The Eastern Conference semifinals will witness a showdown between the Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking their ninth playoff encounter in NBA history.
Securing their spot with a Game 7 victory over the Magic on Sunday, the Cavaliers advance to face the Celtics, who concluded their series against the Miami Heat with a resounding Game 5 victory last Wednesday.
The eagerly awaited Celtics-Cavaliers Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday night at TD Garden.
During the regular season matchups, the Celtics emerged victorious in two out of three games against the Cavaliers, with the home team prevailing in each instance.
In mid-December, the Celtics hosted the Cavaliers for two games within three nights, triumphing on both occasions. In the first matchup, all five Boston starters scored in double figures, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge with 25 points each.
Boston’s proficiency from beyond the arc, coupled with a flawless performance from the free-throw line, propelled them to victory. Kristaps Porzingis also made significant contributions, recording a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
However, the Cavaliers managed to secure a crucial win over the Celtics on March 5 at the Rocket Mortgage Field House. Overcoming a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers mounted a remarkable comeback led by Dean Wade’s sensational performance, outscoring the Celtics single-handedly in the final frame.
Despite a contentious call overturning a potential game-winning shot by Tatum in the dying seconds, the Cavaliers emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience and determination.
