Celtics Look to Avoid 0-2 Deficit Against Defiant Cavaliers in Game 2

The Boston Celtics, once the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, find themselves on the brink of falling into a 0-2 series hole against the upstart Cleveland Cavaliers.

Game 2 of this Eastern Conference Semifinal series tips off Thursday night in Cleveland, with the Celtics desperate to avoid dropping the first two games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

The Cavaliers, who finished the regular season with the league's worst record, have defied expectations in the playoffs, taking advantage of a Celtics team that has struggled to find its rhythm and consistency. In Game 1, Cleveland led by as many as 19 points and held a 10-point advantage at halftime before holding on for a 113-103 victory.

The Celtics have been uncharacteristically sloppy, committing 15 turnovers in Game 1 and shooting just 21.4% from three-point range. Jayson Tatum, Boston's leading scorer, has been held to an average of 15 points in the series, well below his regular season average of 26.9 points per game.

The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have been playing with confidence and determination. Darius Garland has been a revelation, averaging 26.5 points and 8.5 assists in the series, while Jarrett Allen has been a force in the paint, averaging 18.5 points and 13.5 rebounds.

Game 2 is a must-win for the Celtics, who cannot afford to fall behind 0-2 in a series they were expected to win. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, have a chance to make a statement and take a commanding lead in the series.