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LeBron came back two years ago. The Cavs are now going back to the NBA Finals for the second season in a row. It's six straight Finals for LeBron James, and he said after the game he's going to enjoy this one. And he should, because it doesn't happen for Cleveland without him.
Your Cleveland Cavaliers 113, the Toronto Raptors 87.
Credit to the Raptors. They won two games in the series, the only games the Eastern Conference took from this Cavs team. Their fans were nuts, Kyle Lowry was nuts. They deserved this run to the Conference Finals, and they got more of a series than many expected. When the Cavs were expected to put the foot down, in Game 4, they didn't. In Game 5 they did. In Game 6, they did.
This Cavs team has scored at a record pace throughout the playoffs, and it was no difference tonight. Early on Kyrie Irving started slow, but by the end of the game he had closed the curtains. Kevin Love had 20 points on 11 shots, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. He was incredible. J.R. Smith had timely shots. Tristan Thompson didn't accumulate rebounds, but he kept the Raptors off the offensive glass. Iman Shumpert entered the game with defense. Channing Frye hit a few more threes.
It's been a team effort. LeBron James came into the game averaging less than 38 minutes in the playoffs, with a low usage rate. Tonight, James took the reins a bit. He played 41 minutes, and didn't really rest until the fourth quarter when things weren't quite in doubt. He took on a bigger load. 33 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 turnovers, 3 blocks. He was everywhere. He defended. And he has the Cavs back in the NBA Finals.
Hang with us moving forward because we will have all of your Finals coverage. Golden State would need two wins, Oklahoma City just one. The Finals start on Thursday night, June 2nd. If it's Golden State, Game 1 will be in Oakland. If it's the Thunder, we will see you in Cleveland. Go Cavs.