BOSTON, Mass. – LeBron James led the Cavaliers past the Boston Celtics, 122-121 on Friday, securing their third consecutive win.
Fans of Boston (3-5) were not fond of James, for obvious reasons. Whenever he made a play, he was showered with boos. The boos were loud and frequent considering the performance he put on for those in attendance at TD Garden.
James ended the contest with a game-high 41 points, four rebounds and team-high seven assists for Cleveland (4-3).
All of my experiences here have been great from the point of it has been a learning experience in either a win or a defeat, James said before Friday’s game. You try to figure out ways you can get better from those moments and how you can use them going forward.
Kyrie Irving exploded for 23 of his 27 points in the second half. He also chipped in four rebounds and five assists.
Anderson Varejao supplied 16 points. Dion Waiters registered 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting off the bench in his return from missing a game due to a back contusion.
Kevin Love had a double-double of 12 points and a game-high 15 rebounds in 37 minutes.
Rajon Rondo pulled down eight rebounds and distributed a game-high 16 assists for Boston. Kelly Olynyk put in a team-high 21 points to go with four rebounds. Former Ohio State standout Jared Sullinger had 20 points and nine boards. Jeff Green added 17 points.
Boston head coach Brad Stevens spoke highly of what Cavaliers head coach David Blatt has been able to do thus far.
I love what he’s doing, he said. I love the way they’re playing. I love the uniqueness of some of their actions and I think it fits their personnel great.
Player of the game
Although this game featured two of the best point guards the league has to offer, for stretches James was by far the best point guard on the floor Friday.
The balance in which he stayed aggressive offensively and kept the ball moving was a thing a beauty. There are plenty of floor generals in this league who lack that delicate balance.
Since he has taken over the bulk of the ball handling duties, Cleveland is 3-0.
The third quarter
The Cavaliers got themselves in trouble by giving up 42 points in the third. It was the most points a team has scored on them in any quarter this season. In return, they only managed to score 25 points in the quarter.
Boston was able to build its largest lead of 19. Cleveland came back strong in the fourth, but it was quite the distance to catch up from.
What’s next?
The second end of this back-to-back takes the Cavaliers back home for a meeting with the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday at The Q. Tipoff is 7:30.