LeBron James’ Miami Heat have progressed to the NBA finals after completing a 4-3 series victory over Boston Celtics on Saturday to clinch the Eastern Conference.
The Heat won game seven 101-88 over the Celtics, who had led by as much as 11 points earlier in the contest.
James led the way with 31 points and 12 rebounds, while Dwayne Wade added 23 points. Miami will now take on Oklahoma City Thunder in the decider.
“We look forward to the next challenge,” James said. “Still one more step.”
Heat coach Erick Spoelstra said his side came together and played as a unit to win the semi, with Chris Bosh contributed 19 points off the bench.
“It was good to see us come together in a very competitive series and I have great respect for the championship DNA they (Celtics) have,” Spoelstra said.
“We do not take this for granted. I am happy we got through this. Obviously we have a bigger goal in the next round.”
Miami lost last year’s NBA final to Dallas Mavericks and Spoelstra was hopeful of avenging that defeat.
“We have been through a lot. We think the adversity has strengthened our core, built our character. There is no question we will need it in the next round,” he said.