King James Gospel
Fansided

LeBron James versus the Boston Celtics: A brief history

By Tony Pesta

BOSTON - MAY 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers points across the court in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics during the 2010 NBA Playoffs on May 13, 2010 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics won 94-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON - MAY 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers points across the court in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics during the 2010 NBA Playoffs on May 13, 2010 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics won 94-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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2007-08 Second Round: Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Boston Celtics win series 4-3

The first time LeBron James faced off against the Boston Celtics was in the 2007-08 NBA season. James was only in his fifth season but was fresh off a trip to his NBA Finals. James had a stellar regular season, averaging 30 points a game for the second time in his young career. The Cleveland Cavaliers had won only 45 games but were hopeful for a return to the finals.

This series started off with the Boston Celtics winning both of the first two games. James scored a combined 33 points in the two games and shot only 18% from the floor. The Cavaliers would bounce back in games three and four, winning each game by double-digits. James again struggled to score the ball, shooting below 35% in both games.

The last three games of this series are where James really turned his game up.  James averaged 37.3 points on 45.5% shooting. James also averaged 6.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. This burst by James helped Cleveland push the series to seven games.

This game seven was an epic matchup. Both teams rode the backs of their best players. LeBron James put up a monstrous 45 points. Meanwhile, Paul Pierce scored 41 points of his own. Clutch plays from both players kept this game close until the final buzzer.

In the end, Pierce’s Celtics proved to be too much for James and the Cavaliers. The Celtics won the final game by five, ending the series.