Cleveland Cavaliers battle past Boston Celtics 112-99 in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals

  • 24/05/2017

The Cleveland Cavaliers are now just one win shy of their third straight NBA Finals appearance after a hard-fought 112-99 win over the Boston Celtics in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals.

A sensational display from All Star guard Kyrie Irving rescued the Cavs after the shorthanded Celtics looked as though they may battle their way to another unlikely road win, putting the defending champions up 3-1 in the best of seven series.

The visiting Celtics turned in another determined effort, defending stoutly and executing expertly on offense to shoot to an early lead, while forcing LeBron James to the bench in early foul trouble.

All Star guard Kyrie Irving then proceeded to take the helm and lead his side back into the contest on with a spectacular offensive performance, scoring almost at will as the Cavs gradually eroded the Celtics' lead.

Irving's 20-point third quarter put the Cavs in front, with James then stepping back into the game to close out a relatively comfortable victory.

The point guard finished with 42 points on 15-22 shooting, while James turned in 34 points to go with six assists and five rebounds.

The teams now travel back to Boston for game five of the series on Friday (NZ time).

Newshub.