Cleveland Cavaliers Advance to NBA Finals with 87-79 Game 7 Win Over Boston Celtics

LeBron James Scores 35, Advances to Eighth Consecutive Finals

Game Summary

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics 87-79 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday night, advancing to their fourth consecutive NBA Finals. LeBron James led the way for the Cavs with 35 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. Kyrie Irving added 24 points, and Kevin Love had 16 points and 12 rebounds.

The Celtics were led by Isaiah Thomas, who had 22 points. Al Horford and Jaylen Brown each added 17 points. The Celtics led by as many as 12 points in the second quarter, but the Cavs rallied to take a four-point lead at halftime.

The Cavs extended their lead to 10 points in the third quarter, and the Celtics never got closer than five points in the fourth quarter. James closed out the game with a pair of free throws with 10.2 seconds remaining.

Five Things to Watch in the NBA Finals

1. The LeBron James Conundrum: For the past seven years, LeBron James has been the undisputed best player in the NBA. But his dominance has also been a source of frustration for his opponents. James is often the target of double-teams and other forms of physical play. The Celtics were able to slow him down in Game 7, but he still managed to have a big impact on the game. How will other teams try to contain James in the Finals?

2. The Cavs' Supporting Cast: LeBron James is the Cavs' undisputed star, but he needs help from his supporting cast to win. Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving are both All-Stars, but they have been inconsistent at times this season. The Cavs will need both players to play at their best if they want to win the championship.

3. The Warriors' Dynasty: The Golden State Warriors have won two of the last three NBA championships, and they are currently the favorites to win their third straight title. The Warriors have a star-studded lineup led by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The Cavs will have their hands full trying to stop the Warriors' high-powered offense.

4. Home Court Advantage: The Cavs will have home court advantage in the NBA Finals, which could be a significant advantage. The Warriors have a great regular season record at home, but they have struggled somewhat on the road in the playoffs. The Cavs will need to take advantage of their home court advantage if they want to win the championship.

5. Injuries: Injuries are a part of the NBA, and they can have a major impact on the outcome of the playoffs. The Cavs have been relatively healthy this season, but the Warriors have been dealing with injuries to Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. If either of those players is unable to play in the Finals, it could give the Cavs a major advantage.