"Sometimes the truth can set one free.

Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said after Monday night's Game 2 loss to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals that point guard Mo Williams needs to step it up and that the Cavs can't win without him.

''He basically won Game 1 for us,'' Brown said of Williams. ''He not only made some big offensive plays for us, but he made some big defensive plays for us, too. That's what we need from Mo.''

It was an irate Brown who ripped his team for their uninspired play after a 25-point loss at home in Game 2.

When asked about Williams, Brown delivered his matter-of-fact reply.

Williams had a reply of his own Tuesday afternoon.

''That's true,'' Williams said. ''As a unit, as a team, we have a lot of firepower and people who can step up and make plays. We just have to do a better job of making adjustments during the course of the game.''

The Cavs' firepower was more like a cap gun on Monday night, and that is especially true in Williams' case. He made just 1-of-9 shots as the Celtics blanketed him defensively.

Williams said he was unable to operate because the Celtics paid more attention to him than they had in the past, trapping him and leaving him little space.

He said that he wasn't going to let the loss linger.

''It probably was no worse than any other loss,'' Williams said. ''Anytime we lose, it's tough because we don't lose often. It was a big game, but it's a series. They made adjustments and did a good job.''

Now it's the Cavs' turn to adjust, and Brown emphasized that Williams needs to be part of that.

''He's our starting point guard; he's an All-Star,'' Brown said. ''We need him to make solid plays. He's got to be solid defensively and he's got to be a threat offensively and if he has the opportunity, be aggressive and get shots for his teammates and himself.''"