The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics 87-79 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals and will represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive season and fifth time in franchise history.

Lebron James was once again amazing in a Game 7 and he never left the floor during this decisive game to advance to his eighth consecutive NBA Finals, the sixth player in NBA history to achieve that accomplishment.

James finished with 35 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 blocks. He also had eight of Cleveland’s twelve turnovers.

Many were wondering who was going to step up and help James in this game especially with Kevin Love sidelined with a concussion. Jeff Green, the man who replaced Love in the starting lineup was that man who stepped up and helped James in a critical moment.

Green, who formerly played for the Celtics and many wondered if he’d ever play basketball after open heart surgery a few years ago scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 42 minutes. Tristan Thompson had 10 points along with 9 rebounds and J.R. Smith broke through and had 12 points (3-8 from three point distance).

Cleveland struggled in the first half but kept the game close and trailed by four going into halftime. They outscored Boston 48-36 in the second half and despite shooting 9 of 35 from three point distance and losing the turnover battle 12-5, they fought for 48 minutes behind their leader Lebron James and earned this victory.

Give credit to the Boston Celtics though, they pushed the Cavaliers to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals when many didn’t think they would get to this situation without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. They’re a talented group who has a bright future.

Jayson Tatum wasn’t afraid of the moment and played a really good Game 7 with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Al Horford had 17 points and Jaylen Brown added 13 points. Marcus Morris and Marcus Smart were good off the bench. Morris had 14 points and 12 rebounds while Smart had 4 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and a steal.

They also struggled from beyond the arc shooting 17.9% (17.9%) but they won the rebound, assist and turnover battle but down the stretch the young guys struggled in what was a big moment for them.

Hopefully Celtics fans don’t get down on losing to the Cavaliers in the Conference Finals for the second straight season. They’ll be back and with Irving and Hayward returning next season, it’s likely they’ll be in the hunt for not only the East but potentially an NBA Championship competing with Philadelphia and Cleveland along with Houston and Golden State.

Now the Cavaliers turn their attention to Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets on Monday night.

The Cavs will have to travel to Oakland or Houston no matter what for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night