The top-seeded Boston Celtics overpowered the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98 to reach their third straight Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday, while the Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, moved to the brink of elimination after losing 104-92 at home against the Dallas Mavericks.
In Boston, Jayson Tatum's 25 points helped the Celtics subdue a depleted Cavs lineup to complete a 4-1 win in the best-of-seven series.
The Celtics will face either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks for a place in the NBA Finals.