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Toronto • LeBron James isn't just going back to the NBA Finals. He's returning with a team that's healthy and whole, which makes this trip unlike last year.
Maybe it will lead to a different result.
James scored 33 points, Kevin Love had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Toronto Raptors 113-87 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals Friday night, winning the series 4-2.
Kyrie Irving had 30 points and J.R. Smith added 15 for the Cavaliers, who will face the winner of the Golden State-Oklahoma City series beginning Thursday.
Cleveland would open at home against the Thunder but would be on the road against the 73-win Warriors, who trail 3-2 against Oklahoma City heading into Saturday's Game 6.
Last year, a depleted Cavs team lost in six games to the Warriors, left to wonder whether things would have worked out differently if Love (left shoulder) and Irving (left knee) had been at full strength.
That's not a concern this time around.
"There's definitely a different feeling," said James, who was emotional during his postgame interview on the court.
"I didn't appreciate last year, myself personally, getting to the finals. So much was going on in my mind, knowing that Kev was out for the rest of the season and knowing that Ky was dealing with injuries all the way from the first round. Having these guys right here at full strength, having our team at full strength and the way I feel personally, I appreciate this moment, to be able to be a part of it and be there once again."
Irving, who had battled knee injuries during his first postseason before breaking his kneecap late in Game 1 of last year's finals, said he's thankful for the opportunity to be a contributor this time around.