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Cleveland Cavaliers v. Boston Celtics in NBA playoffs Eastern Conference finals

Posted at 6:17 AM, May 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-18 06:17:39-04

The Eastern Conference finals got off to a roaring start for the Cavaliers. Coming off a 10-day break, James and Cavaliers raced to an early lead were never threatened.

GAME 1: Cavs win

LeBron James embarrassed every defender Boston threw at him and Cleveland picked up where it left off following a long layoff, rolling to a 117-104 victory Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

James had 38 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Kevin Love added a playoff career-high 32 points and had 12 rebounds to help the Cavaliers improve to 9-0 in the first three rounds of the playoffs. They opened 10-0 last season en route to their first NBA title.

Final Score: 117-104

“It was our two bigs that set the tone — Kev and Double-T (Tristan Thompson), they were phenomenal,” James said. “I saw it in Kev this morning. I knew what type of game he was going to have. So he came through for us.”

But there’s no denying it has started with James, who has scored at least 35 points in five straight games.

Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said James’ efficiency continues to make things easier for everyone on both ends.

“He’s playing at a high level. And that’s the reason why we’re riding him so much,” Lue said. “When LeBron’s playing at that level other guys just have to be solid and we have a good chance to win.”

Game 2 is Friday night in Boston.

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