May 23, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) reacts after making a three-point basket at the end of the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
CLEVELAND — Kyrie Irving saved the Cavaliers and set a career playoff high with 42 points in Cleveland’s 112-99 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night.
The Cavs can reach their third straight NBA Finals, and LeBron James his seventh in a row, with a win in Game 5 on Thursday night in Boston.
James scored 34 points to go with six assists in Game 4, recovering from a 11-point, 4-of-13 shooting night he endured in Cleveland’s stunning Game 3 loss. Kevin Love added 17 points and a career playoff-high 17 rebounds Tuesday.
Avery Bradley led the Celtics with 19 points, and Jae Crowder added 18 points and eight rebounds.
The Celtics, who are missing their best player, injured guard Isaiah Thomas, led by as many as 16 points in the first half and appeared primed to stun Cleveland again while James flirted with disaster.
James left the game with 6:46 remaining in the second quarter with four fouls. It was the first time in his 14-year career he had that many fouls in the first half.
Irving scored 12 points in the quarter with James on the bench to save Cleveland from a blowout. The Celtics led 57-47 at the break.
Irving re-emerged after halftime for 21 points in the third quarter. When his 3-pointer splashed with a half-second left in the quarter, the Cavs led 87-80.
Irving had led a 17-point swing in the quarter. He also rolled an ankle on a drive and bucket with 1:47 left in the third but was able to stay in the game.
James closed it with 15 points in the fourth, including a 3-pointer with 3:52 remaining for a 106-97 lead.
NOTES: Celtics G Isaiah Thomas (right hip injury) visited with an undisclosed specialist to determine the course of action for his surgery. Coach Brad Stevens said no decision had been made yet on whether Thomas would undergo an operation but he reiterated that he is out for the remainder of the playoffs. Stevens said Thomas may consult with two additional specialists. … Boston F Kelly Olynyk made his first start of the postseason in place of Amir Johnson (sprained shoulder), and he scored 15 points. The Celtics used their third different starting lineup in four games against Cleveland. … Cavs G J.R. Smith and his wife brought home from the hospital their baby daughter Dakota, who had been in a Cleveland-area NICU since her birth in January. She was born nearly five months early. … Cavs F LeBron James trails Michael Jordan (5,987 points) by just 28 points for first place in NBA playoff history in scoring.
