Just about seven years ago, June 19th of 2016 to be specific, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in order to bring the first championship to Cleveland since the Browns did it in 1964. The Browns beat the Baltimore Colts by a score of 27-0 in order to secure a title. Running back Jim Brown rushed for 114 yards.
Now, no team had comeback from down three games to one in the finals in 32 previous opportunities. The odds were certainly against Cleveland and the squad was going to have to win three games in a row, including two on the road in order to get that coveted title.
A lot of fans forget the first step was a Game 5 in Oakland on the road where both LeBron James and Kyrie Irving each scored 41 points respectively in a 112-97 beatdown to make the series at bit closer at 3-2.
Then, the series shifted back to Cleveland and the Cavs were able to take care of business at home with a 115-101 victory that evened the series at 3-3.
It all came down to one final matchup back in Oakland that will never be forgotten. Plays such as Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer, Kevin Love’s stop against Warriors’ star Steph Curry and LeBron James’ block on Andre Iguodala in the closing moments of the 4th quarter. Those plays made the final score 93-89 and Cleveland champions.
It’s not just that the Cavaliers became victors, but it was the way that the team was able to not give up against all odds to win the series. Seven years later and it’s still talked about prolifically by those here in the city.
After all, no other team has won a championship in Cleveland since that 2016 run by the Cavs. It’s been more of the same disappointment by the Browns, Indians/Guardians and even those very same Cavaliers.
The lesson learned from that series is to never give up on even the most daunting of tasks. Even if Cleveland goes another seven years or even 70 years from now they’ll still be talking about the 2016 finish.
Note that the Cavs won Game 3, 120-90, which provided them with an opportunity for the “one” in 3-1. The series was at 2-1 at that point.
In regards to a player’s legacy such as LeBron James, winning those three games certainly propelled him into the conversation as one of if not the best to ever play the game.
What it did was give Cleveland that promise of winning a title and was something this city had yearned for all of these years in what seemed like an impossible task down 3-1.
The games were able to be handled by the club which won three in a row against one of the best teams in the history of the world in the 73-9 regular season record Golden State Warriors. It’s just incredible to think about.
While Cleveland may not be a city of champions since 2016, it was that magical run that will never be forgotten. Thank you LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and company for being such an inspiration to us all.
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