Boston, MA (My Sportsbook) - Kevin Garnett scored 28 points, including the go-ahead layup with 21.4 seconds left, and the Celtics put a defensive blanket on LeBron James, holding the Cavaliers superstar to only two field goals, as Boston edged Cleveland, 76-72, in the opener of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

It was an uncharacteristic contest for a few standout players, but most notable was James' horrific 2-of-18 night from the field. He totaled 12 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, but had 10 of Cleveland's 18 turnovers.

Boston's Paul Pierce and Ray Allen combined for just four points on 2-of-18 shooting. Allen was held scoreless for the first time since Feb. 26, 1997.

Sam Cassell scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter for the top- seeded Celtics, who were pushed to seven games by Atlanta in the first round and then committed 23 turnovers Tuesday night.

Rajon Rondo totaled 15 points and Kendrick Perkins pulled down 12 rebounds, while Garnett had eight boards.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs, who also got 13 points from Wally Szczerbiak. Cleveland shot just 30.7 percent from the field.

Game 2 is Thursday night, again at TD Banknorth Garden.

Ilgauskas' jumper, off a feed from James, gave the Cavs a 70-68 lead with 1 1/2 minutes left, but Garnett came back with a jumper from the left side 13 seconds later.

James then missed a driving layup, and Cassell was fouled after getting the loose ball and hit both free throws with 52.8 seconds left.

However, Ilgauskas tipped in a missed layup from James with 39 seconds to go for another tie before Garnett drove on Joe Smith in the lane for a layup and the 74-72 lead.

James then missed on a drive to the hoop. James Posey, who seemingly tried to reach in and foul James, got the rebound and nailed two free throws with 8.5 seconds remaining. James was off the mark on a three-ball in the closing seconds.