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Playing with the emotion that their head coach has stressed from day one of training camp, the Cavaliers got a little measure of revenge in their first game of the post LeBron James era, topping the Boston Celtics 95-87 at Quicken Loans Arena.

A loud, crowd that didn’t seem to miss their former “King” helped out as the Cavs played team basketball, and didn’t fold despite at one point trailing by 11 in the second half.

“Felt like game seven of the finals,” Cavs guard Ramon Sessions said. “I’ve never been to the finals, but it shows the type of atmosphere, and the fans were behind us. It just goes to show all that hard work we did is finally paying off.”

J.J. Hickson, playing in James’ old spot, led the team with 21 points, 10 of which came in the first quarter and he held his own with Boston’s Kevin Garnett. Five other Cavs were in double digits, with both Sessions and Daniel Gibson each adding 14.

Boston was led by Rajon Rondo, who always plays well against the Cavs, he had 18 points. Glen Davis added 14 off the bench, and Paul Pierce had 13 for the now 1-1 Celtics.

The Cavs seem to have more spring in their step in the deciding fourth quarter, as they outscored Boston 27-14. The Celtics could not match the energy they brought to the court from last night’s home win over James’ Heat crew.

Cleveland’s bench was the deciding factor, as Gibson, Ryan Hollins and Antawn Jamison gave the team energy, and coach Byron Scott deserves credit for sticking with Gibson who got off to an awful start but still ended the night with two three’s and six for six from the charity stripe.

Overall the Cavs were 17-for-21 from the free throw line, and they shot 44 percent while Boston shot 47 percent. The Cavs forced 19 Boston turnovers, and had 16 second chance points while the Celtics had four.

The players and Scott made no bones that the emotion from the sellout crowd was a factor. Even though they watched Shaq O’Neal in green instead of wine and gold, and James playing one state over against Philly, the crowd all night had the teams back, and it didn’t go unnoticed.

The club now gets to soak in the win before they head to the road for their first away game on Friday night at Toronto before coming back home to host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.