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Celtics look to regain control at home

May 14, 2008 - 1:02 PM Cleveland at Boston 8:00 pm EDT Eastern Conference semifinal Series tied, 2-2

BOSTON (Ticker) - After again failing to win a game on the road, the Boston Celtics hope a return to their home floor brings more success.

With their Eastern Conference semifinal series tied at two games apiece, the Celtics host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Five on Wednesday.

Boston is a perfect 6-0 at the TD Banknorth Garden but fell to 0-5 on the road in the postseason after dropping an 88-77 decision at Cleveland on Monday.

LeBron James had 21 points and tied a career-playoff high with 13 assists in the victory. The Cavaliers bench outscored the Celtics reserves, 36-17, in the win as well.

"Every guy that came off the bench really contributed in a big way," Cleveland coach Mike Brown said. "As the game went along, especially in that second half, I thought we did a terrific job of moving the basketball. To end up with seven turnovers, 35 baskets and 24 assists against these guys, in a game like this, is pretty good."

The Celtics defense has held James to just 26 percent (20-of-78) shooting in the series but Boston has not been able to take advantage on the offensive end.

Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett all had 15 points apiece in Monday's loss for the Celtics, who are scoring just 81.5 points through the first four games.

"They are one of the best defensive teams in the league," said Celtics forward Paul Pierce, who is averaging 12.5 points in the series. "They force you to drive or take tough outside shots and then their big men collapse. We have to do a better job with the extra pass, but I thought we were more aggressive than in the last game."

Cleveland rallied from an 0-2 deficit to defeat the Detroit Pistons in six games in last season's Eastern Conference final. After winning Game Four, James believes the Cavaliers can repeat the feat against the Celtics.

"(The Celtics) held down home court and we held down home court," James said. "That's what good teams do. The better team has to win on the road. We're looking forward to going to Boston and winning a game on the road."