by David Gordon

Created on: May 14, 2008   Last Updated: May 17, 2008

After proving himself a non-factor in Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals versus the Boston Celtics, Lebron James is hoping for a wakeup call in Game 3 Saturday night. James has shot a combined 8-42 from the field in the series, and even committed 10 turnovers in Game 1. The Celtics know that the Cavaliers offense runs directly through Lebron, and that if they can keep him off balance, they will most likely keep the rest of the team's offense off balance as well.

Going down 3-0 to a defensive juggernaut like the Celtics could prove extremely costly for the Cavaliers, who would have very little chance of coming back from that kind of deficit, especially since the Celtics have home court advantage. Boston hasn't lost at home in the playoffs.

One key for the Cavaliers will be to get more people involved, especially guard Delonte West, formerly a Boston Celtic. West took a mere 5 shots in Thursday's Game 2, going 1 for 5 but contributing 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a lopsided 89-73 loss. 7 foot 3 center Zydrunas Ilgauskas is proving to be the only other offensive threat for the Cavs in these playoffs, averaging 16 points per game. Distributing more of the offensive load could only help James and Cleveland's cause, but role players like West and Wally Szczerbiak would have to play large roles in the offense. James takes a majority of the Cavs shots, 24 of the team's 73 in Game 2, and rightfully so considering his gaudy numbers during the regular season.

A stingy Celtics defense held the Cavs to only 35% shooting, which brings to light a lack of quality shots for Cleveland - another key for Game 3. Ball movement, cuts, give and go's and running the break would help open up the offense, rather than giving Lebron the ball and clearing out for a one-on-one opportunity. The more the Cavs get other players quality shots, the less concentration the Celtics will be able to afford Lebron. Again, putting the ball in the hoop is the name of the game, and Cleveland hasn't been able to do that with consistency yet.

Lebron will simply have to get more of his shots to fall. Wide open jumpers, and even layups have been a problem in the first two games. Playing at home may simply be the recipe for those things to happen. There will be a certain comfort level playing at home. With his fans behind him, it may bring out his best game of the series.

Let's hope so, because for the Cavs to make this a series, this is a must win. Wipe the sleepy seeds from your eyes Lebron, or drink a Red Bull or two. Kevin Garnett and the boys from Boston will give you all that you can handle.

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