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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2014-15 First Round: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics

Cleveland Cavaliers win series 4-0

Of all the times LeBron James has faced the Boston Celtics, this was the only time the series ended in a sweep. This series also marked the start of the new era for the Celtics. The Celtics had an entirely new core of players and were eager for playoff experience.

Meanwhile, James was leading his young stars (Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love) through their first playoff series.

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Boston fought hard all series. Led by Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics displayed an all-around team effort just like they did in the past. Five different players for Boston averaged double-digit scoring figures in this series.

However, James and Irving proved to be too much for Boston. Irving put up a staggering 30 points in his first NBA playoff game as the Cavaliers won game one by 13 points. James would then lead the team in scoring for the next three games. James averaged 27 points on 46.7% shooting and nine rebounds per game.

While the series ended in four games, the competitive fire was still there. The series was extremely physical and an altercation between Love and Kelly Olynyk would go on to be the most notable moment of the series. Olynyk pulled Love’s arm down, dislocating his shoulder and sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs.

From this point on, the city of Cleveland would have a solid reason to resent the new-era Boston Celtics.