Before breaking to commercial at timeouts ABC played “Thriller” by the King of Pop. Game three of the eastern conference semifinals was, unfortunately, anything but a thriller. The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated from start to finish. Their first half lead of 52-35 was never really threatened in the second half. Boston’s defense in the final two quarters is what their fans should be worried about.

I don’t find it particularly surprising that the Cavs finally had a good first half. They are, after all, a great home team. Seventeen points is a larger than expected lead, but a breakout was inevitable. Cleveland played excellent team defense and offense in the first twenty four minutes. Everyone contributed and few turnovers were committed. Anyone who’s watched the best team in the NBA this season would expect them to lock down on the supporting cast in the second half. The Celtics did not live up to expectations.

After allowing frequent open jumpers (to West, Ilgauskas, Smith, and James), the Celtics went on a 7-0 run in the latter part of the third quarter. Here, I thought, was the run. This is where we would see a blowout made into a close game. Though Cleveland would obviously still be in the driver’s seat, I expected the Celts to make things competitive. I was wrong. With about two minutes left in the third, Joe Smith scored over Garnett and LeBron stole the ball and got to the line. Less than a minute later “the king” hit a three. Score at the end of the quarter: 79-63. Despite 28 Celtic points, Garnett and co. shaved one point off the half time lead. They just couldn’t guard the Cavs.

Both squads came out with their reserve squads (plus Pierce and Ilguaskas) to start the fourth. I don’t know why doc Rivers did this, unless he was just surrendering the game. Leon Powe and James Posey are not likely to dig a team out of a hole. Garnett and Perkins should have been in for the beginning of their last gasp effort. When LeBron checked in with 9 minutes left and an eighteen point lead, the game was clearly finished.

Putting offensive questions aside (Boston was often confused offensively), the Celtics’ defense was embarrassed tonight. In my opinion Cleveland has one of the worst supporting casts of any playoff team. Their overall success is a credit to James. Except in game 3 LeBron didn’t have to do much. A group of pretty sub par players shredded the best statistical defense in the league. Smith, Gibson, and Varejao shot 10 of 13 from the field. Szczerbiak and West were a combined 11 for 21 for 37 points. That, simply put, is too many.

It is clear what Boston must correct in order to have a chance in game four. Their road play has been despicable and tonight’s performance provides little in the way of confidence. As well, the Cavs are amazing at home. I see Cleveland winning game four with Lebron finally having a good game (45+% FGs). Unless Rondo and Allen find their old rhythms, this thing heads back to Boston tied 2-2.