Cavs thump Celtics
The Cleveland Cavaliers have struck back against Aron Baynes’ Boston Celtics with a 116-86 victory in game three of the NBA eastern conference finals series. The Celtics’ Australian big man Baynes (right), from Mareeba, had a strong game with seven points, six rebounds and two blocks and was involved in above-the-rim clashes with James. The Celtics lead the bestof-seven series 2-1 after claiming the first two games in Boston.
THE Cleveland Cavaliers have struck back against Aron Baynes’ Boston Celtics with a comprehensive 116-86 victory in game three of the NBA eastern conference finals series.
LeBron James led the Cavs with 27 points on Saturday in Cleveland, but had plenty of assistance for the first time in the series with five teammates scoring in double figures.
The Celtics lead the best-ofseven series 2-1 after claiming the first two games in Boston, but the Cavs were a different team playing in front of their home crowd. Game four is in Cleveland tomorrow.
“We had our focus offensively and defensively and made plays,” James said.
The Celtics’ Australian big man Baynes had a strong game with seven points, six rebounds and two blocks and was inhis volved in above-the-rim clashes with James.
Baynes also flattened Cavs’ guard JR Smith in the third quarter when he hit him with chest. Smith was stunned when he was called for the foul.
Baynes also added to his new-found reputation as a three-point shooter with his one attempt successful in the third quarter.
But Boston were never in the game. The Cavs led at the end of the first quarter 32-17, at halftime were up 61-41 and heading into the final quarter extended the lead to 87-63.
In the Celtics’ two wins the Cavs’ starting guards failed to show up, but on Saturday George Hill had 13 points and Smith 11, including sinking three of four three-point shots.
The Cavs’ Kyle Korver dropped 14 points with four of his four three-pointers successful, Kevin Love had 13 points and 14 rebounds and Tristan Thompson added 10 points and seven rebounds.
Celtics’ rookie Jayson Tatum led his team with 18 points.
WE HAD OUR FOCUS OFFENSIVELY AND DEFENSIVELY AND MADE PLAYS LEBRON JAMES