James became the 13th athlete in the four major USA professional sports – the NBA, NHL, MLB and National Football League – to make it to eight straight championship series, joining seven Montreal Canadiens players and five former Celtics, according to data compiled by ESPN Stats & Information.
Advertisement
With the Cavs one loss away from elimination, Love left the floor five minutes into Game 6 after experiencing concussion-like symptoms following a collision with Boston forward Jayson Tatum. Boston was 7 for 39 from 3-point range, with Rozier missing all 10 of his attempts. Tatum had just two games where he didn’t hit the double-digit mark in points and finished up the postseason with 351 total points.
Tatum scored 24 for Boston, who had been bidding to make the National Basketball Association finals for the first time since 2010, while Horford added 17.
“I have learned probably everything alongside possibly the best player to have played this game”, said Green.
Horford said of James’ overall performance, “It’s one of those things that I’ve got to tip my hat off to him”.
All in all, this was this team’s first postseason run together, and having the NBA’s best player on the ropes no matter his supporting cast is an impressive feat. I just go out and play my game.
“Like him, I think he’s said this, we’re just focused – and it’s the truth, it’s not avoiding the question – we’re literally focused on (the now)”, Gilbert told ESPN. The way he plays the game, his demeanor … “I know his parents”.
Let’s start with the obvious: There’s a certain playoff mystique about the Celtics.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said, “I thought the biggest moment of the game was when we couldn’t extend the lead in the second quarter”. “That’s the fun part”. In the second half James’ teammates did enough to backup another big night by him.
James played all 48 minutes of the game, scoring 35 points while recording 15 rebounds and nine assists.
“It’s hard for our group”, said Horford. In March, Tyronn Lue took a nine-game leave of absence to address health issues and guard J.R. Smith was suspended for throwing a bowl of chicken tortilla soup at assistant coach Damon Jones.
But the praise he has doled out for the 20-year-old has nothing to do with family ties.
Lue went on to say that doubting James “sells; negative press on the Cavs sells”. Then you get to the playoffs and, you know, it’s just been tough. A year ago, Brown barely dented the playoff rotation, his contributions limited to hustle plays and bursts of athleticism. He’s always poised, always under control, never gets sped up, really no weaknesses offensively.
“He’s unbelievable man, he’s the best player in the world and I’m glad he’s by my side”. “It will carry over to the summer and to next season, too”. I would much rather have the great Kyrie Irving in the building.
Advertisement
“Right before the trade deadline, I kind of reset”, James said.
