Celtics inch closer to Eastern Conference Finals as LeBron James returns to old kingdom

The Boston Celtics overcame a slow start to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of their second-round NBA Playoff series. In doing so, they took control of the Eastern Conference semifinals before an onwatching LeBron James , who returned to his old kingdom as a spectator.

On Monday night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the Celtics secured a 109-102 victory over the Cavs. Jayson Tatum led the way, serving as Boston’s talisman on the night with a game-high 33 points while his partner-in-crime Jaylen Brown silenced the opposition crowd with a number of remarkable offensive shots en route to 27 points himself.

The Cavs were without five-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell , who was ruled out after straining his left calf in the closing minutes of Cleveland’s Game 3 loss on Saturday. Mitchell has averaged 36.8 points in his last five games and is averaging 31.7 points per game in the series with the Celtics - and Cleveland badly missed his scoring.

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Darius Garland did his best without the team's star man, putting up 30 points even after failing to score in the first quarter, but the Cavs ultimately couldn’t keep pace with the experienced Celtics, whose elevated maturity was on full display as they pulled away in the fourth quarter. Tatum struggled from 3-point range shooting 2-of-8, although his all-round play and influence was clear for all to see as he added 11 rebounds and 5 assists.

Even as the Celtics opened up a late lead, their shot selection was poor - and Al Horford struggled from deep - which allowed the Cavs to stay in touching distance. However, Cleveland badly missed Mitchell’s dynamic game even if Max Strus, who was ejected late, shot an effective 5-of-9 from 3-point range - yet they still closed the gap to keep the fans believing until the final buzzer sounded.

Despite the loss, the presence of James was a welcome one for Cleveland fans. James, who can opt out of his contact with the Los Angeles Lakers and become a free agent this summer, was sat courtside seat along with his wife, Savannah, and agent Rich Paul, and he receiving a rapturous ovation when shown on the scoreboard during a timeout.

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The 39-year-old ejoyed two stints in Cleveland, beginning his career with his homestate Cavs when he was the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft . After leaving for the Miami Heat , James returned and inspired the franchise to its sole NBA championship in 2016 before leaving for LA two years later.

James’ presence watching the Cavaliers will undoubtedly lead to fantastical discourse regarding his future. Given the up and coming status of Cleveland’s young and exciting roster, James has been linked with a second return - and fans can never rule anything out when it comes to the King.

The Cavaliers travel to TD Garden in Boston to face the Celtics in a crucial Game 5 on Wednesday, May 15. Boston can win the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals with victory.