CLEVELAND — As confetti danced in the electrified air around him and a feverish hometown crowd rocked and rolled the night away, LeBron James was handed a new baseball cap and T-shirt.

Perhaps a tasseled cap and gown would have been more appropriate.

Four years after skipping college to play in the pros, James earned his NBA degree in superstardom.

On Saturday, with a ravenous city placing its hopes for a championship in his able hands, the Cavaliers' seemingly unguardable forward delivered his fourth straight clutch performance as Cleveland eliminated the Detroit Pistons 98-82 in Game 6 and advanced to the finals for the first time in its 37-year history.

"This is the first step to greatness," a dazed James said during a quiet moment sitting in front of his locker. "It feels like a fantasy."

Cleveland, where kids learn at an early age that rooting for the local sports teams can lead to a lifetime of pain and suffering, is finally on top.

At least until Thursday, when the Cavaliers will face the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the finals.

For now, James has given Cleveland a moment to savor just as he promised he would.