BOSTON, MA - MARCH 1: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot against Channing Frye #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at TD Garden on March 1, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Isaiah Thomas scored 31 points, including two go-ahead free throws, to lead the Boston Celtics to a 103-99 home victory over the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
With 1:09 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Celtics trailed by one point when Thomas drove and passed to Avery Bradley, who coolly shot a 3-pointer from the left arc.
Bradley missed 22 of 23 games with a strained Achilles tendon, and then when he returned against Atlanta on Monday he was held to 15 first-half minutes.
Boston’s win overshadowed LeBron James’ seventh triple-double of the season. James recorded 28 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Kyrie Irving added 28 points for the Cavs, who lost for the first time when leading at any point in the fourth quarter on the road.
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”We just played to win,” Thomas said. ”They’re the No. 1 team in the East. One of the best teams in the NBA, and we just wanted to protect home court and get a win. We did that tonight.”
Jae Crowder contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, who led by three entering the fourth quarter before there were six ties and 10 lead changes in the last 12 minutes. Al Horford added nine points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for Boston.
Deron Williams, signed by Cleveland earlier this week, scored four points in 24 minutes in his Cavs debut. However, his team was out-rebounded 47-41.
Despite the loss, Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue was satisfied with his team’s effort.
”It was a good game – went down to the wire, shot for shot,” Lue said. ”I.T. made two big shots, Avery made two big shots. We competed, we fought. That’s all you can ask for.”
The crowd at TD Garden Bill Belichick and Floyd Mayweather.
The Cavaliers continue their three-game road trip Friday at Atlanta.
The Celtics have two days before starting a five-game road trip Friday against the Lakers.
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 1: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot against Channing Frye #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at TD Garden on March 1, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts.
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