Celtics Eliminated From Playoffs Following Game 5 Loss to Cleveland
Friday, May 26, 2017
LeBron James passed Michael Jordan to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer in the playoffs.
Cleveland blew out the Celtics 135-102 in game five to advance to the NBA Finals for the third straight year. They will face the Golden State Warriors, also for the third straight year, starting on June 1.
In the game, LeBron James passed Michael Jordan to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer in the playoffs. He led Cleveland with 35 points in the game.
Boston was led by Avery Bradley who poured in 23 points.
The Celtics finish the season having won the Eastern Conference regular-season title, and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2012.
Slow Start Dooms Celtics
The Celtics got off to another slow start on their home floor in the conference finals.
After Marcus Smart tied the game at 3 with 10:45 to go in the quarter, Cleveland would go on a 12-2 run to take a 15-5 lead with 7:48 to go following a Kyrie Irving free throw.
The Celtics would get back within seven, 17-10, following a three by Jonas Jerebko, but Cleveland quickly opened their lead back up.
The Cavaliers went on an 11-3 run to take a 28-13 lead with 3:43 left to go in the quarter.
The Celtics would be outscored 43-27 in the first quarter. The 43 points are the most Cleveland has ever scored in any quarter of a playoff game.
In the second quarter, the Celtics would get as close as 13, 43-30, with 11:33 left to play in the half, before Cleveland would take control back with a 9-1 run to take a 52-31 lead with 9:48 to play.
Boston would go on a late run to cut Cleveland’s lead to 16, 73-57, just before the half, but would not be able to hold the momentum.
The Cavaliers would increase their lead to more than 30 points on multiple occasions in the third quarter and go on to cruise to the win.
A wildly entertaining season that went about as far as any Celtics fan could have wished. Vacation plans: No. 1 pick, max space, healthy IT.
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) May 26, 2017
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