10-0. That is the Boston Celtics home playoff record now, after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 96-83 at TD Garden in Boston in game five of the Eastern Conference Finals Wednesday night. Boston is now one win away from the NBA Finals, leading the best of seven series 3-2.
Boston led most of the opening quarter, as things were tight early before the Celtics used a 16-4 run to open it up to 32-19 at the end of 12 minutes. Boston held an 11 point halftime advantage. Cleveland got within nine in the third, but Boston opened it once again and led by 16 at the end of three. The Cavs were able to make one more run, after the Celtics took their biggest lead at 21. Cleveland twice got within 12, the second time when LeBron James made a layup with 4:45 to play. But Terry Rozier nailed a jumper, and Al Horford made a three to up the lead back to 17 to put the game away.
Jayson Tatum led the Celts with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks. Jaylen Brown added 17 points. Horford finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Marcus Morris and Marcus Smart both chipped in 13 points a piece. Boston made 13-39 from the three point arc, 21-23 from the foul line, but shot just 36% from the floor.
James finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Kevin Love was only other Cavalier in double figures with 14 points and seven rebounds. The Cavs shot 9-34 from behind the arc, 12-19 from foul line, and shot 41% for the game.
Game six will head back to Cleveland as the Cavs try to keep their season alive. Tipoff scheduled for 8:30 pm. Every game in the series has been won by the home team.
