Kelly Olynyk scored 26 points from the bench as the Boston Celtics outmuscled the Washington Wizards 115-105 to clinch their Eastern Conference semi-final series on Monday.
Olynyk produced a superb display of shooting from distance as Boston pulled clear of Washington in the late stages of the game to take the series 4-3 and set up a Conference final clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Isaiah Thomas top-scored for the Celtics with 29 points and weighed in with 12 assists while Al Horford (15), Jae Crowder (14) and Marcus Smart (13) also made double figures.
But it was Olynyk’s remarkable display off the bench that proved decisive as the Celtics clinched their first Eastern Conference finals berth since 2012.
Olynyk had entered the game averaging only 8.3 points per game in the play-offs but delivered a career-high play-off performance when it mattered.
“A friend called me and said ‘Be at your best when your best is needed’ and my best was needed tonight,” Olynyk said after the win.
“Everybody gave it their best and it turned out for us tonight.”
Boston, who had the top seed going into the postseason, now host NBA champions Cleveland, the second seeds, on Wednesday.
Cleveland, who have not dropped a game in the play-offs, got the better of Boston over the course of the regular season, winning 3-1 over four games.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said his team faced a daunting challenge, stating the Cavaliers have raised their game in the postseason.
“I think they’re playing better this year than they did last year,” Stevens said. “I’ve seen them play before. We played them four times. I think they’re better than any of the four times they played us.”
* Agence France-Presse
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