Bedard: This series is all but over, and it's because the Celtics have Marcus Smart and the Cavs don't

A little before the clock struck midnight on Tuesday night (and, likely, his team), Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue sat at the post-game podium and he looked like his players: tired, beaten and devoid of immediate answers on how to overcome an 0-2 series deficit after losing by an average of 19 points at TD Garden.

Then he made two statements that basically defined this non-competitive series to this point, and signaled why it could largely be over as the scene switches to Cleveland for the next two games.

And, like Aron Baynes and Larry Nance Jr. fighting to the death for a loose ball in the first half, the two statements are intertwined and tell the tale of another wasted late spring of LeBron James' greatness.

The first had to do with the fact that James posted his third career 40-point, triple-double in the postseason, and the Cavs still lost 104-97.

"When you see a performance like this, we usually win games," Lue said.

Then, the former player was asked about the impact that Marcus Smart, the Celtics' whirling dervish of forced shots, all-out hustle and defense, had on the game.

"He makes winning plays, he makes tough plays," Lue said. "If it's 50-50 balls, he's going to get it. If it's a loose ball, offensive rebound they need to have, he's going to get it. We've got to be able to find someone who can match his toughness."

I LOVE YOU MARCUS SMART pic.twitter.com/sLQEjtiHuG

— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) May 16, 2018

Marcus Smart had Al Horford's back. ? pic.twitter.com/Q18NctWeSD

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 16, 2018

Marcus Smart ladies and gentleman. pic.twitter.com/qaWTH297tn

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 16, 2018