Sun, Jul 20 2008
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Published May 10, 2008 02:29 am - INDEPENDENCE — Down 2-0 to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cavaliers don’t have to look back too far to know things can change in a series quickly. Cavaliers remain confident Players believe being at home will help greatly CHRIS BEAVEN Canton Repository INDEPENDENCE — Down 2-0 to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cavaliers don’t have to look back too far to know things can change in a series quickly.
Just last year, the Cavaliers dropped the first two games of the conference finals to the Pistons. Both losses came on the road. The Cavaliers then won four straight to reach the finals. Back in Cleveland after the losses at Boston, the Cavaliers remain confident. “That experience helps a lot,” guard Daniel Gibson said. “If you haven’t been in a situation before you might be a little discouraged about the way things are going.” Things went poorly for the Cavaliers in their last game, an 89-73 loss Thursday. They had a chance to steal Game 1 in Boston, but lost in the final minute, 76-72. That leaves the Cavaliers looking to bounce back tonight at 8. “Knowing that you’ve been in the situation before and done it before, that gives you that much more confidence,” Gibson said. “That’s a great factor having that experience.” Another positive factor will be the fans. “We play really well in front of our home crowd,” Gibson said. “The intensity we get in the playoffs is amazing. We know that once we get out there and the towels get to spinning and we get in front of that home crowd, we’ll perform well.” n WALLACE UPDATE — Ben Wallace is doubtful tonight after dizziness caused him to leave Thursday’s game early in the first quarter. Exams and testing done at The Cleveland Clinic determined Friday that he has allergies and a viral inner ear infection in his left ear. n MAKE SHOTS — Talk all the strategy you want, the Cavaliers know the biggest thing that will turn things around on offense is to simply make open shots. Boston’s defense has been tough, but the Cavaliers have missed plenty of good looks. “We feel like after watching the film we know where are shots are going to come from, we know that were going to get good looks,” Gibson said. “We just got to be prepared, ready to step in and knock them down.” n NOTHING NEW — The Celtics blend athleticism, size, length and commitment to be a great defensive team. Still, in terms of X’s and O’s, they are not doing anything groundbreaking against the Cavaliers or James. “They’re just packing it in, trying to make us make the outside shot, make (James) make the outside shot and really trying to get the ball out of his hands and make us make plays.” Gibson said. He thinks it is similar to what the Spurs did in sweeping the Cavaliers in last year’s Finals. “A lot of teams have tried that blueprint,” he said. “We just got to get out there and just do what we’re capable of doing. ... Detroit tried to play that same type of defense. We just got to get out there and make shots. And the key is to continue to play defense the way we’ve been playing, but at the same time be more productive on the offensive end of the floor.” 
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