The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken a 1-0 lead in their Eastern Conference quarter-final playoff series against the Boston Celtics courtesy of a 113-110 victory at the Quicken Loans Arena.
Brad Stevens's Celtics had a strong start to the match as they raced into a 31-27 lead in the first quarter to take control of the match.
However, the Cavaliers responded as Kyrie Irving and LeBron James began to find their range from distance to dominate the second quarter as the home side powered into a 52-44 lead at the break.
Irving maintained his good form throughout the contest, while he was supported late in the game by Kevin Love to keep the Celtics at bay as Isaiah Thomas tried to bring the visitors back into the match.
Cleveland ensured their victory as Love netted a three-pointer late in the match to end Boston's hopes of a comeback.
The teams will meet again in Cleveland on Tuesday for the second game of the series.
Simon Sinclair
