Boston Celtics
A seven-game Eastern Conference thriller where Cleveland overcame a 0–2 deficit and injury crises to topple Boston in Game 7.
During the 2017–18 season, the Boston Celtics served as the primary obstacle for the Cleveland Cavaliers on their path back to the NBA Finals. After a dramatic offseason trade that sent Kyrie Irving to Boston in exchange for Isaiah Thomas and others, the two franchises met again in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite an injury-filled roster and a controversial start to the series where they trailed 0–2, Cleveland managed to force a decisive Game 7 at TD Garden. In a gritty defensive battle devoid of Kevin Love due to concussion protocols, LeBron James led the Cavaliers to an 87–79 victory, securing their fourth consecutive Finals appearance.
- series_result
- Cavaliers won 4–3
- game_7_score
- Cavaliers 87, Celtics 79
- lebron_finals_appearances
- 8 consecutive, 9 overall
- cleveland_playoff_path
- Defeated Indiana Pacers (7 games), swept Toronto Raptors (4 games)
- game_6_casualty
- Kevin Love (concussion)
Lore & Background
The 2017–18 chapter of the Celtics-Cavaliers rivalry began with chaos in Cleveland, as Kyrie Irving requested a trade citing concerns about the team's future and his relationship with LeBron James. On August 30, 2017, the deal was finalized: Irving went to Boston, while Cleveland received point guard Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Žižić, and a Brooklyn Nets first-round pick. The acquisition of Thomas initially seemed like a boost, but his debut on January 2, 2018, against Portland marked the start of struggles. Thomas scored 17 points in just 19 minutes during a win over the Trail Blazers, yet his time with Cleveland was brief and tumultuous; he posted a 7–8 record before being traded to the Lakers alongside Channing Frye on February 8, 2018. This roster reshuffle brought George Hill and Rodney Hood to Cleveland while sending Joe Johnson and Iman Shumpert to the Kings and Crowder to the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal.
In Their Own Story
The Eastern Conference Finals between Boston and Cleveland unfolded as a dramatic comeback story. After losing the first two games, the Cavaliers fought back to tie the series at 2–2. The Celtics took Game 5, but Cleveland won Game 6 to set up a pivotal Game 7 at TD Garden. A critical turning point occurred in Game 6 when Kevin Love suffered a concussion that prevented him from playing in the final game of the series. Despite missing their star power forward, the Cavaliers held Boston to just 79 points in Game 7. The victory sent Cleveland to the NBA Finals for the fourth straight season, marking LeBron James' eighth consecutive appearance in the championship round and his ninth overall.
Reader's Guide
Fans should note that this series highlighted the resilience of the Cavaliers despite a roster decimated by injuries and trades throughout the regular season. The path began with a First Round victory over the Indiana Pacers in seven games, where James recorded 45 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in the decisive Game 7 win (105–101). They then swept the top-seeded Toronto Raptors in four games to reach Boston. In the conference finals, the Cavaliers demonstrated their ability to overcome deficits, bouncing back from a 2–0 hole to eliminate the Celtics. This victory came despite the absence of key personnel and internal turmoil earlier in the year, including head coach Tyronn Lue taking a leave of absence due to health issues on March 19, 2018, with associate head coach Larry Drew stepping in temporarily.
Did You Know?
- Kyrie Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics on August 30, 2017, ending his tenure in Cleveland.
- Isaiah Thomas made his Cavaliers debut on January 2, 2018, scoring 17 points in a win against the Portland Trail Blazers before being traded away just weeks later.
- LeBron James scored 45 points with nine rebounds and seven assists to lead Cleveland past the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the First Round.
- The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals despite Kevin Love missing the game due to a concussion suffered in Game 6.
- This series marked LeBron James' eighth consecutive NBA Finals appearance, having met the Golden State Warriors for the fourth straight year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Boston Celtics?
They are an historic NBA franchise from Massachusetts known for numerous championships and deep tradition. Their legacy often serves as a benchmark against which Cleveland measures its own quest for success.
Why is this rivalry important to Cavaliers fans?
It represents a clash between an established powerhouse and a team striving to build its first lasting dynasty. These matchups highlight the intense competition required to dominate the Eastern Conference.
How did the series end in 2008 and 2010?
Boston defeated Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Semifinals during both of those postseasons. These losses were significant hurdles for the Cavaliers as they sought their first championship title.
Did the teams meet in the 2007 playoffs?
No, Cleveland faced the Detroit Pistons in the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals instead of Boston. While they reached that stage by defeating Detroit, a matchup with the Celtics did not occur that year.
What defines the narrative between these two teams?
The story is built on the contrast between Boston's historic dominance and Cleveland's relentless rush for its own legacy. It remains one of the most intense matchups in NBA history due to the high stakes involved.
More in Rivals & Key Matchups
Related in Cleveland Cavaliers
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the Cleveland Cavaliers universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record