By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
The Cleveland Cavaliers had one mission on Friday night. They knew they had to force a Game 7.
The Cavaliers did exactly that, as they defeated the Boston Celtics, 109-99, at Quicken Loans Arena.
The most important game of the series will be on Monday night at TD Bank Garden in Boston, Mass. The home team has won every game in this series.
In addition, there is an important streak on the line, as LeBron James has appeared in seven straight NBA Finals. He has the longest active streak for any player, who was not on the Bill Russell-led Celtics.
Kevin Love left the game with a head injury. It is believed that he suffered a concussion — and will likely miss the Game 7 contest.
James led the Cavaliers with 46 points. He also had 11 rebounds, nine assists, one block, and three steals.
James tied Michael Jordan with his seventh 40-point performance in a single postseason. Jerry West has the most all-time with 8, which he did in 1965.
The Chosen One is now averaging 34.1 points per game in elimination games. That is the most for any player, who has appeared in at least five elimination games, according to ESPN’s Stats & Information.
He improved to 13-9 in those games. Jordan averaged 31.3 points in elimination contests, going 6-7.
James was one of four players, who scored in double-figures. George Hill had 20, while Jeff Green added 14 and Larry Nance Jr. had 10.
The Cavaliers bench, who has only performed at home in this series, had 36 points. Green led the bench with 34 points.
Terry Rozier III led the Celtics with 28 points. He also had three rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.
Rozier III was one of five Boston players, who scored in double-digits. Jaylen Brown had 27, while Jayson Tatum added 15 and Marcus Smart, along with Marcus Morris, scored 10 points each.
The Celtics had 23 bench points. Smart and Morris led the bench with 10 points each.
