LeBron James, James Jones first since '60s to make five straight Finals
Cleveland Cavaliers forwards LeBron James and James Jones have become the first players make five straight NBA Finals appearances since a group of players from the Boston Celtics in the 1960s, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
The Cavaliers completed a four-game sweep of the Atlanta Hawks with a 118–88 victory on Tuesday to win the Eastern Conference finals.
James and Jones were members of the Miami Heat when they made four straight Finals appearances from 2011 through 2014, winning two, though Jones did not play in the 2011 series. The pair then signed with the Cavaliers over the off-season, with James returning to where he started his career.
Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, K.C. Jones and Sam Jones were the Celtics players who were the last to accomplish the feat, according to Elias.
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Russell holds the NBA record, having made 10 straight Finals in the 1950s and 60s while with Boston.
This is Cleveland's first NBA Finals trip since 2007. James was also on that team. James and coach David Blatt reflected on the Cavaliers' Finals appearance with reporters after the game.
In 13 postseason games this year, James has averaged 27.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 8.4 assists. Jones has averaged 4.8 points and 1.5 rebounds.
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- Molly Geary
