James, Irving lead Cavs to series sweep, East finals
TORONTO — The Cavaliers are still perfect in the playoffs and with a broom in their hands.
LeBron James dialed up his fourth 30-point game of the Eastern Conference semifinals and the Cavs finished a sweep of the Toronto Raptors with a 109-102 triumph in Game 4 at Air Canada Centre on Sunday.
For James, who finished with 35 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, this is his NBA-record 11th sweep. He also recorded his 91st playoff game of 30 or more points.
The Cavs are the first team to sweep six playoff series (of four or more games) in three seasons,
having now swept six of 10 dating to the 2015 playoffs. They also are the first team in NBA history to start 8-0 in consecutive playoffs.
And from the Elias Sports Bureau, Cleveland tied an NBA record with its 12th consecutive win in series-clinching games, first set by the Los Angeles Lakers from 2000-2004.
"It's not satisfying, but it is rewarding when you can advance," said James, who will play in his ninth conference finals in 14 seasons. "It's not just given to you. You have to go out and earn it."
The Cavs are in the Eastern Conference finals for the third consecutive season. If the Celtics win the other semifinal, Game 1 would be in Boston either May 15 or 17. If the Washington Wizards win, Game 1 would be in Cleveland. The Celtics and Wizards are tied 2-2 with Game 5 set for Wednesday. Cavs guard Kyrie Irving had 27 points and nine assists on Sunday. He scored 11 consecutive points in the fourth quarter when the Cavs really needed them.
The Raptors were again without All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry (sprained left ankle), but hung in until the middle of the fourth quarter when Irving found another gear.
Toronto's Serge Ibaka (23 points) made a jumper and free throw with 6:38 left, formally erasing what was once a 16-point lead for Cleveland in the third.
Irving responded with a three-pointer, four free throws and two layups. When James hit a three with 2:54 left to give the Cavs a 106-95 advantage, it was too much for the Raptors.
"Winning time," Irving said. "Just understanding the magnitude of the game, what was at stake. A lot of our offense was on Bron's shoulders. He'd been playing at least 16 straight minutes. It was winning time for the both of us. We understood that."
James shot 11 of 22 from the field and 5 of 13 on threes. He hit 8 of 9 free throws and played 46 minutes.
"(LeBron) tries to go as far as we need him," coach Tyronn Lue said.
"I know in that fourth quarter I tried to get him out for a couple of minutes, but he said 'No, I'm fine. Get me a timeout and I'll be OK.' "