LeBron James had his worst game of the 2017 NBA playoff run, and many credit it to the defense and gameplanning of the Boston Celtics. Jonas Jerebko talked about this game plan and how the Celtics will continue to use it against Bron Bron.
Jerebko averaged a career low 3.8 points per game in the 2016-17 NBA campaign, while also plotting 3.5 rebounds a game and 0.9 assists per game during the season. Although these stats are nothing to go crazy about, it was his solid performance in game three which had the media talking. Jonas finished with 10 points and 5 rebounds while shooting a perfect 4-4 from the field and 2-2 from beyond the three point arc.
Certainly one of the best games of the season for Jerebko, especially considering the magnitude of the game.
Jerebko suggest Celtics will stop the King
According to Jonas himself, the Boston Celtics adjusted their game plan on defending the greatest player in the game and it paid dividends. The Celtics won their first game of the series and handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the 2017 playoffs while LeBron had his worst statistical playoff game of the year with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 6 turnovers and a terrible shooting percentage.
Jonas talked about what they did to shut down King James like they did. He said, "There was a change of gameplan. I think we played a lot better today, we tried to make him shoot jumpshots, contested.
Not letting him get to the rim and just play physical. I think we did a good job of it, and we are going to try and do it next game too."
Jonas has confidence his team can once again hold The Chosen One to a low scoring output and a terrible shooting percentage yet again, although the King is very familiar with bouncing back after bad performances or losses.
When JJ was asked about his thoughts on the C's going back to the TD Garden for game five, he assured a victory, stating, "We are going to get a win in Boston and hopefully next game, too."
The Celtics big man has full confidence in his team's capabilities of defending King James at a high level, and pulling upsets against the Cavaliers.
He even said the Celtics players would go as far as to cutting Kelly Olynyk's famous man bun off if they win the series.
Never disrespect the King
It's was all fun and games for the Boston Celtics after they beat the Cavaliers in game three, but they certainly shouldn't be getting too arrogant, or disrespectful against the Cavaliers and LeBron James. Jonas admitted the Celtics "respected" the Cavs too much in their first two games, and that's why they suffered defeat.
But disrespecting this Cleveland team run by LeBron James could be a very bad choice. LeBron has been disrespected before and he's made them pay, take Klay Thompson's comments in the 2016 finals as an example. So at the end of the day, whether the Celtics win their next game, and slow down LeBron James or not. We all know that the King is not going to let them win this series, not at any expense.