The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to complete a four-game sweep that put them in the NBA's conference finals. The Denver Nuggets did not. LeBron James pumped in 27 points as the Cavaliers pulled out an 84-74 triumph in Atlanta to complete their second consecutive four-game sweep. The Cavs led by just four until James converted a three-point play with 2:03 remaining, igniting a game-ending 8-2 run.
James also provided eight rebounds and eight assists for Cleveland, which extended its NBA-record streak for double-digit victories to eight.
Delonte West chipped in 21 points to help the Cavs earn the right to face either Boston or Orlando in the next round.
Josh Smith had a team-high 26 points for the Hawks, who still haven't won a conference semifinal game since 1997.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are still alive in the Western Conference semis following a 119-117 triumph over the Nuggets in Game 4. Dirk Nowitzki scored 19 of his 44 points in the fourth quarter, including a basket with 65 seconds left to put the Mavs ahead to stay.
Josh Howard finished with 21 points for the Mavericks, who trailed by 14 in the second quarter and were down by five entering the final period.
The Nuggets failed to close out the series despite Carmelo Anthony's career playoff-high 41 points. Anthony drained a three-pointer with 3.1 seconds left to get Denver within a point before Jason Terry hit a free throw for the final margin.
The Nuggets will host Game 5 Wednesday.
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