Celtics Cruise Past Cleveland 96-83 in Game 5, Lead Series 3-2

Thursday, May 24, 2018

GoLocalWorcester Sports Team

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points

The Boston Celtics are one win away from returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.

The Celtics cruised past the Cleveland Cavaliers 96-83 in game five of their Eastern Conference Finals series on Wednesday night at TD Garden in Boston.

The Celtics lead the series out 3-2 and can close it out on Friday night in Cleveland.

"To do what we want to do we still have to beat this team one more time. And it's hard to do in the NBA,” said Celtics head coach Brad Stevens in his post-game press conference.

Boston was led by Jayson Tatum, who poured in 24 points and seven rebounds, while Al Horford finished with a double-double, 15 points, and 12 rebounds.

For Cleveland, LeBron James poured in 26 points and grabbed ten rebounds, but also turned the ball over six times.

Celtics Cruise

Trailing 12-11 with just under six minutes to play in the first quarter, the Celtics went on a 25-7 run to take a 36-19 lead with 10:47 left in the second quarter.

Cleveland would get back within eight, 39-31, with 6:13 left in the half, before Boston went on an 8-2 run capped off by a Marcus Morris to give the Celtics a 47-33 lead with four minutes left in the half.

Boston would take a 53-42 lead into the break.

Cleveland would get within nine points early in the third quarter before Boston would build their lead to as much as 21 points, 83-61 in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter.

Cleveland would get as close as 12 points, 83-71, in the fourth quarter, but were unable to get any closer despite numerous opportunities.

The Celtics would then score eight straight points to take a 91-73 lead following two free throws from Tatum and cruise to the win.

Game 6

Game six is set for Friday, May 25 in Cleveland.

Game time is set for 8:30 p.m.

If Boston wins, it will be only their second road win of the playoffs.