The Boston Celtics overpowered the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98 to reach a third straight NBA Eastern Conference finals but Western Conference top seeds the Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of elimination after crashing 104-92 at home to the Dallas Mavericks.
Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Celtics completed a 4-1 win over the injury-hit Cavaliers in the best-of-seven series.
Cleveland's comeback hopes were dashed before the game after confirming that Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert were all out with injury.
Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 33 points.
The Celtics will face either the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks in the conference finals.
But while Boston advanced, Oklahoma City's playoff campaign is hanging by a thread.
Luka Doncic had a triple-double of 31 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists as the Mavericks took a 3-2 series lead over the Thunder, with a chance to clinch a place in the conference finals in Game Six in Dallas on Sunday (HK time).
Doncic had been furious after Dallas surrendered the initiative in their Game Four loss, but said a more relaxed approach had led to this big win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Boston's Jaylen Brown tries a difficult shot against Evan Mobley. AP
Luka Doncic registered a triple-double against the Thunder. AP
