After crushing Celtics, Cavs look unstoppable

CLEVELAND — LeBron James wrapped up his postgame news conference Friday night, popped a toothpick in his mouth and pushed back from the podium as if he had just completed a satisfying meal. He and the Cavaliers feasted on the Celtics. Breaking records and Boston hearts, the defending NBA champions continued an unblemished romp through these playoffs with a 130-86 win that was so thoroughly dominating that James sat out the final quarter.

With the Cavaliers leading by 38 in the third quarter, forward J.R. Smith mocked some Boston fans by pretending to sweep a broom across their famous parquet floor.

“It’s hard,” Celtics forward Al Horford said. “It’s hard to take.”

With star point guard Isaiah Thomas slowed by a hip injury and iffy for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Sunday night, the Celtics’ season might be down to its final two games.

Locked and loaded from the start, the Cavaliers were precise on both ends in the Game 2 bludgeoning. With ease and relentlessness, James and his teammates imposed their will on the top-seeded and overmatched Celtics.

James scored 30 points with four 3-pointers, assists, four rebounds, four steals and three blocks.

“Our team is in a great groove,” James said. “We want to try to put ourselves in position to win every game.” seven

Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard sat out Game 3 of the Western Conference finals Saturday because of a sprained left ankle.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Leonard was not happy being told he would not play.

“In the end, I guess it’s my decision,” Popovich said. “He’s not thrilled he’s not playing, but he’s not ready.”