Celtics Blown Out By Cavs In Game 1

One day after one of the franchise's top moments in recent memory, being awarded the top overall spot in the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery, the Boston Celtics got their fairy tale postseason rudely interrupted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 117-104 shellacking at the TD Garden, Wednesday night. 

Things were bad for the C's from the get-go, as they were dominated by the defending champion Cavaliers from the opening tip.

At the half, the Cavs held a commanding, 61-39 lead, thanks to Lebron James' 23 points and Kevin Love's near double-double.

While Cleveland was rolling, the Celts struggled mightily through the first two quarters, shooting a dismal 35.6% from the field and 12.5% from three. Boston's star, Isaiah Thomas also struggled through the half, totaling just eight points on 3-11 shooting, including 1-4 from three and 1-3 from the free throw line.

In the second half, things didn't seem to change for either team.

The Cavs continued to ride the coattails of their superstar, James, who finished the night with an easy, game-high 38 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. They also saw Love complete the double-double he had started in the first half, as he closed his evening with 32 points and 12 boards.

As for the C's, their night got a bit better in the second half, but they still were far from close to really competing with Cleveland.

With the exception of Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley, who combined for 42 points on the evening, the whole team was over matched. Thomas, who has carried the team through most of this postseason run finished the night with just 17 points on 7-19 shooting from the field. Though he did add 10 assists, he had a very unimpressive -19 plus/minus for the games worst such mark.

Game 1 of the series went just about how most people had expected, which isn't good for the C's. While most people don't give them a chance in the series, Boston will need to look a little bit better to even get any respect and have the chance of pushing this series to five games.