Celtics Throttle Cavaliers In Game 1 Of Eastern Conference Final
BOSTON (CBS) – The underdog Celtics throttled LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden.
Boston put on a clinic on both ends of the floor from the opening tip, and went on to a 108-83 victory to take a 1-0 series lead.
The Celtics dominated the first half, heading to the locker room with a 61-35 lead.
Jaylen Brown led the charge with 18 points and seven rebounds in the first half. Al Horford put home 14 points on 5-5 shooting in the opening two quarters.
Brown finished with a game-high 23 points while Horford ended up with 20 points of his own. Marcus Morris had a strong second half and wound up with 21 points.
James had a quiet opening game. He scored just 15 points on the afternoon.
Boston built up a 28-point lead in the third quarter, but the Cavaliers methodically trimmed into the deficit and pulled within 14 points when Jeff Green put home a jumper at the horn to pull Cleveland within 78-64 entering the final quarter.
A quick burst for the Celtics early in the fourth quarter pushed the lead to 29 and the Celtics never looked back.
Game 2 is slated for Tuesday at TD Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.