The Boston Celtics, led by former WVU basketball player Joe Mazzulla, defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games Wednesday Night.
It was a close game all the way through the fourth quarter before Boston went on an 11-2 run with 7 minutes to go. The Celtics took a 14 point lead at that point and never looked back, winning the game and series with a score of 113-98.
Jayson Tatum led the way for Mazzulla’s squad with a near triple-double, finishing with 25 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists.
It will be the third straight Eastern Conference Finals for the Celtics and the second straight for Mazzulla in as many years as the Boston head coach. The former Mountaineer also has the chance to become the youngest head coach in the history of the NBA to win an NBA Finals; Mazzulla is just 35 years old.
Depending on the Eastern Conference Finals matchup, Mazzulla could take on another former WVU basketball star, Deuce McBride who has made his first playoff start for the New York Knicks these playoffs as well.
The win over the Cavs for Mazzulla defeated another WVU basketball alum, Mike Gansey, who played for WVU from 2004-2006. Gansey is currently the General Manager of the Cavaliers.
The Celtics will await the winner of the New York Knicks and the Indianapolis Pacers. New York currently leads the series three games to two. Game six will take place in Indianapolis on Friday at 8:30 p.m.
