Cavaliers level series
WASHINGTON — LeBron James scored 44 points, adding more records to his amazing NBA legacy, and powered the Cleveland Cavaliers over Boston, 111-102,
equalizing 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 Wednesday (Thursday Phl time) at 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.
"There's no love in there if you're not wearing green," James said of Boston. "If we play like we did in (games) three and four, I think we'll have a good shot."
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 2,356 by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
"Any time I'm in the same breath with the greats, it's just humbling," James said. "I think 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 3418 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.
James scored 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting in the first half and Kyle Korver added 14 points off the bench, all in the first half, as Cleveland led by as many as 19 points and opened a 68-53 half-time advantage.
Although the Celtics trimmed the deficit to 89-76 entering the fourth quarter and made a charge within eight, the rally was too little and too late.
Tristan Thompson added 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who need to win once at Boston to advance.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 25 points while Jason Tatum netted 17, Terry Rozier contributed 16 points and 11 assists and Horford added 15 points.