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Celtics tie franchise record for largest halftime deficit at home in Game 1

Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

The Boston Celtics didn't just get off to a bad start. They got off to a historically bad start.

The team trailed the Cleveland Cavaliers 61-39 at recess in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, with the 22-point hole tying a franchise record for the largest halftime deficit at home in the postseason.

LeBron James led the charge for the defending champs, posting 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting. The Celtics as a team were far less efficient, shooting 35.6 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from the free-throw line at TD Garden.

Related: LeBron won't let Isaiah score

Boston posted the best regular-season record in the East, and is coming off a Game 7 victory over the Washington Wizards just two nights ago.

The Celtics have made 54 playoff appearances over their storied history, claiming a league-record 17 championships.

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