The win marks the seventh-consecutive playoff series the Cavs have clinched on the road.
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The Celtics may not have the Warriors’ star power – but Stevens and Boston are still managing to leave Lue in a state of clear befuddlement after a win. James wept on the Warriors home court in Oakland, where he was named unanimous NBA Finals MVP. The led by 15 points at the end of the first quarter and increased it to 34 points going into the final quarter.
By the Numbers – 5,995 … career Playoff points that LeBron James has scored over the course of his iconic career – passing Michael Jordan for the top spot in National Basketball Association history. Including a playoff career-high 19 point performance in Game 2.
The injured point guard was out on the floor later, after the final buzzer sounded, hugging Cleveland superstar LeBron James, then joining teammates to slap hands with the Garden fans for a final time in the 2016-17 season. “But we’re going to enjoy this for a couple more days before we have to lock in on that juggernaut out west”.
“I wear the number [23] because of Mike”, James said after Game 5.
Irving said he was driven by the thought of the Cavs seeing their series lead vanish. He had taken his post-season career points total to 5,995 by the time he took a seat for the entire fourth quarter – along with the rest of Cleveland’s starters.
Adding to the intrigue, Mike Brown, twice fired as Cavs coach, will be the Warriors’ bench boss if Steve Kerr’s ailing back prevents him from being on the sideline.
He continued, “So I think that helped shape my game”.
LEBRON JAMES: Now, when you’re growing up and you’re seeing Michael Jordan, you – it’s nearly like a god.
“I don’t care who you’re playing, to make it to the NBA Finals, to win your conference finals, it’s a big task”, Brown said. “Got to put in work in the offseason and come back even stronger”.
James recovered from an 11-point, four-of-13 shooting night he endured in Cleveland’s stunning Game Three loss. He did not play the fourth quarter.
Kyrie Irving struggled with his shot in the playoffs before the Eastern Conference Finals. He also showed his potential to be a great two-way player, taking on the near impossible assignment of trying to slow down LeBron James.
Freezing Boston defenders with his dribble and driving to the basket whenever he wanted, Irving made six layups, two 3-pointers and a free throw in a dizzying span of 4:48.
Dishing It: The Cavs had 24 assists to 11 turnovers.
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In addition to leading all scorers he had eight assists and eight rebounds.
