BOSTON — The Boston Celtics shut down LeBron James to grind
out a 76-72 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in their Eastern Conference
semifinal series opener in NBA action on Tuesday.
Boston’s defense smothered James, holding him to just 12
points and forcing him into 10 turnovers.
Kevin Garnett scored 28 points to lead the Celtics, who host
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series on Thursday (Friday in Manila).
Both offenses strug-gled to kick into gear all night, with
Bos-ton’s Paul Pierce scoring only four points and Ray Allen being held
scoreless in a game for the first time since 1997.
"There was no finesse, no jabs, just an all-out, beat-down,
defensive fight," Garnett said.
"We tried to make him (James) take tough shots. For the most
part it was just great team defense."
James missed numerous key shots down the stretch, although
he almost had a triple-double with nine rebounds and nine assists.
"He had a tough night, and he is entitled to it," Cavaliers
coach Mike Brown said. "Knowing him, he will definitely bounce back in Game 2."
James was disappointed, especially after a strong
opening-round series against Washington.
"I missed a lot of shots I know I can make," James said. "It
was just one of those nights."
Both teams were error prone, with the Celtics committing 21
turnovers to 17 by the Cavs.
The game was tied at 72-72 until Garnett’s basket with 22 seconds left gave
the Celtics the lead. James missed a shot on the next possession and Cleveland
fouled, James Posey making a pair of free throws to seal the win.
