The Cleveland Cavaliers are still alive in the Eastern Conference Finals after tying the series at 3-3 to force a deciding Game 7. They secured a vital 109-99 victory over the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday night to avoid elimination. LeBron James was once again the catalyst for the win as he produced another remarkable performance in what has been arguably his best postseason ever. The King posted an incredible stat line of 46 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and three steals and played 46 minutes. He was always expected to carry the load but he had to shoulder even more of a burden after Kevin Love exited the game in the first quarter. The power forward accidentally collided with Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum and after taking his time to get back up, was sent back to the locker room to be evaluated. Tatum was also shaken up by the play but was able to continue but Love wouldn't return to the game as the Cavaliers decided to keep him out as a precaution. His status for Sunday night's Game 7 will now be up in the air as he's likely to be placed in the league's concussion protocol. If he is diagnosed with a concussion, this will be the second time this season that the big man has suffered from this in a year where he's had rotten luck with injuries.The 29-year-old will be evaluated on Saturday to determine if he's able to play the deciding game of the conference finals. Love didn't speak with the media after the contest but told Jason Lloyd of The Athletic as he left the arena that it would be a "toss-up" if he plays. Lloyd stated that the Cavs star still has more tests to pass before he can be cleared. The NBA takes head injuries very seriously and is unlikely to risk the health of the player despite the importance of the encounter.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, "the next stage of the evaluation process won't be possible until Love has a night's rest."

"Tomorrow will tell us more," one source told McMenamin.

Timely contributions

But in his absence, many of the Cavs role players stepped up as they collectively filled in for the All-Star. 

Jeff Green was given more minutes in place of Love and had a solid impact on the game on both ends of the floor as he contributed 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks off the bench.

Larry Nance Jr. was also impressive as he had 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals. George Hill was the team's second-leading scorer with 20. 

With or without Love, the Cavs will have to end Boston's perfect 10-0 winning run at home in the playoffs to advance to the NBA Finals for the fourth straight year. 

If LeBron's supporting cast step up like they did last night, they'll have a great chance of getting the victory. 

CLICK HERE to listen to Episode Two of the new GiveMeSport NBA podcast, featuring New York Times senior writer Marc Stein. Subscribe for all future episodes.