Celtics Dominate Cavaliers to Advance to Third Straight Eastern Conference Finals

The Boston Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time running on Wednesday night, displaying their championship history as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98.

With a fantastic performance that saw him score 25 points and pull down 10 rebounds, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics’ offensive assault. But it was Al Horford’s seasoned presence that really enthralled the TD Garden audience. Horford put on a fantastic performance, scoring 22 points, pulling down 15 rebounds, dishing out five assists, including six big 3-pointers. He became one of the rare players 37 years of age or older to record such an incredible stat line in a postseason game thanks to his effort, which cemented his place in NBA history with luminaries LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The Celtics’ triumph demonstrated their depth and tenacity. The Cavaliers were missing standout player Donovan Mitchell and other important players, but yet, the Celtics showed their championship mettle. With a playoff career-high 33 points and 25 points from former Celtic Marcus Morris, Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers. But Boston’s teamwork and evenly distributed scoring were too much for Cleveland.

The New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers series winner will be the team the Celtics play in the conference finals. The Celtics have now made it to this point six times in the last eight years, securing their status as an Eastern Conference mainstay.

The Celtics’ victory proved how strong and resilient they were. Even though the Cavaliers were without star player Donovan Mitchell and other key players, the Celtics proved they were capable of winning a title. Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with a playoff career-high 33 points, while Marcus Morris, a former Celtic, scored 25 points. Cleveland was unable to match Boston’s cohesive play and equally dispersed scoring, though.

The club the Celtics play in the conference finals will be the winner of the New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers series. The Celtics have now reached this stage six times in the last eight years, solidifying their place as a regular in the Eastern Conference.