PLAYOFFS

NBA playoffs: Best of the conference finals

LeBron James dunks against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
LeBron James dunks against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports
Avery Bradley dribbles the ball around LeBron James during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Avery Bradley dribbles the ball around LeBron James during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports
Avery Bradley reacts after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Avery Bradley reacts after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports
Celtics forward Jaylen Brown attempts a layup in front of LeBron James during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Celtics forward Jaylen Brown attempts a layup in front of LeBron James during the second quarter of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James warms up before the start of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
LeBron James warms up before the start of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the fourth quarter in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the fourth quarter in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Kyrie Irving (2) reacts after making a three-point basket at the end of the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Kyrie Irving (2) reacts after making a three-point basket at the end of the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
David Richard, USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James (23) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
LeBron James (23) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
David Richard, USA TODAY Sports
Kyrie Irving (2) drives to the basket between Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the second half in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Kyrie Irving (2) drives to the basket between Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the second half in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James (23) reacts after being called for a foul against the Boston Celtics during the first half in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
LeBron James (23) reacts after being called for a foul against the Boston Celtics during the first half in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the first quarter in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the first quarter in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) talks to the team before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) talks to the team before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors point guard Patrick McCaw blocks a shot attempt by San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathon Simmons during the second half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Golden State Warriors point guard Patrick McCaw blocks a shot attempt by San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathon Simmons during the second half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs players (from left to right) Pau Gasol (16) Patty Mills (8) and Manu Ginobili (20) watch on the bench during the second half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
San Antonio Spurs players (from left to right) Pau Gasol (16) Patty Mills (8) and Manu Ginobili (20) watch on the bench during the second half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry drives to the basket past San Antonio Spurs small forward Davis Bertans and Dewayne Dedmon during the second half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry drives to the basket past San Antonio Spurs small forward Davis Bertans and Dewayne Dedmon during the second half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (in suit) watches from the bench against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (in suit) watches from the bench against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs point guard Dejounte Murray drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee defends during the first half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
San Antonio Spurs point guard Dejounte Murray drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee defends during the first half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee defends during the first half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee defends during the first half in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Soobum Im, USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) in the second half in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) in the second half in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and center Al Horford (42) celebrate after the Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and center Al Horford (42) celebrate after the Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) holds back Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) as he exchanges words with Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) during the second half in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) holds back Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) as he exchanges words with Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) during the second half in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts after a three-pointer during the first half against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts after a three-pointer during the first half against the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks the ball in the first half against Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks the ball in the first half against Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder steals the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James during the first quarter in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder steals the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James during the first quarter in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol defends during the second quarter in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol defends during the second quarter in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathon Simmons shoots the ball over Golden State Warriors point guard Shaun Livingston during the first half in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center.
San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathon Simmons shoots the ball over Golden State Warriors point guard Shaun Livingston during the first half in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center.
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (in suit) watches from the bench against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center.
San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (in suit) watches from the bench against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center.
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors small forward Kevin Durant drives to the basket while guarded by San Antonio Spurs point guard Dejounte Murray during the second half in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs.
Golden State Warriors small forward Kevin Durant drives to the basket while guarded by San Antonio Spurs point guard Dejounte Murray during the second half in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs.
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) attempts to control the ball as San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (14) defends during the first quarter in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) attempts to control the ball as San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (14) defends during the first quarter in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) scores a basket during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center.
Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) scores a basket during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) during the second half in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) during the second half in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) directs players against the Boston Celtics during the second half in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) directs players against the Boston Celtics during the second half in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski waves to fans during the first half in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski waves to fans during the first half in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) talks with forward LeBron James (23) during the second half against the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) talks with forward LeBron James (23) during the second half against the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) in action against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second half in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) in action against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second half in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) dives for the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second quarter in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) dives for the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second quarter in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James looks to pass against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James looks to pass against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) blocks the shot of Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) blocks the shot of Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder reacts to a call as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder reacts to a call as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball from Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) during the second half in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball from Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) during the second half in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) fouls Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) fouls Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder is defended by Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder is defended by Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown dunks the ball while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown dunks the ball while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson and Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson battle for the tip off during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern Conference finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson and Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson battle for the tip off during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern Conference finals.
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry dribbles the basketball against San Antonio Spurs center Dewayne Dedmon during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry dribbles the basketball against San Antonio Spurs center Dewayne Dedmon during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant dribbles the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant dribbles the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills during the first quarter in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
Joe Everson paints the national anthem before Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
Joe Everson paints the national anthem before Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant dunks the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili during the second half in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant dunks the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili during the second half in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson celebrates in front of San Antonio Spurs forward David Lee during the third quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson celebrates in front of San Antonio Spurs forward David Lee during the third quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili wraps up Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili wraps up Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard reacts after an injury during the third quarter in Game 1 of the Western conference finals.
San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard reacts after an injury during the third quarter in Game 1 of the Western conference finals.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Kelley L Cox,USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills, forward David Lee, guard Manu Ginobili and forward LaMarcus Aldridge huddle ahead of Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills, forward David Lee, guard Manu Ginobili and forward LaMarcus Aldridge huddle ahead of Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant shoots the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant shoots the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant celebrates with guard Stephen Curry during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant celebrates with guard Stephen Curry during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green drives in against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry during the first quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green drives in against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry during the first quarter in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports