After an epic showdown in 2008, how will this year’s Eastern Conference semifinal between Cleveland and Boston turn out? An evenly split four-game regular season series percolated nicely:
Oct. 27 at Cleveland: Celtics win 95-89 » In the first game of the season, the Cavaliers had barely gotten Shaquille O’Neal integrated, much less acquainted with his new team. And it was well before Antawn Jamison‘s arrival from the Wizards.
Feb. 25 at Boston: Cavaliers win 108-88 » Newly on board Jamison managed just nine points, but the Cavaliers still rolled. Thumb injuries forced Paul Pierce to miss the game and cut down O’Neal in the first half.
March 14 at Cleveland: Cavaliers win 104-93 » Those in the crowd at Quicken Loans Arena let Glen Davis know they were angry at his reported role in O’Neal’s injury. Cleveland beat an old-looking Celtics squad without Shaq anyway.
April 4 at Boston: Celtics win 117-113 » Six technical fouls, 42 points from LeBron James (20 in the fourth quarter alone), six 3-pointers from Ray Allen. Plain dislike. Talk about a playoff preview. Can’t wait for Saturday.
