Cavs Rip Celts in Opener

BOSTON (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers remain perfect in the NBA playoffs following an easy victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals in Boston.

LeBron James and Kevin Love accounted for 70 points as the Cavs slammed the Celtics, 117-104. James finished with 38 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Cavaliers, who led by 26 in the first half. Love added a playoff career-high 32 points and had 12 rebounds as Cleveland won its 12th straight playoff game dating to last year's finals. Love also was 6 of 9 from 3-point range.

The Cavaliers' 9-0 start to the playoffs comes a year after they won their first 10 postseason games.

Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder each had 21 points to lead the Celtics, while Isaiah Thomas managed 17 points on 7 of 19 shooting.

Game 2 is Friday in Boston.