The Boston Celtics retained their lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern conference and boosted it as well after defeating the Cavs 86-83 in Cleveland. It was a touchy affair for both sides with decent defending all around and some bad shooting by the Cavs, who were barely below 40% with their shots.
Ray Allen led the Celtics with 22 points, the most important being two late free throws that put the game up to a three point defect. Anthony Parker had a chance to send it to overtime at the buzzer but his long three pointer wasn't on target, sealing the Cavs' fate.
Kyrie Irving, as usual, paced the Cavaliers with 24 points. It was a lack of scoring behind him that was the problem, a recurring issue for the young Cavs.
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