NBA playoffs Celtics vs Cavs: Celtics enter finals, Mavs beat Thunder | Basketball

Boston Celtics clinch Eastern Conference finals spot with 113-98 win over Cleveland; Dallas Mavericks push Oklahoma City Thunder to brink.

The Boston Celtics dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 113-98 victory, securing a spot in the Eastern Conference finals for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder faced a tough loss at home to the Dallas Mavericks, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy with a 104-92 defeat.

Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 25 points, helping them clinch the series 4-1 against a depleted Cavaliers lineup. The Celtics will now await the winner of the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks series in the Eastern Conference finals.

On the other hand, Luka Doncic put on a stellar performance for the Mavericks, recording a triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Mavericks now lead the series 3-2 and are on the verge of advancing to the Western Conference finals with a victory in Game 6.

Despite missing key players due to injuries, the Cavaliers put up a tough fight against the Celtics, with Evan Mobley scoring a game-high 33 points. However, the Celtics pulled away in the fourth quarter with a decisive run led by Tatum, who nearly secured a triple-double with 10 rebounds and nine assists.

Looking ahead, Tatum emphasized the Celtics' determination to overcome their recent struggles in the Eastern Conference finals, aiming to finally break through and reach the NBA Finals. With their experience and resilience, the Celtics are confident in their ability to navigate the challenges ahead and achieve their ultimate goal.

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