LeBron scores 44 to lead Cavs home over Boston

LEBRON James scored 44 points, adding more records to his amazing NBA legacy, and powered the Cleveland Cavaliers over Boston 111-102 yesterday, equalising their Eastern Conference final at two wins each.

The 33-year-old superstar made 17-of-28 shots from the floor, 1-of-4 from 3-point range, and 9-of-13 free throws while contributing five rebounds, three assists and two steals to spark a crucial home triumph.

“I’ve just put a lot of work in,” said James of his point production. “The Man Above has given me some abilities I try to take advantage of.”

The best-of-seven showdown, level at 2-2, continues tonight in Boston, where the Celtics are undefeated in these playoffs, with game six on Friday in Cleveland, where the Cavs have won seven in a row.

“If we play like we did in (games) three and four, I think we’ll have a good shot,” said James.

The series winner will face either season wins leader Houston or defending champion Golden State in the NBA Finals starting May 31.

James seeks his eighth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals and fourth with the Cavaliers.

In unleashing his sixth 40point performance of this year’s playoffs, the most such efforts in any year since Allen Iverson’s six in 2001, James rose to second on the all-time 40 or more playoff game list, passing NBA legend Jerry West with his 21st such total.

And with his sixth basket of the night, James passed the old mark for career playoff field goals of 2356 by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “Any time I’m in the same breath with the greats, it’s just humbling,” James said. “It’s pretty cool.”

The Celtics outscored the Cavs in each of the final three quarters but never managed to overcome Cleveland’s ferocious start.

James had five points in a 10-0 run that gave the Cavs a 19-10 edge on the way to a 34-18 lead after the first quarter, Cleveland closing the period on a 13-3 run and the Celtics missing three dunks in the opening 12 minutes.