavs would be able to slip past teams like Milwaukee on Friday no matter what. Of course, they've lost twice to the Bucks this season.

Cavs small forward Luol Deng was held out of the game with a sore back. Alonzo Gee started in his place.

The other injured players - guard/forward C.J. Miles (ankle), forward Anthony Bennett (knee) and guard Carrick Felix (knee) - are also out, likely for the duration. The season ends on Wednesday against the Nets.

The Cavs can't finish above .500 this year at home. They are 18-22 at The Q thus far this season. That's ridiculous. Even really bad teams win at least half their games at home.

UP NEXT: The Cavs host Brooklyn at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena.

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Jeff Green (6-9, 235)
PF Tristan Thompson (6-9, 236) vs. Brandon Bass (6-8, 250)
C Spencer Hawes (7-1, 245) vs. Kelly Olynyk (7-0, 238)
SG Dion Waiters (6-4, 225) vs. Avery Bradley (6-2, 180)
PG Kyrie Irving (6-3, 193) vs. Phil Pressey (5-11, 175)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs - G Carrick Felix, G Scotty Hopson
Celtics G/F Keith Bogans, C Vitor Faverani, F Gerald Wallace
OFFICIALS
Dick Bavetta, Brian Forte, James Williams



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