NBA Playoffs News: Cleveland Cavaliers Sweep Boston Celtics To Reach Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers swept the first round of their playoffs, with a 101-93 win on Sunday over the Boston Celtics giving them extra time to prepare for their Eastern Conference semi-finals opponents' either agianst the Chicago Bulls or the Milwaukee Bucks.

The match-ups have been physical as the Celtics tried to halt the Cavaliers and Kevin Love was the first to feel the effects when he left in the first quarter, having reportedly dislocated his left shoulder. The Cavs star forward and Kelly Olynyk got tangled picking up a rebound and the latter appeared to pull Love’s arm as they fought for the ball. The Cavs forward could now miss a minimum of two weeks, according to ESPN.

Despite the physicality of the game, LeBron James still finished with 27 points while Kyrie Irving had 24 points. Ian Shumpert also added 15 for the Cavs, who held off Boston's rallies throughout the game.

They led 57-36 by half-time and didn’t the lead slip the rest of the game securing a well-fought 101-93 win. Isaiah Thomas and Jared Sullinger both added 21 points for the C's, who'll use this playoff experience as they attempt to build a contending team for the next seasons.

In one of the physical plays of the game, Jae Crowder was shoved by former Celtic Kendrick Perkins and both picked up technicals for nearly brawling on the court. To make matters worse for the Cavs, J.R Smith was ejected after backhanding Jae Crowder less than two minutes into the third quarter. The Celtic forward fell to the ground, spraining his knee in the process, and had to be carried to the locker room with the help of his teammates.

Smith was hit with a flagrant 2 foul and now faces suspension for up to two-three games. He was also ejected while playing for the Knicks two years back against the Celtics when he elbowed Jason Terry. He was also suspended for one game by the league back then, which could have a bearing on the punishment this time as well.

"There was nothing malicious about it. I didn't try to do anything to hurt him or anybody else. That's not the way I play the game, and unfortunately I got a flagrant 2, let my teammates down, and we still advanced, but still not a good feeling going into the next round," Smith told ESPN after the match.