Cavs Start Fast, In Complete Control With 75-57 Halftime Lead Over Celtics In Game 5

The Cleveland Cavaliers quickly silenced any questions about their play after two shaky outings at home, scoring a franchise-record 43 points in the first quarter and cruising to a 75-57 halftime lead over the Boston Celtics. Their 75 points is also the most scored in any half in franchise history.

LeBron James was the story of the opening half with a game-high 20 points, meaning he is just eight points shy of passing Michael Jordan to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer inthe postseason. He is also close to a triple-double with seven rebounds and seven assists.

LeBron James can do all things! We have a blowout going early in Game 5. #DefendTheLand #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/kCiXQXboq1

— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 26, 2017

Kevin Love (12 points, seven rebounds) and Kyrie Irving (11 points) both continued their outstanding level of play and were key in Cleveland's huge first-quarter run.

Kevin Love scores the first 8 points of the game for the #Cavs! #DefendTheLand #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/3o0V1wTQ3b

— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 26, 2017

Kyrie Irving...too much sauce!! #DefendTheLand #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/SR5hh0FHE6

— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 26, 2017

Deron Williams (14 points) and Kyle Korver (seven points) provided the Cavs with the spark off the bench they had been lacking.

Avery Bradley led the Celtics with 19 points (including 11 straight to close the second quarter) while Jae Crowder added 11, but they were the only Boston player who scored in double figures in the half. Jaylen Brown added six points off the bench.

Jaylen Brown trying to will the Celtics back into it! #ItsNotLuck #NBA #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/o2KRG5V12t

— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) May 26, 2017

If the Cavs hold on and win, they will advance to the NBA Finals to face the Golden State Warriors for the third consecutive season. Game 1 of the Finals will not be until June 1.

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