2015 NBA Finals - Championship excitement drapes Cleveland
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 10 Jun 2015
CLEVELAND -- The last time the Cleveland Cavaliers made the NBA Finals, in 2007, a young LeBron James watched helplessly as his team was overwhelmed, and eventually swept in four games, by the San Antonio Spurs.
Much have changed since the eight years. LeBron left in 2010 and after a four-year romp in Miami, returned this past summer, bringing with him the hope and promise of ending this city's 51-year quest for a major league sports championship.
After a long regular season peppered with challenges, the Cavs met even more adversity when Kevin Love (separated shoulder) and Kyrie Irving (broken kneecap) were sidelined by injuries.
Somehow, the Cavs have found their way back to the NBA Finals, and thanks to LeBron's super human efforts in Game 2, underdog Cleveland needs only three more wins to accomplish the improbable and upset the Golden State Warriors, an abundantly talented squad led by newly-minted MVP Steph Curry .
Having already stolen home court advantage after winning Game 2 at the Oracle Arena some 48 hours ago, the Cavs hosted Game 3 today. As of press time, Cleveland was nursing a 40-34 advantage as halftime nears.
Naturally, the Quicken Loans Arena is standing room only. The place is loud and bursting with anticipation.
Banners hang all over this beautiful city, cheering on the Cavs. It's wonderful to behold, proving once again how sports can be a string force to unify any society.
Maybe the chase ends this year. Maybe not.
Only one thing's for sure. It's fun to watch the Cavs try.
A capacity crowd of over 20,000 troop inside the Quicken Loans Arena for Game 3. More fans reveled outside before tip-off. (photos by Anthony Rozic @philboxing)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
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