NBA – Celtics overcome James, Cavs to reach East finals (+ video)

BOSTON (NBA) – LeBron James poured in 45 points but the Team USA captain’s scoring wasn’t enough to lead Cleveland past Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

Pierce had 41 points as the Celtics won Game Seven of the Eastern Conference semi-final 97-92 to set up a title showdown with Detroit.

The opening two games of the final series are in Boston on Tuesday and Thursday.

Cleveland had forced the decider with a narrow 74-69 triumph on Friday back in Ohio, a game in which James had 32 points and one that saw the Cavs lead by as many as 16.

The Los Angeles Lakers, meanwhile, rode the hot hand of Kobe Bryant and a strong all-round effort from Spain’s Pau Gasol in a 108-105 Game Six Triumph over Utah in Salt Lake City on Friday to advance to the Western Conference final.

Sore back and all, Bryant, another Team USA Olympian, had 34 points while Gasol scored 17, grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked four shots.

The Lakers built a big double-digit lead in the second half but weren’t able to put the Jazz away until the very end.

“We are very happy for having taken this step to the Western Conference final, although what we cannot allow is to be up by 19 and let them to come back and have a chance to win,” Gasol said.

“Nevertheless, I think we have shown a lot of character, winning in this pavilion against a strong team like the Jazz in front of their fans.”

On Monday, San Antonio travel to New Orleans with the winner advancing to take on the Lakers in the conference final. 


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