In Cleveland’s first playoff game in five years,the ‘Big Three; didn’t disappoint a home crowd that had been waiting so long to get that taste of postseason basketball they have been craving since LeBron’s original departure in the summer of 2010.

Kyrie Irving dropped 30 points in his first playoff game, James added 20, and Kevin Love chipped in with 19 on his postseason debut to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past a resilient Boston Celtics side, 113-100.

Love had a double-double with his 12 rebounds whilst LeBron also had seven rebounds and six assists for the Cavs, who took the lead midway through the second quarter and never looked back.

Cleveland led by as many as 20 at one point, but had to settle for a 13-point victory over Boston - the last team to beat them in the playoffs.

Isaiah Thomas had 22 points and 10 assists off the bench for the Celtics, who shot 47% from the floor in a losing effort.

Boston took a 31-27 lead into the second quarter after an eventful first period, which saw Kelly Olynyk score 10 of his 12 points.

The C’s then had their game-high eight-point lead early into the second quarter, however Cleveland came roaring back to take a 62-54 advantage into the second half off the back of 20 points from Irving, who hit a three-point buzzer beater to end the half.

With 4:33 left in the third, Love’s free throw gave the Cavs a 20 point lead and although a 14-0 run from the visitors saw this lead be cut to six, Cleveland’s 12-0 run extended the lead back to 94-76 a minute into the fourth.

The teams traded baskets in the final quarter, which Boston won 24-22, but it was not enough to deny the Cavaliers a perfect return to the playoffs following a five-year absence.

Cavs now take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, with game two scheduled to be played on Tuesday at 7pm ET at the Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland.

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About the author
Oliver Lines
Sports journalist in England attempting to make something of this crazy world