The Rivalry Between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics: A Tale of Two Cities
A Historic Rivalry
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are two of the most storied franchises in NBA history, and their rivalry is one of the most intense in all of sports. The two teams have met in the playoffs 12 times, with the Celtics holding a 9-3 advantage. The most recent meeting came in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, which the Celtics won in seven games.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
There have been many memorable moments in the Cavaliers-Celtics rivalry over the years. Some of the most notable include:
- The 1985 Eastern Conference Finals, which the Celtics won in five games. This was the first time the two teams had met in the playoffs, and it set the tone for a rivalry that would last for decades.
- The 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals, which the Cavaliers won in seven games. This was a major upset, as the Celtics were the defending NBA champions. The Cavaliers went on to reach the NBA Finals that year, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
- The 2012 Eastern Conference Finals, which the Celtics won in seven games. This was a particularly bitter series, as the two teams were evenly matched and the games were often decided by just a few points.
The Current State of the Rivalry
The Cavaliers and Celtics are both currently rebuilding, but the rivalry is still alive and well. The two teams met in the first round of the 2023 playoffs, and the Celtics won in four games. The Cavaliers are still a young team with a lot of potential, so it will be interesting to see how they match up with the Celtics in the years to come.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics rivalry is one of the most storied in NBA history. The two teams have met in the playoffs 12 times, and the Celtics hold a 9-3 advantage. The rivalry is still alive and well today, and it is sure to continue for many years to come.