LeBron James Watches Cleveland Cavaliers Fall to Boston Celtics from Courtside

LeBron James was seen sitting courtside during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 102-109 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday.

The 39-year-old, who famously led the Cavaliers to their first and only NBA championship in 2016, was warmly welcomed by the crowd as he appeared on the big screen after a video showcasing his top moments in Cleveland.

James couldn't motivate the Cavaliers, but Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum stepped up, scoring a total of 60 points to help the Celtics take a strong 3-1 series lead.

Tatum stood out with 33 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Brown contributed 27 points and eight rebounds.

The Cavaliers had to play without their star guard Donovan Mitchell in the game. He was sidelined because of a calf strain he got in the fourth quarter of Game 3. This was a tough blow for Cleveland before the match.

Mitchell's absence was felt by the team, especially after his impressive performance in Game 3. He scored 33 points in the loss on Saturday, marking his sixth consecutive playoff game with at least 25 points.

In a game where Darius Garland was absent, the Cleveland team put up a strong performance. Garland's absence didn't stop the team from scoring, with him achieving 30 points, and Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert both contributing 19 points each. Despite their efforts, the team fell short against the No. 1 seed Celtics.

Brown expressed his excitement about winning a playoff game away from home, stating, “There’s nothing better than winning a playoff game on the road. It’s like everybody against you guys, you come here with the guys in the locker room,” as reported by ESPN.

"It's always challenging to compete in a tough environment, but the support from the crowd was fantastic. As a competitor, it's incredibly enjoyable to thrive in such an atmosphere and come out victorious on the road.

Now, we are looking forward to returning home and performing well in front of our fans. We are excited to give them something to cheer for and aim to secure a win for them."

Jayson Tatum scored a game high 33 points for the Celtics.

Jayson Tatum scored a game high 33 points for the Celtics.

The Celtics have a chance to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference finals by closing out the series in Game 5 at TD Garden on Wednesday. Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images

J.B. Bickerstaff, the head coach of Cleveland, expressed his pride in his players for giving their all. Even though they are on the brink of elimination, Garland remained optimistic in his post-game interview.

“We just have to fight through all of this. It’s not going our way, but just keep fighting. That’s what we always do,” he said.

Editor's P/S:

The absence of key players, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, proved to be detrimental to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their 102-109 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Despite a valiant effort, the team fell short against the No. 1 seed Celtics, who now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead.

LeBron James' presence at the game served as a reminder of the glory days when he led the Cavaliers to their only NBA championship. His appearance on the big screen was met with thunderous applause, showcasing the enduring legacy he holds in Cleveland. However, even James' inspiration couldn't ignite the Cavaliers to victory, as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum stepped up for the Celtics, scoring a combined 60 points to propel their team towards a potential series sweep.