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James racked up 30 points, four rebounds and seven assists
before he was withdrawn at the end of the third quarter but the
game was over as a contest long before his departure as the Cavs
took a tight hold on the best-of-seven series.
The reigning NBA champions poured in 72 first-half points to
lead Boston by 41 at the intermission, the biggest post-season
halftime lead since the shot clock was introduced.
"He's playing at an unbelievable level. He's really setting the
tone for us early in the games," Cavs coach Tyrone Lue told
reporters.
"He's able to get out in transition, getting to the basket, and
when he's getting his three-point shot, you're in for a long
night."
The Celtics had no answer to James, who amassed 22 in the first
half, driving when the lanes were open and dropping jump shots
when they were not.
On the defensive end, he had four steals and three blocks
"When we're blitzing and rotating and scrambling, he's the best
we can have on the back line," Lue explained.
"His chase-down blocks, the one he had on Avery (Bradley) was
unbelievable. They're game-changers for us."
Kevin Love chipped in with 21 points and 12 rebounds as the Cavs
secured a 10th straight post-season win, and there appears
little to suggest the Celtics can find a way to stop them when
the series shifts to Cleveland for Game Three on Sunday.
(Editing by John O'Brien)
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