Back-to-back MVP winner LeBron James shot 35 points to fire the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 101-93 comeback victory over the Boston Celtics in their Eastern Conference semi-final series opener on Sunday.
The 25-year-old, who confirmed earlier in the day that he had won the NBA's top honour, didn't allow a sprained right elbow to slow him as he helped the conference's top seed overcome an 11-point third quarter deficit.
The Cleveland forward wrapped up the win with a three-pointer 22 seconds from time.
Game two of the best-of-seven series is on Tuesday.
