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While no one on the Cavs team or in the organization would want to admit it, focus Tuesday night couldn’t totally be on the Boston Celtics.

And for good reason.

With the return of two-time MVP and former hometown hero LeBron James just 48 hours away, and the entire city already talking about it – the Cavs played a game to forget, losing to Boston and Rajon Rondo 106-87.

“He did his thing,” Daniel Gibson said. “I’ve known him for a long time and there’s not much that separates him from those other guys.”

Rondo took the game over in the second quarter after the Cavs led 23-21 after one. It was over midway through the quarter as Boston led by 12, and then by the time the quarter was over, the at times loud crowd might as well have been put to sleep, as the Celtics led 56-45.

Boston continued to pour it on in the second half, leading by as much as 20 in the fourth quarter. Glen Davis added 17 points, Marquis Daniels 16 and Kevin Garnett 10 rebounds as Boston avenged an early season loss in Cleveland to the Cavs.

“It was like a layup drill,” Cavs coach Byron Scott said.

The Cavs did little to get people excited about Thursday, as Andy Varejao and Daniel Gibson each had 16 to lead the way for Cleveland. Varejao had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Back to James.

With he and Heat set to arrive in less than 48 hours, the city is getting ready for a night the city has awaited since the NBA schedule was announced in August. At halftime, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert said he expects fans to be emotional but under control for the game, which has drawn huge interest.

The team will have extra security in place to assure there’s no trouble.

“I’m sure a lot of them will make their feelings known,” Gilbert said. “But as long as everybody plays by the rules and doesn’t go over the top, everything will be fine. I really believe that Cleveland people will do the right thing.”

One thing is clear – it will be an emotional night. If the Cavs don’t play considerably better though, it will be another night to forget as the Heat will have a rather easy time with James’ former team.