James inspires Cavaliers victory to level playoff series

NEW YORK, May 16 (Reuters) - LeBron James scored 32 points to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Boston Celtics 74-69 on Friday and force a deciding Game Seven in their Eastern Conference semi-final.

James also registered 12 rebounds and six assists as the Cavaliers delivered an impressive performance in defence on their home court to level the best-of-seven series at 3-3.

The Cavaliers led 42-33 at halftime and 59-50 going into the fourth quarter before having to weather a late rally by the conference's top-seeded Celtics.

Cleveland's victory sets up a series decider in Boston on Sunday. The home team has won every game in the series.

Kevin Garnett was top scorer for Boston with 25 points and eight rebounds while Paul Pierce contributed 16 points.

The Los Angeles Lakers, top seeds in the Western Conference, are playing the Utah Jazz in Friday's late game in Salt Lake City.

The Lakers lead the series 3-2 and would secure a place in the Conference final with a victory in Game Six. (Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles, Editing by Greg Stutchbury)