Paul Pierce exploded for 41 points to close out Cleveland with a 97-92 win. Boston will now face Detroit in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The entire Boston v. Cleveland series had been a battle of the home court, with neither team giving an inch on their own floors. Game 7 proved to be the deciding grudge match, with the stars of both teams playing some of their best games of the season. But in the end, Paul Pierce led Boston to a 97-92 win in one of the best games of the playoffs.

Pierce had the hot hand early, notching 26 points before half-time. He finished up with 41 points, including 4-of-6 shooting from 3pt-range. It was the tough, gritty win for Boston, with bodies crashing all over the court, and it’s that energy that they hope to build on in the Eastern Conference finals.

“To end it on that note and advance, our heads are high. Hopefully we can go into the next series and play a little bit better basketball on a consistent basis, especially on the road,” said Pierce.

LeBron wrapped up another amazing season with a game-high 45 points in the losing effort. Despite the loss, LeBron knew it was an amazing game with two great individual efforts.

“This will go down in history,” James said.