Clinical Celtics clinch opening game over Cavaliers

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01:17

A combined effort of 43 points from Jaylen Brown and Al Horford powered Boston Celtics to a magnificent 108-83 win over Cleaveland Cavaliers in the opening game of the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference finals on Sunday.

Brown finished with 23 points with three 3-pointers, eight rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block and two turnovers while Horford’s haul of the day was 20 points with two triples, four boards, six assists, two blocks and zero turnovers.

As the deadly duo came out firing on all cylinders for Boston from the word go, they raced to an 18-point lead in the first quarter and ended the first half with a 26-point advantage. Statistically, this was the worst deficit that Cavs’ talismanic LeBron Hames has faced throughout his illustrious post-season career.

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics looks to pass against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs. /VCG Photo ‍

After the early onslaught by Horford and Brown, it was Jayson Tatum whose sublime form in the later stages with 16 points served as a perfect game closer for the Celtics with two 3-pointers, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block and two turnovers.

Against a blazing Boston, LeBron James wasn’t at his playoff best as he was held to just 15 points, adding seven rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and an unfortunate seven turnovers through 36 minutes of floor time.

However, all eyes will be on James as the Cavs are hoping to bounce back against the Celtics in Game 2 on Tuesday.