Celtics beat Cavs to move closer to NBA Finals

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The Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 96-83 in Game Five of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals to grab a 3-2 lead in the series.

That means the Celtics, who are missing stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward due to injuries, are now one win away from reaching the championship round for the first time in eight years.

The Celtics took a big early lead, but Kevin Love's jumper got the margin back to single digits, on his way to 14 points for the Cavaliers.

Al Horford of the Boston Celtics tries to rush past Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 23. /VCG Photo

LeBron James tried to connect with Larry Nance on a lob, but Marcus Morris sent the youngster into the row of photographers. Nance took exception, and those two got technical fouls, along with Boston's Terry Rozier.

Boston added to their lead after half-time, as Rozier stole LeBron's pass intended for Love, and went the other way where he found Jayson Tatum for a three-pointer, which increased the home side's advantage to 13.

The rookie Tatum later swept Love's pass for James and raced down the court for two of his 24 points, as the Celtics continued to dominate.

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots against the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 23, 2018. /VCG Photo

In the fourth quarter, Rozier dished to Al Horford for a fast-break alley-oop, part of a 15-point evening for the Boston big man.

James tried to keep Cleveland close but the four-time MVP's game-high 26 points for the visitors was not enough.

The Celtics scored their 10th straight postseason victory at the Garden to remain undefeated at home in this year's playoffs.