Fifteen years later, the 2008 Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Celtics and Cavaliers remains one of the most enthralling and exhilarating battles in franchise history.
The lasting image is Paul Pierce diving on the floor for a loose ball in Game 7 and screaming at the top of his lungs. LeBron James and Co. didn’t make it easy, but it was Pierce’s house and Pierce’s time for the future Finals MVP.
That playoff run was magical in so many ways, with each series carrying several storylines and subplots, and the Cavaliers series was as juicy as any.