Cavs Vs Celtics: 2017-18 Epic Showdown!

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 40 views

Remember that incredible 2017-18 season, hoops fans? The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics locked horns in an Eastern Conference battle for the ages! This wasn't just any playoff series; it was a clash of titans, a story of LeBron's dominance against a rising Celtics squad hungry for glory. Let's dive deep into what made this matchup so special and why it's still talked about today.

The Stage Is Set: Regular Season Rundown

Before we get to the playoffs, let's set the scene. The 2017-18 regular season saw both teams navigate through different challenges. For the Cavs, it was a season of adjustments and roster changes. They had the king, LeBron James, playing at an MVP level, but the supporting cast was in constant flux. There were trades, injuries, and a general feeling that the team was still trying to find its identity. Despite the turmoil, LeBron's sheer will and brilliance kept them near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

On the other side, the Celtics, coached by Brad Stevens, were a team on the rise. They had a young, talented core led by Kyrie Irving (ironically, a former Cavalier), Gordon Hayward (who suffered a devastating injury early in the season), and emerging stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Despite Hayward's injury, the Celtics showed incredible resilience and a 'next man up' mentality. They played with a defensive intensity and offensive versatility that made them a tough matchup for anyone in the league. Brad Stevens' coaching was a huge factor, as he masterfully orchestrated the team's strategies and player development.

The regular season games between the Cavs and Celtics were closely contested, each team trying to assert dominance over the other. These games provided a glimpse of the potential playoff showdown that was to come, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. The Cavs relied heavily on LeBron's scoring and playmaking, while the Celtics emphasized team basketball and defensive pressure.

Key Regular Season Moments

Cavs' Roster Overhaul: The Cavaliers made significant trades during the season, bringing in players like George Hill, Rodney Hood, and Jordan Clarkson to bolster their roster around LeBron James.
Hayward's Injury: Gordon Hayward's injury in the opening game of the season was a major setback for the Celtics, but it also paved the way for young players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to step up and shine.
LeBron's MVP Caliber Season: LeBron James had one of the best seasons of his career, averaging incredible numbers and leading the Cavaliers in scoring, rebounding, and assists.
Celtics' Defensive Prowess: The Celtics established themselves as one of the best defensive teams in the league, with players like Al Horford and Marcus Smart setting the tone.

The Eastern Conference Finals: A Series for the Ages

The Eastern Conference Finals between the Cavs and Celtics was nothing short of epic. It was a seven-game series filled with drama, incredible performances, and nail-biting finishes. The Celtics, with home-court advantage, came out strong, winning the first two games in Boston. Their young stars were playing with confidence, and their defense was stifling LeBron and the Cavs.

However, you can never count out LeBron James. He put the team on his back and led the Cavs to two crucial wins in Cleveland, tying the series at 2-2. The series then shifted back to Boston for Game 5, where the Celtics delivered a dominant performance, pushing the Cavs to the brink of elimination. Facing elimination, LeBron responded with one of the most memorable performances of his career in Game 6, scoring 46 points and leading the Cavs to a victory that forced a Game 7 in Boston.

The pressure was immense heading into Game 7. With a trip to the NBA Finals on the line, both teams battled fiercely. In the end, it was LeBron James who once again rose to the occasion, carrying the Cavs to a hard-fought victory and securing their spot in the Finals. The series was a testament to LeBron's greatness and the Celtics' potential, solidifying their status as future contenders.

Game-by-Game Breakdown

Game 1: Celtics 108, Cavs 83: The Celtics dominated Game 1, with a strong performance from their young players and stifling defense on LeBron James.
Game 2: Celtics 107, Cavs 94: The Celtics continued their dominance at home, taking a 2-0 series lead behind strong performances from Jayson Tatum and Al Horford.
Game 3: Cavs 116, Celtics 86: LeBron James led the Cavs to a dominant win in Game 3, scoring 27 points and leading a balanced offensive attack.
Game 4: Cavs 111, Celtics 102: The Cavs tied the series at 2-2 with another strong performance at home, as LeBron James and Kevin Love combined for 50 points.
Game 5: Celtics 96, Cavs 83: The Celtics regained the series lead with a dominant win in Boston, as their defense stifled the Cavs' offense.
Game 6: Cavs 109, Celtics 99: Facing elimination, LeBron James delivered a legendary performance, scoring 46 points and leading the Cavs to a victory that forced a Game 7.
Game 7: Cavs 87, Celtics 79: In a hard-fought Game 7, LeBron James led the Cavs to a victory in Boston, securing their spot in the NBA Finals.

Key Players and Performances

LeBron James (Cavs): LeBron was the undeniable star of the series. His performances were nothing short of legendary, showcasing his scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and unwavering determination. He averaged incredible numbers throughout the series and carried the Cavs on his back, especially in the elimination games. His Game 6 performance, in particular, will be remembered as one of the greatest in playoff history.
Jayson Tatum (Celtics): Tatum emerged as a star during the series, showcasing his scoring ability and poise under pressure. He had several standout performances, proving that he was ready to be a key player for the Celtics in the future. His ability to create his own shots and score against tough defenders was a major asset for the Celtics.
Al Horford (Celtics): Horford was a steady presence for the Celtics throughout the series, providing valuable contributions on both ends of the court. His defensive versatility and offensive skills were crucial to the Celtics' success. He was also a key leader in the locker room, helping to guide the team's young players.
Kevin Love (Cavs): Love had some strong performances in the series, providing valuable scoring and rebounding for the Cavs. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting was important for creating space for LeBron to operate. While he had some inconsistent games, his contributions were crucial to the Cavs' success.

Impact and Legacy

The 2017-18 Eastern Conference Finals between the Cavs and Celtics had a lasting impact on both teams and the NBA as a whole. For the Cavs, it was the last hurrah of the LeBron James era. Despite making it to the Finals, they were swept by the Golden State Warriors, and LeBron left the team in the offseason to join the Los Angeles Lakers. This series cemented LeBron's legacy as one of the greatest players of all time, showcasing his ability to carry a team to the Finals almost single-handedly.

For the Celtics, the series served as a launching pad for their young core. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown emerged as stars, and the team established themselves as a contender in the Eastern Conference. The experience gained in this series helped them develop into seasoned players who would lead the Celtics to future success. The series also highlighted the coaching brilliance of Brad Stevens, who was able to get the most out of his players and create a competitive team despite injuries and roster changes.

The series is remembered as one of the most competitive and entertaining playoff matchups in recent memory. It was a clash of generations, with LeBron James facing off against a young, hungry Celtics team. The drama, intensity, and incredible performances made it a series that fans will continue to talk about for years to come.

Lasting Impressions

LeBron's Dominance: The series reinforced LeBron James' status as one of the greatest players of all time, showcasing his ability to carry a team to the Finals almost single-handedly.
Celtics' Future: The series served as a launching pad for the Celtics' young core, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown emerging as stars.
Competitive Balance: The series highlighted the competitive balance in the Eastern Conference, with the Cavs and Celtics battling for supremacy.
Coaching Excellence: The series showcased the coaching brilliance of Brad Stevens, who was able to get the most out of his players and create a competitive team despite injuries and roster changes.

Where Are They Now?

So, what happened to the key players from that epic series? Let's catch up with where they are now:

LeBron James: After leaving the Cavaliers in 2018, LeBron joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won another NBA championship in 2020. He continues to play at a high level and is still considered one of the best players in the league.
Jayson Tatum: Tatum has become a perennial All-Star and one of the faces of the Boston Celtics. He has led the team to multiple playoff appearances and is considered one of the top young players in the NBA.
Jaylen Brown: Brown has also become an All-Star and a key player for the Celtics. His athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset to the team.
Kevin Love: Love played for the Cavaliers until being bought out during the 2022-2023 season, then joined the Miami Heat. He continues to be a valuable role player, providing scoring, rebounding, and veteran leadership.
Al Horford: Horford is still with the Celtics and remains a key contributor. His experience, defensive versatility, and offensive skills make him an important part of the team's success.
Kyrie Irving: After leaving the Celtics, Kyrie played for the Brooklyn Nets and then the Dallas Mavericks. Known for his incredible ball-handling skills and scoring ability, he remains one of the most talented players in the league.

The 2017-18 Cavs vs Celtics series was more than just a playoff matchup; it was a defining moment for both franchises and the players involved. It showcased LeBron's unparalleled greatness, the rise of the Celtics' young core, and the drama and excitement that make NBA basketball so captivating. Even years later, it remains a series worth remembering and discussing for hoops fans everywhere!