Clinical Celtics Secure Eastern Conference Finals Berth
The Boston Celtics, boasting the NBA’s best regular-season record, clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the injury-ridden Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Led by Tatum’s 25 points and Horford’s six three-pointers, the Celtics dominated the Cavaliers, sealing the victory on their home court in Boston and advancing to the conference finals for the third consecutive year and the first team to do so in this year’s playoffs.
Veteran Horford Shines as Celtics Eye Championship
At 37 years old, Al Horford delivered an impressive performance with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists. His crucial three-pointer in the final seconds of the fourth quarter extinguished any hopes of a Cavaliers comeback. Horford became just the third player in NBA history over the age of 37 to record over 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists in a playoff game, following in the footsteps of LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Celtics’ Dominance in the East Continues
The Celtics’ victory marked their sixth appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals in the past eight years, signaling their determination to end the championship drought that has persisted since 2008.
Cavaliers’ Injury Woes Amid Playoff Run
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, who survived a grueling seven-game series against the Orlando Magic in the first round, struggled with injuries in the second round. Star player Mitchell suffered a left leg injury in Game 3, sidelining him for the following two games. Additionally, injuries to Allen and Lovett further depleted the Cavaliers’ lineup. Despite the challenges, head coach Stef expressed pride in his team’s resilience and expressed his commitment to continue coaching and leading the team to greater heights, even in the post-LeBron era.
Mavericks One Win Away from Western Conference Finals
In the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks are on the brink of reaching the conference finals after defeating the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder 104-92 in Game 5. Luka Doncic led the charge with a triple-double of 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, guiding the Mavericks to a 3-2 series lead and putting them in prime position to advance with a win in the next game. (Jilikoa)
