For seven years, the key to beating the Cleveland Cavaliers was containing LeBron James. But it's a new era, and it's now time for opposing teams to adjust.
When the Celtics take on the Cavs at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday night, LeBron won't be walking through that door — but Mo Williams will. And with the King out of the picture, Williams is now the focus for the Celtics defensively. He's an aggressive point guard who creates his own shot with ease, and he'll be a handful for the hobbled Rajon Rondo.
Rondo has to be ready to contest shots all night long, plantar fascitis or not. If Rondo's not on his toes, Williams can light him up for 20-plus without breaking a sweat.
The last time these two teams squared off, the Cavs didn't even need Williams, beating the C's 95-87 without their injured point guard. Adding Williams into the mix only gives the Celtics another force to reckon with. Tuesday might won't be easy.
Here's the full lineup card for Cavs-C's:
Celtics
Rajon Rondo, PG
Ray Allen, SG
Paul Pierce, SF
Kevin Garnett, PF
Shaquille O'Neal, C
Cavaliers
Mo Williams, PG
Anthony Parker, SG
Joey Graham, SF
J.J. Hickson, PF
Anderson Varejao, C
