Lebron returns to self

LeBron James was back making highlights in Game 3 against the Celtics Saturday. Not offensive highlights, mind you, but the way things are going for him he'll take anything.
James' impact on the Cavs' win was felt more at the defensive end. The memory he left was of a blocked shot, or more of a plucked shot in reality, when he soared high over Rajon Rondo to pull his layup attempt out of the air in the third quarter.
He had four steals and three blocks as the Cavs had themselves a get-healthy performance. But James' game is still a little sick, and not in the good way. The Celtics brought their now-standard defensive package for him, swinging big men to block his path to the basket and dropping defenders on pick-and-rolls to encourage him to take jumpers.
James made just 5-of-16 shots, which actually increased his shooting percentage for the series to 22 percent (13-of-58). He had 21 points, seven assists, five rebounds and his defensive numbers to make him feel better. He also committed just two turnovers after piling up a gruesome 17 in the first two games.
All in all, a quality performance. But not the kind the Cavs are going to need if they have dreams of winning the series. All they did with their blowout win was hold serve: every lower seed in the second round has won Game 3 at home.
"I haven't shot the ball like I like, but a win is all that matters," James said. "Even if I am not making shots, I'm able to do more. It was just key that other guys stepped up."
That did indeed happen in Game 3, the Cavs had five players in double figures. Joe Smith didn't miss on his first seven tries, Delonte West was 3-of-15 in Boston but 7-of-11 in Cleveland, even Ben Wallace made 4-of-6 shots. But this series has already shown those players can't be counted on to put up numbers every night.
"When you get the other guys going besides LeBron, it's going to be a tough night," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said.
Historically, though, role players perform at home and not on the road. The Cavs need another home win Monday just to make it a series and must win in Boston if they have any hopes of advancing. So far, the tug of war is still going the Celtics' way. There's certainly no plans for them to alter their defensive strategy, and James knows it.
"I can't allow my shot to affect the way I play the game," he said. "Every shot I took tonight I felt was going in and I made some key shots during the course of the game."