The Cavaliers are set to face the Celtics in Boston tonight in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, setting the stage for the victor to advance to the NBA Finals. This is not unfamiliar territory for LeBron James, who has almost single-handedly willed the Cavaliers to this juncture, looking to advance to his eighth straight NBA Finals.
As both teams prepare for tipoff, this scenario is eerily similar to one James encountered eight years ago when the Cavaliers traveled to Boston for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jimmy Golen of the Associated Press writes. James posted a triple-double in a losing effort and then weeks later, made the decision to leave Cleveland in free agency. A lot has been made of James’ upcoming free agency and whether or not he bolts this summer, but his teammates feel another trip to the NBA Finals is possible.
“There’s something different about LeBron, period,” Larry Nance Jr. said. “I think (coach Tyronn Lue) said it best: ‘We’re going into a Game 7 with the baddest dude on the planet on our team.’ I like our chances.”
Check out more Cavaliers notes below:
- James’ return to Cleveland ahead of the 2014/15 NBA season has been nothing short of success. He helped guide the organization to its first NBA title in 2016 and with a win tonight, the Cavaliers will have made the NBA Finals in every season since his comeback. Jerry Bembry of The Undefeated breaks down the implications of James’ potential departure from Cleveland and his legacy, regardless of tonight’s outcome.
- Kevin Love, who is currently in the NBA’s concussion protocol, will not play in today’s decisive Game 7. However, that does not necessarily give an advantage to the Celtics, A. Sherrod Blakley of NBC Sports Boston writes. The absence of Love likely means a heavier dose of James, Nance, and Jeff Green on Al Horford, who did a fine job defending him in Game 6.
- Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed that Green will start in place of Love, Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com writes. “I think he attacked the small guys, the switches, and took his time, did a good job attacking, rebounded the ball well,” Lue said of Green’s Game 6 effort. “I just think defensively being able to switch and guard multiple positions, that’s huge for us.
If I’m not mistaken, the 2010 ECF was 6 games, not 7
GOAT
Doesn’t get any better than this. On to beat whomever the Cavs play in the championship. Although I’m just glad we got there with all the issues this past season.
Boston could have sewn this game up in the third quarter. Their 1-5 p&r was killing Cleveland, and then they got away from it and started jacking up threes. The whole game had a weirdly subdued atmosphere. The Cavs are SO lucky to be in the finals and will be annihilated by whoever comes out of the west.
Yes they will be annihilated by any of Houston/Golden State, but man… Boston would had done way worst, think of it this Boston team is way better than Cleveland & they couldn’t beat them, that tells you all about Boston. Only the “King” would make it in the starting 5 of Boston, & that is without Kyrie & Hayward… sooo you cannot play that bad & be in the finals, Lebron is the GOAT!!! What a beast!!!
After watching yesterday’s game only makes me say the NBA and Refs want Lebron James to win
Goal tending at the end BS Call
Wrong every time