Celtics dump Cavaliers to draw even in series

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-05-10 09:58

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics refused to clear the way for a Cleveland Cavaliers coronation, answering the challenge with a 97-87 victory on Sunday to draw even in their Eastern Conference semi-final series.

Celtics dump Cavaliers to draw even in series

Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo (L) drives between Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (R) and Anthony Parker (18) during the third quarter in Game 4 of their NBA Eastern Conference playoff basketball series in Boston, May 9, 2010. [Agencies]

Rajon Rondo recorded a sensational triple-double to lead Boston with 29 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists as Boston regrouped from a 124-95 loss to the regular season's top seed in the last game.

Game Five is Tuesday in Cleveland.

"With all the adversity we've gone through as a team, to come out here and get a win that was needed - it's definitely a great feeling," Rondo told reporters. "I was trying to be aggressive and my guys made shots."

In a game of late ebbs and flows, the Celtics scored the first 10 points of the fourth quarter to establish a 12-point lead then watched as the Cavs shrunk the advantage down to two with a little over four minutes remaining.

But Boston responded with a late run that included four points from Paul Pierce and a basket from reserve Tony Allen who had 15 points for the home team.

LeBron James, dealing with a strained and bruised elbow, finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in an effort that was far from his dominating Game Three performance that featured 38 points.