In Game 5, the top-seeded Boston Celtics defeated the undermanned Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98 to continue their march towards the NBA Finals on Wednesday.

Boston Celtics advance to sixth Eastern Conference Finals in eight years, downing Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98 in Game 5 | CNN

As Boston advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth time in the previous eight seasons and the third consecutive year, superstar forward Jayson Tatum nearly achieved a triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

Al Horford, the center for the Boston Celtics, who started in place of the injured Kristaps Porziņģis, hit six three-pointers, tying a career high, in the last minute of play, thrilling the home crowd at TD Garden.

With the opportunity to end it at home, Horford—who finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks—said, “Tonight was a special night for our group.” The most important thing, in my opinion, was adding energy.

Celtics Players Laud Al Horford After History-Making Game 5 Performance

It’s unique to be here at the Garden. I simply don’t take the enthusiasm of the fans for granted. Our supporters are huge Celtics fans. They want us to put up a good show. They want us to play the proper game, and tonight I really felt like I connected with them.

Along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James, Horford became just the third player in NBA postseason history to record a 20-15-5 game at the age of 37 or older, according to the Celtics.

Boston won easily as all of its starters scored in double figures. Similarities existed between the Cavaliers series and the Celtics’ first-round series against the Miami Heat: both times, the Cavs upset the odds in Game 2 to tie the series at one before winning three straight to advance.

Celtics in a good headspace as they head to 3rd consecutive Eastern conference finals

The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are now leading their series 3-2; the winner will now play in Boston. Indiana will host Game 6 on Friday.

The Cavaliers, who were without several important rotation players, had a dismal postseason finale.

Center Due to an injury, Jarrett Allen missed his ninth straight game; Caris LeVert was also out. Most importantly, though, was that All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who missed Game 4 due to a calf injury, was once again injured. Mitchell played in 10 playoff games this season, averaging over 30 points each contest.

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown's play was key to Celtics Game 5 win over Cavaliers - CelticsBlog

Leading the Cavaliers in scoring with 33 points and seven rebounds, veteran forward Marcus Morris Sr. chipped in with 25 points off the bench.

J.B. Bickerstaff, the Cavaliers’ coach, praised his team’s effort after the game. For many different reasons, this year has been challenging for us. They never had the opportunity to give up on one another. They only looked for methods to compete.