Horford Fuels Boston's Third Straight Trip to ECF

Keys to the Game: Celtics 113 - Cavaliers 98

The Boston Celtics have punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals (ECF) for the third consecutive season after a dominant 113-98 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Led by a stellar performance from Al Horford, the Celtics extended their winning streak to four games and advanced to the next round, where they will face the Miami Heat.

Horford's Dominance

Horford, who has been a key figure in the Celtics' recent success, put forth another impressive display in Game 5. The veteran big man finished with a team-high 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, showcasing his versatility and all-around impact on the court.

Horford's contributions were particularly crucial in the first half, as he helped establish an early lead for the Celtics. His efficient shooting, coupled with his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, proved to be too much for the Cleveland defense.

Mazzulla's Controlled Madness Style

In the post-game press conference, Celtics players credited head coach Joe Mazzulla for implementing a unique and effective approach for the team. They described Mazzulla's coaching style as a balance between controlled chaos and tactical execution, allowing players to发挥出他们的潜力同时保持一致性.

The Celtics' victory is a testament to the team's resilience and the leadership of Horford and Mazzulla. As they prepare to face the Heat in the ECF, the Celtics will look to continue their momentum and capture their 18th NBA championship.