NBA Eastern Conference playoffs: What we've learned, what to expect
Now that we're down to the final four teams of the Eastern Conference playoffs, here's what we learned from the first round and what to watch for in the second round.
(Note: Game 1 of the second-round series between Boston and Washington — a 123-111 Celtics' win — not taken into account)
Boston Celtics
► The Celtics did what was necessary to advance, but they enter the conference semifinals lucky to be there. They trailed the eighth-seeded Chicago Bulls 2-0 and probably would’ve lost the series had Rajon Rondo not injured his thumb and missed the remainder of the series. Boston had trouble against a quality point guard, struggling to defend and score through the first two games and only improved their efficiency when Rondo couldn’t play.
► Rebounding was an issue for the Celtics during the regular season and has remained so in the postseason, as they finished last in defensive rebounding percentage and overall rebounding percentage in the first round.
► Understanding that Isaiah Thomas is drained emotionally, physically and mentally since the death of his 22-year-old sister Chyna in a car accident, the Celtics need better play from their All-Star guard. He shot just 21% on three-pointers, including 3-for-26 in the final three games of the Bulls series.
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► The Celtics have strong perimeter defenders led by Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart. The latter two also contributed on offense. Center Al Horford provides versatile inside-outside offense, and Gerald Green and Terry Rozier were bright spots, too.
► The Celtics rely on ball movement, a staple of Coach Brad Stevens’ offense. Only the Golden State Warriors made more passes per game than Boston (307.5), and the Celtics are the top assist team in the playoffs at 27.3 per game. They're also No. 1 in secondary assists at 8.8 per game and points created by assists at 67.3 per game.
► Boston also has enough depth off the bench, giving Stevens several options.
Washington Wizards
► Guards John Wall and Brad Beal are good, really good, and getting better by the game. They might form the second-best backcourt in the league, especially when you consider two-way guards, and Washington’s offense and defense starts with those two putting pressure on opposing guards. While Wall loves to run pick-and-rolls with Gortat, the Wizards found a way to score when Atlanta took away that option by clogging the lane. Against Boston, that pick-and-roll game should return.
Either way, the offense is predicated on Wall breaking down the defense with his speed, passing, ball-handling skills, and when he’s making jump shots, the Wizards are even more difficult to defend. Wall is one of the league’s best passers, and he has Beal – on the verge of All-Star star status — Otto Porter and Markieff Morris on the perimeter, and Gortat inside.
► Washington’s bench struggled earlier in the season, but Kelly Oubre, Bojan Bogdanovic, Brandon Jennings and Jason Smith give the Wizards serviceable depth. Don’t sleep on Jennings either – he piles up the assists in limited playing time. Bogdanovic is a legit three-point threat, and the Washington needs to shoot better on threes than they did in the first round (31.4%).
► The Wizards need to be on their game defensively against the Celtics. The Wizards tend to lose focus on that end of the floor, as was seen at times against the Hawks, and the Celtics can take advantage of that, especially with high-scoring guard Isaiah Thomas.
► Boston’s ball-movement could give the Wizards trouble. With that said, the Wizards create steals and force turnovers. The Wizards lead all playoff teams in fastbreak points (20.7 per game) and are third in points off of turnovers (18.3 per game).
Cleveland Cavaliers
► In their first-round series victory against Indiana, the Cavaliers reinforced widespread beliefs, starting with this universal truth: A team with LeBron James is difficult to beat. Limiting James is difficult at any time, but Playoff LeBron James increases the production and presents even bigger problems for opponents.
► The Cavs can score points, and it’s difficult to outscore them. In four playoff games, they rank second in offensive rating, scoring 115.9 points per 100 possessions and are one of the league’s best and most dangerous three-point shooting teams (40.3% against Indiana). With all that three-point shooting on the floor, Cleveland can exploit Toronto, which allowed 41.5% shooting on threes in the first round.
► In the second round, the Cavs need more production from Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and J.R. Smith.
► Against Toronto’s defense, rapid ball movement is necessary, and Irving and James still need their opportunities to excel in isolation. They are two of the best one-on-one players in the league.
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► The Cavs remain a work in progress defensively (allowed 111 points per 100 possessions vs. the Pacers) and will be challenged by Toronto’s All-Star guards DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. James said the Cavs made defensive progress in the first round, and that must continue to improve. Pay attention to Cleveland’s rim protection, including blocks and altered shots, which was good in the first round.
► Cleveland’s bench, including guard Deron Williams, had moments in the first round, and Coach Ty Lue found this lethal offensive lineup: James, Williams, Channing Frye, Kyle Korver and Iman Shumpert.
Toronto Raptors
► It starts with Toronto’s two best players, guards Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. If a team’s best players aren’t at their best – or close to it – for a seven-game series, it’s hard to win. The Raptors need DeRozan and Lowry at their best to beat the Cavaliers. That wasn’t the case early in Toronto’s series against the Bucks, who had a 2-1 series lead. The Raptors were much better in the final three games of the series – all victories.
► The Raptors need to find a way to score against the Cavs, who are prone to giving up points. Toronto had the 14th-ranked offense (101.5 points per 100 possessions) in the first round, and that needs to improve because Cleveland will simply outscore them Toronto needs more efficient offense from Serge Ibaka, Patrick Patterson, P.J. Tucker and Jonas Valanciuas. It will be interesting to see if Coach Dwane Casey keeps Norman Powell in the starting lineup or re-inserts Valanciunas. Powell made 10-for-11 three-pointers in the series and provided the offensive and defensive lift Toronto needed.
► The Raptors can score in isolation, when they cut and off screens and might be able to take advantage of Cleveland’s defense in those situations. Toronto turned the ball over 14.3 times per game and allowed 18.8 points off turnovers against Milwaukee. The Cavs, especially LeBron James, will punish Toronto with those mistakes.
► If the Raptors can put up points, their defense – ranked No. 2 in the playoffs allowing 100.7 points per 100 possessions – can give them a fighter’s chance to upset Cleveland. Turning that defense into quick offense is vital for Toronto’s success. Stopping that Cavs offense – with so many options – isn’t easy. Toronto can’t give Cleveland open looks on three-pointers.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt
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