For a little while Sunday, Game 4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics matchup looked like an NBA game from the 1990s. Chippy play, what looked like a major injury to Kevin Love and a J.R. Smith ejection all marred a 101-93 Cleveland victory that sends them on to the second round.
Turning point(s)
Kelly Olynyk's armbar on Love in the first quarter ended Love's day - and perhaps more - and will earn Olynyk several months worth of dirty hockey player stereotypes.
The video clearly shows Love's left shoulder popping out. He immediately ran to the locker room, had it iced and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. ESPN/ABC's Heather Cox reported that Love won't undergo further evaluation until the team returns to Cleveland.
Love told the media in the post-game press conference that he dislocated his left shoulder.
Kevin Love: "I thought it was a bush-league play ... I have no doubt in my mind that he did it on purpose"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 26, 2015
Star performer
James fell two dimes short of a triple double with 27 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Kyrie Irving grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds to go with 24 points. The Celtics have to be given credit for refusing to give up as well, led by Isaiah Thomas's 21 points and nine assists off the bench.
Cavs sweep! LeBron James' teams have won 13 straight 1st-round games, 28-3 in 1st-round games over last 7 postseasons pic.twitter.com/u5sFdV7t8N
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 26, 2015
Highlight Reel
Most of the highlights were likewise of the physical variety.
To wit, in the second quarter, little-used Kendrick Perkins entered the game for Cleveland and immediately set a flying pick on Jae Crowder - who has been pressing LeBron James on D in the series.
Perkins received a flagrant-1. A flagrant-2 came for the Cavaliers when Smith smacked Crowder with a backhand so hard, he appeared to fall down and hyperextend his left knee.
Due to the flagrant-2, Smith was ejected. He could face a fine, suspension or both from the NBA on Monday. Crowder on the other hand, left the game with a sprained knee and did not return.
The 6-foot-6 forward had been defending James aggressively, and his absence hurt the Celtics late.
Series at a glance
Game 1: Cavaliers 113, Celtics 100 (Cavaliers lead 1-0)
Game 2: Cavaliers 99, Celtics 91 (Cavaliers lead 2-0)
Game 3: Cavaliers 103, Celtics 95 (Cavaliers lead 3-0)
Game 4: Cavaliers 101, Celtics 93 (Cavaliers win 4-0)
