James says Jordan chase is about motivation, not greatness

With that, Boston dropped the Eastern Conference Finals series in five games and entered an offseason bright with possibilities.

It’s insane to think about, especially considering how the first two games of this series played out, but if Irving doesn’t turn it on, the Celtics would be going back to the Garden with the series tied at 2-2.

Say goodnight to the Boston Celtics, who lived long enough to earn a smackdown.

Johnson was sidelined during the first quarter of Game 3 with a shoulder injury.

Irving scored 36 points after that, including 21 during a game-turning third quarter in which Cleveland outscored Boston 40-23. The last three win the Cavs and the previous four with the Miami Heat.

It’s one-all at the moment between these two super teams, with the Warriors claiming the 2015 title, 4-2, before the Cavaliers fought back from 3-1 down to turn the tables on Golden State last season. “It should be the same for us”, James said. And I think that’s what ‘Bron had.

“When you’re growing up and you see Michael Jordan it’s nearly like a god”.

“It is tribute to what I’ve been able to with this game”. The over/under total for the game is listed at 215.5 points. He quickly flashed one finger as he backpedaled down the court.

“Like I’ve always told you guys all the time anytime I’m linked to any other great, even the greatest in Mike, it’s just an honor”, said James prior to the Cavs’ pregame shoot around Thursday morning at the TD Garden. “That was my mindset”. “I don’t have to score the ball to make an impact in the basketball game”.

And just like in Game 7 of the Finals a year ago, Kyrie was there to save the day for the Cavs, after James was unable to dominate like he had in games 1 and 2. But he said both he and his teammates continue to be inspired by their leader.

“This team is a insane team”.

“They’re a tough, competitive team, so defensively, they get a lot of deflections and a lot of steals”, Lue said.

Lue has noticed an increase in grit from Boston ever since losing its All-Star point guard.

Overall, the Celtics exceeded expectations this season.

It is the seventh successive year James has led his team to the finals, with four straight appearances for the Miami Heat preceding his return to Cleveland in 2014.

Does the Celtics season end tonight, or do they take it to Game 6?

Irving put a scare into the Cavs and their fans when he stepped on Terry Rozier’s foot and rolled his ankle.

Deron Williams, who had been quiet for most of the series, also got in on the act with a series-best 14 points for Cleveland. James showed no ill effects in the game, finishing with 35 points. 43 points set a Cavs playoff record for the most points scored in a quarter.

Is it possible the Celtics go 0-3 at home during the Eastern Conference Finals? Bradley’s game-winning three-pointer with 1/10 of a second left on the clock in Game 3 kept the series alive for another game in Boston.