Sports

Cavs strike first in Eastern Conference Finals

BOSTON — LeBron James and Kevin Love led the Cavaliers past the Celtics 117-104 in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Bad shooting in the first half doomed the Celtics, who played the entire game chasing Cleveland on the scoreboard.

Love, who had 31 points through three quarters, finished with 32. James, averaging 34 points per game in the postseason, had 38.

The Celtics appeared to be sluggish throughout the night, unable to capture the same energy we saw in Monday night's Game 7 against Washington. Five players finished in double figures, including rookie Jaylen Brown, who finished the night with 10 points.  Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder both scored 21, while Isaiah Thomas had 17.

The Cavaliers lead the series 1-0, with Game Two scheduled for Friday night at 8:30 at TD Garden.