NBA playoffs wrap: Celtics bounces back with key Game 5 win

The Celtics rebounded from two straight loses to claim Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics during Game 5 of the NBA playoffs against Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics regained their form on Wednesday, rebounding from two straight losses to defeat the Cavaliers 96-83 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Boston regained the series lead 3-2 by jumping out to a 32-19 advantage after the first quarter. The Celtics rediscovered their tenacity on defense, forcing Cleveland to shoot just 42 percent from the field.

Rookie Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Al Horford added 15 points and 12 rebounds while re-establishing his presence in the paint.

Jaylen Brown struggled to shoot, hitting just 2 of 8 from 3-point range, but the Celtics star finished with 17 points, contributing where and when needed.

LeBron James led the Cavaliers, flirting with a triple-double scoring 26 points with 10 rebounds and five assists, but once again received little help from his supporting cast.

It appeared the Cavaliers had cracked the Celtics' hold on the series by winning Games 3 and 4, but Boston was in control from the first whistle Wednesday, proving the team isn't ready fade into the night.

STUD OF THE NIGHT

Celtics reserve Marcus Smart scored 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting with four assists and four rebounds in 23 minutes. Coming off the bench, Smart provided energy on both ends of the court, stifling the Cavs' offense, while hitting some shots of his own.

DUD OF THE NIGHT

Cavaliers starting guards George Hill and J.R. Smith were completely outclassed Wednesday. Hill scored just seven points on 1-of-5 shooting, while Smith added two points on 1-of-6 shooting. Neither has been able to find their form all series.

WHAT'S NEXT

Game 5, on Thursday, Warriors (2-2) at Rockets (2-2) - Houston stole Game 4 with a late rally, setting up a chance to fully utilize its home-court advantage. James Harden has been shaky at times throughout the playoffs, but he fought off Golden State's pesky defense to give the Rockets a chance at snapping the Warriors' reign out West. Golden State could be without Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala, both ruled questionable for Game 5.