NBA Playoff Recap - Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 5

(4) Boston 120, (1) Cleveland 88 – Celtics leads series 3-2

Game 5 of the Boston-Cleveland series was supposed to be great entertainment. With the other three NBA conference semifinal matchups ending in sweeps, Tuesday evening’s clash between two championship-caliber squads, whose best-of-seven series was tied at 2 games apiece, had all the potential of a classic. In the end, it was one of most one-sided playoff games of the 2010 postseason. The Celtics rolled in every facet of the game, while MVP LeBron James was held to one of the lowest playoff point totals in his career.

Boston used an impressive 16-0 run during the middle portion of the second frame. The Celtics were paced by sharpshooter Ray Allen, who scored 25 points while shooting a fiery 6 for 9 from the three-point line. All five Celtic starters scored in double figures. Boston was also aided by reserve forward Glen Davis, who provided the Celtics with an immense spark on the bench. Davis scored 15 points, including 13 in the final stanza to bring the Cavaliers to brink of elimination.

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Cleveland, who owned the NBA’s best record during the regular season, has now lost two out of the three home games played in the state of Ohio during this series. Despite a remarkable regular season, one that saw LeBron receive the league’s most valuable player award, the Cavs are a Game 6 loss away from an early summer.

James had one of the worst playoff nights of his illustrious career. The Cleveland star was unable to find his shooting range all night, finishing a paltry 3 for 14 from the field. The Cavaliers have been criticized all year long for relying too much on James’ prowess when times get tough. Tonight it was their downfall. Without James leading the charge Cleveland delivered a lethargic performance in all aspects of the game.

One game after one of the greatest playoff performances in NBA history, Celtic guard Rajon Rondo had a quiet first half. The budding star did not score a single point. Oh what a difference a half makes. Rondo asserted himself in the third quarter, leading the Celtics on yet another big run. This time, it was too much for the overwhelmed Cavs to handle. The lopsided 32-point spread was Cleveland’s worst playoff loss in franchise history. The Celtics can advance to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic with a home victory in Boston on Thursday.

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By: Zach Bloxham
Pro Basketball Fans Staff Writer

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