BOSTON — When Zydrunas Ilgauskas was undergoing foot surgery after foot surgery from 1998 through 2000, it was hard to picture the Cavaliers center breaking any records that had to do with longevity.
Ilgauskas, however, became Cleveland’s
all-time leader in playoff appearances Wednesday night when he stepped onto the floor for Game 5 against the Boston Celtics at TD Banknorth Garden.
It was the 48th playoff game of his 11-year career, breaking the mark held by Mark Price. John “Hot Rod” Williams is third in franchise history with 45 playoff games, followed by LeBron James (44), Larry Nance and Brad Daugherty (41), and Craig Ehlo (40).
“He’s one of the most dedicated guys I’ve seen at always taking care of his body,” Cavs coach Mike Brown said of Ilgauskas. “If you see how many times he sits in an ice bath — I’m not talking warm water, but an ice bath — it’s amazing. He puts ice on his ankles, ice on his feet.”
Ilgauskas entered Game 5 averaging 14.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the 2008 playoffs, including 15.5, 8.0 and 2.8, respectively, in the first four games against Boston.

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