The Boston Celtics were up over the Cleveland Cavaliers by as many as 16 in the first half and led 57-47 at the half. Even worse, LeBron James had four fouls before the halfway point of the second half. Then, Kyrie Irving took over and led the Cavs to a 112-99 win. The Cavs now hold a 3-1 series lead.
Irving was basically unstoppable in the late second and entire third quarter. He made several highlight reel plays and racked up 33 points from the middle of the second quarter to the end of the third. Irving finished with a playoff-high 42 points, including a deep heat-check 3-pointer before the end of the half.
Kyrie Irving has taken over! He's got 39 points and this heat-check 3-pointer just before the end of the 3rd quarter! #DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/FETE3dFeSM
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 24, 2017
Here's the play Kyrie Irving rolled his ankle on. Impressive finish and the good news is he's staying in the game. #DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/9OQKF6shlh
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 24, 2017
James was not himself early in the game. He even missed a wide open dunk in embarrassing fashion.
LeBron James tried to murder the rim but missed the dunk! pic.twitter.com/Sg5OVbkusA
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 24, 2017
However, James still made several impressive plays and finished with a strong night of 34 points, six assists and five boards. He was hot in the fourth quarter, putting up 15 points.
There's the LeBron we've been used to this playoffs. #DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/FdlKCRLYZi
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 24, 2017
Kevin Love fires a deep pass to LeBron James, who throws down the slam! #DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/S27DiZfTpP
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 24, 2017
Kevin Love was also sharp, posting a double-double with 17 points and 17 rebounds.
The Celtics played well early, but couldn't hang with Irving and James in the end. Four different players reached double figures for the Celtics. Jae Crowder had 18 points, Al Horford dropped 16 and Avery Bradley had 19. Kelly Olynyk had 15 points and this awesome dunk.
Kelly Olynyk with slam dunk and draws the foul! #Celtics pic.twitter.com/wdUTwCWkuO
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 24, 2017
Game 5 of the series is Thursday in Boston. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
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