LeBron, Cavaliers capture 3-0 series lead over resilient Celtics

The Boston Celtics threw everything they had at the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Cavaliers' Big Three.

LeBron James put in a game-high 31 points in Cleveland's 103-95 win over the Celtics on Thursday. James was joined by fellow superstars Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, who added 23 and 15 points apiece.

Evan Turner led the way for the Celtics with 19 points, eight assists and eight rebounds. He was flanked by Avery Bradley, who didn't shoot well (7-for-18) but played stingy perimeter defense and chipped in with 18 points. Jae Crowder also did his best to make life miserable for James while potting 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

But in the end, the Celtics simply had no match for the Cavaliers' superstars, who took over in the fourth. The Big Three scored 17 of Cleveland's 19 fourth-quarter points to capture a 3-0 series lead.

Turning Point

Credit should be given to the Celtics, who fought their hardest to stay in lockstep with the heavily favored Cavaliers through 45 minutes of play. Despite the Cavaliers catching fire from deep, the Celtics managed to trade punches and trailed by just under three points with three minutes to go.

However, that's when Love drained a 3-pointer to push the Cavaliers ahead for good. The Celtics came up empty on their next three possessions before James found Love spotting up for yet another dagger triple late in the final minute, giving Cleveland a 3-0 series lead.

Star Performer

In his previous playoff game at TD Garden, James put up 45 points and 15 rebounds in a must-win for the Miami Heat. 

James didn't quite match those lofty totals on Thursday, but he came close with a line of 31 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks on 13-of-26 shooting. He poured in a tremendous two-way performance that saw him right the ship whenever the Celtics threatened a potential comeback.

As has been the case for the entire series, the Celtics simply had no one to defend James when he operated out of the high post. The Cavaliers manufactured switches with James on smaller players, which led to help defenders leaving shooters open on the perimeter. Similarly, when matched against bigger players, James used his quickness to blow by his man and get to the hoop. 

Highlight Reel

Irving drops Turner with killer crossover

A reminder that the King has no regard for human life

Series at a Glance

Game 1: Cavaliers 113, Celtics 100 (Cavaliers lead 1-0)
Game 2: Cavaliers 99, Celtics 91 (Cavaliers lead 2-0)
Game 3: Cavaliers 103, Celtics 95 (Cavaliers lead 3-0)
Game 4: Sunday, April 26, 1 p.m. ET
Game 5*: TBD 
Game 6*: TBD
Game 7*: TBD

* - if necessary