LeBron, Cavs try to shake ‘weird’ loss in Game 3 to Celtics

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INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — LeBron James kept a low profile Monday, much like he did in Game 3.

James did not address the media a day after one of the worst postseason games of his career. He scored just 11 points — zero in the final 16 minutes — as the Cleveland Cavaliers blew a 21-point lead and lost 111-108 to Boston in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Celtics ended the Cavaliers’ 13-game postseason winning streak despite playing without injured star Isaiah Thomas and losing by 44 points in Game 2. Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue called it “a weird game, a weird-feeling game.”

It was an uncharacteristically passive performance by James. He had scored at least 30 points in eight straight playoff games and imposed his will in the first two games.

Game 4 is Tuesday night in Cleveland. Cavs forward J.R. Smith says James has to be “more aggressive and play like he’s been playing.”

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Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) looks to drive against Boston Celtics’ Jae Crowder (99) during the first half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/05/web1_116707503-ef6bb29a5e6743fba2bd0ea8b73d8a54.jpgCleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) looks to drive against Boston Celtics’ Jae Crowder (99) during the first half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Boston Celtics’ Jonas Jerebko, top, from Sweden, defends against Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James in the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Cleveland. The Celtics won 111-108. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/05/web1_116707503-05a89e22f76543fcad23fb9798f47aa9.jpgBoston Celtics’ Jonas Jerebko, top, from Sweden, defends against Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James in the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Cleveland. The Celtics won 111-108. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving (2) drives on Boston Celtics’ Kelly Olynyk (41) during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/05/web1_116707503-6fafc27d0c8c491c9d372508f40a3fea.jpgCleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving (2) drives on Boston Celtics’ Kelly Olynyk (41) during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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