In a defensive struggle from the tip-off until the final buzzer, the Cleveland Cavaliers eliminated the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals with an 87-79 win.
The Cavaliers are now heading to the NBA Finals for the fourth straight year—extending LeBron James’ personal streak to eight straight finals appearances.
James led both teams in scoring, rebounds, and assists with the stat line of 35 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. Jeff Green also added 17 points for the Cavaliers, starting in place of the injured Kevin Love.
Boston opened the game with a strong first quarter, taking a 26-18 lead on the Cavaliers, but Cleveland outscored the Celtics in every subsequent quarter.
In an overall ugly shooting game, the Celtics shot 34.1 percent from the floor and 17.9 percent from beyond the arc. The Cavaliers bested the Celtics by shooting 45.5 percent and 25.7 percent, respectively.
Boston’s backcourt of Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown combined to make only three of their 22 attempts from behind the three-point line.
The one bright spot for the Celtics came in the form of 24 points and seven rebounds from Jayson Tatum, who ended his rookie campaign with an exclamation point in the loss.
At the conclusion of the game, double-digit scoring numbers from Green, J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson to accompany the incredible performance from James proved to be the difference.
Hell of a series @cavs ? pic.twitter.com/rqZXCGBEOd
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 28, 2018
The Cavaliers advance to the NBA Finals to face the winner of Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors.
