The NBA Finals is turning out to be a fairy-tale affair, with both the teams tied at 2-2. While the Warriors have reached the finals whole, healthy, and as the obvious favourites, Cleveland still amazes us with the inherent underdog spirit.
Here are 8 reasons why Cleveland will lift the trophy this year.
- Lebron James.
Arguably this generation’s best player, any self-respecting sports analyst would agree with me when I say that Lebron James is the reason the Cavaliers have reached where they are right now. With his other 2 supporting superstars, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, out of play, Lebron has had some major responsibility on his shoulders. The best part is that he has delivered each time, as these stats suggest. He’s played at least 46 minutes and scored at least 39 points in all three NBA Finals games, amassing an incredible 123 points over the first three games.
- Matthew Dellavedova
The 24 year old playoff sensation is the backbone of a severely undernourished Championship contender. His tenacity is inspiration for all his other team-mates, who have had nothing but hard luck in the run up to the Championship.
- Versatility
No, not with respect to how deep the bench is, but the fact that they are a team of players who can play two or more positions. Lebron James is widely known to play and guard each of the 5 positions in the NBA, and the Cavs have a good small man line-up for use as the situation demands. Timofey Mozgov may be included in the line-up if the need comes for big men.
- Chemistry between David Blatt and Lebron
Like a captain and his first mate, David Blatt and Lebron have worked together to get their team this far. Blatt is a rookie coach, but is also one of the most decorated coaches to come to the NBA. Lebron, on the other hand, is a player who likes to wear the leadership mantle. However, to both of their credit, there have been absolutely no ego clashes and their chemistry is doing wonders for their team.
- The New York Rejects
J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert have stepped up big time, after they were suddenly thrust into starting roles. It is obvious that their talent wasn’t utilised in the Knicks, for they have long forgotten their days as glorified role-players, and are now on their way to becoming crucial cogs in the Cavs championship run.
- This will establish Lebron James as the GOAT
Many basketball pundits have agreed upon one thing. If Lebron manages to win these finals, with such a severely depleted Cavaliers team, then he just might dethrone Michael Jordan as the Greatest Of All Time. This moment is when Lebrons legacy will be defined for perpetuity.
- Finals Experience
Let’s face it, the Cavaliers rosters have much more experience with regards to playing in an NBA Finals. The NBA finals are one of the biggest sporting events in the world, viewed by millions of people. It is easy to get swayed by all the glitz and glamour. It takes experience to keep your head straight and concentrate on the game. That is what the Cavaliers possess, in truckloads. They know how to get it done.
- Unbridled Grit and Gumption
Let’s face it. The Cavs have gone all out to reach here, in spite of their trials and tribulations. They are like a cornered beast, with nothing to lose. They have every excuse in the book to quit. Yet, they still trudge on, with the Championship in sight. As Mark Twain once put it, ‘It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.’
Cavs fans have stood faithfully by their team. Now, it is up to King James to bring home the gold.
To conclude, It doesn’t matter what the stats may say and the experts may think and the commentators may have predicted, when the race is on, all bets are off. I am sure the Cavaliers will not let down its fans.
P.S. Want to know why the Cavs just might lose? Read this.
