Even if LeBron James and the Cav's had lost in the end this series showed me that LeBron is a great man. His effort, poise and smarts won me over. The fact that he is a loving family man who came back to his roots and uses his fame to help others just endears me more. I am so happy for Cleveland and for James to have redeemed himself after the "announcement" to go to Miami. Lets hope he stays in Cleveland.
3
His smartest move turned out to be throwing Draymond Green to the floor, then adding insult to injury by stepping over him. The NBA suspended Green for reacting to the taunt. Different rules for different players.
Probably the best sports story written in the Times since George Vecsey retired. Awesomely good writing by someone who definitely understands basketball. I was calm. like LeBron. I always thought they would win and watching the pre-game warmups on ESPN was so illuminating. Kyrie out by himself practicing shooting an hour before the game, the solid demeanor of the Cavs and the joking around of the Warriors. Michael Powell captured this game in a way that will always be remembered. Great article.
3
Thank you to LeBron for coming home. He sets an amazing example for us all in grit, drive, perseverance and in giving back. As a native Clevelander I am grateful to have been a WITNESS. What an inspiration!!!
3
Parable: One team flew too close to the sun by not regarding their opponent with appropriate respect while winning and the basketball gods were offended enough to melt their wings.
2
I do so hope that the Cavaliers enjoy this Championship... Lebron so deserves it....his family is beautiful ... I can see how he wanted to come home!!! Some people love the four seasons ya know!!! Pretty falls, springs, summers, and skiing...
Sledding... A person has to leave home to see what he left.... And don't forget... He was young when he left... This was so emotional for me, too...
There's more to life than hot hot Maimi, and La ...thank you thank you cavs... Some us actually love the northeast!
Sledding... A person has to leave home to see what he left.... And don't forget... He was young when he left... This was so emotional for me, too...
There's more to life than hot hot Maimi, and La ...thank you thank you cavs... Some us actually love the northeast!
3
In a way, I am surprised it went to 7 games. Last year, Lebron took a rag tag group of team mates (without its two other bonafide stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love) all the way to finals and gave Warriors a run for the money. In fact, Curry rarely showed up in last year's finals (it was Andre Igudola, who was last year's MVP and this year's goat - missed free throws and a lame lay up that was swatted by Lebron). This fact was lost on a season fixated on the regular season greatness of Warriors predicated on shooting without playoff pressure of Curry and Thomson. OK Thunder should have been a wake up call but it was not to be. With a full cast, Cavs won the match up. It is a surprise to me that it wasn't that predictable and it went to game 7.
1
It's been said that "it isn't bragging if you can do it" and LeBron did it.
1
LeBron's championship series was the best I've ever seen. I can remember saying this about Larry Bird and Michael Jordan in previous years but I think LeBron has set the new gold standard for NBA superstars.
5
When the level of talent is about equal, the difference is heart and character. And LeBron led the way. Beautifully written article about a beautiful individual.
5
Thank you for this tribute to an unparalleled athlete, leader, person, and family man. The only thing omitted was this unparalleled one: he is the only champion on one team to leave the high probability of more championships with it to return home to try to win one for his home town. His virtue was rewarded, and Cleveland will forever be grateful for his civic contribution.
6
Beautifully written article. This Cavs fan thanks you for capturing what we're all feeling.
5
We sat near LeBron at Toronto Int'l Film festival a few years ago when the documentary film about his youth and community and first teams premiered. After the film LeBron invited his now-grownup teammates to the stage and together they, LeBron and his friends from childhood, answered questions about the film, basketball and their early lives and community. Anyone who was there that night understands the home-community motivation that is part of LeBron James. This understanding of his and his "giving back" may be his greatest legacy.
7
That play was actually goaltending, I'm surprised no one has mentioned it anywhere. Here's the rule:
RULE NO. 11—BASKET INTERFERENCE—GOALTENDING
Section I—A Player Shall Not:
e. Trap the ball against the face of the backboard after it has been released. (To be a trapped ball, three elements must exist simultaneously. The hand, the ball and the backboard must all occur at the same time. A batted ball against the backboard is not a trapped ball.)
Had it been called, it might have been a different outcome. But hey. Cleveland.
RULE NO. 11—BASKET INTERFERENCE—GOALTENDING
Section I—A Player Shall Not:
e. Trap the ball against the face of the backboard after it has been released. (To be a trapped ball, three elements must exist simultaneously. The hand, the ball and the backboard must all occur at the same time. A batted ball against the backboard is not a trapped ball.)
Had it been called, it might have been a different outcome. But hey. Cleveland.
No, the call was correct. It was batted against the backboard, and then trapped after. That is not a goal tend and it was why nobody challenged it.
You are incorrect. Lebron's hand blocked that shot BEFORE it got to the backboard. The rule you quoted is in effect only if the shot blocker traps the ball against the backboard after the ball has made contact with the backboard. Lebron clearly got the ball before it touched the glass and that block was 100% legal. Anyone who watches a lot of basketball knows this and has seen this rule enforced exactly this was for years.
He also grabbed the rim with his left hand simultaneously for balance, but did it so swiftly that even the refs who are trained to watch for such things understandably missed it. (And the rim didn't crouch down afterwards like Adams so there was no residual effect!)
1
Extraordinary Athlete; I even watched the final of the Final, and I ain't no basketball fan. I take pleasure when the Outs come back and stick it to the Favored, and Mr. James certainly had many moments.
But, and there is always a "But", would I have dinner with LeBron James?
When I come up with an answer, can I get something published in the NYT?
But, and there is always a "But", would I have dinner with LeBron James?
When I come up with an answer, can I get something published in the NYT?
1
I had to go to bed before the end of the game and heard sports pundits and read articles descriptions of the game before watching the second half last night.
What amazed me was that actually James was throwing up bricks during most of the last 10 minutes of the game as was almost everyone else on the court- the players were unbelievably tight although solid defense was part of it- but only part.
Irving's 3pointer was the only effective offensive play of crunch time, but he missed several other shots.
So James made one awesome defensive play that was as important as Irving's offensive one and the goats are now forever on the other team. The actual difference in performance of players on both sides was razor thin- one could claim both sides choked, but you'd never know it by the sport's commentary. All the booty goes to the winners.
What amazed me was that actually James was throwing up bricks during most of the last 10 minutes of the game as was almost everyone else on the court- the players were unbelievably tight although solid defense was part of it- but only part.
Irving's 3pointer was the only effective offensive play of crunch time, but he missed several other shots.
So James made one awesome defensive play that was as important as Irving's offensive one and the goats are now forever on the other team. The actual difference in performance of players on both sides was razor thin- one could claim both sides choked, but you'd never know it by the sport's commentary. All the booty goes to the winners.
Hey, it happens... The NE Pats were trounced by the NY Giants in Super Bowl XLII (and the Pats had a perfect record that season up until then...). Perfect storms due exist & black swans due appear...
For those interested in strategy, if you watched the early rounds, you know that the Cavs were shooting threes like they were going out of style. Then along come the Warriors and that totally changed. They shot about 8 less 3's a game, down from 30 to 22. And their percentage went way down, suggesting they were not setting up 3's by design. Also, their 3-point specialist, Channing Frye, barely played at all. While I can't say for sure what this was about, it's my guess that it was a deliberate effort to slow the pace of the game. At any rate, the Cavs had one strategy for everyone else, and one for the Warriors. As I think about it, this strategy may have made the difference.
2
I marveled at the block, the fake on the 3 pointer to draw the foul and on the next possession making a three point shot. But the block was the most amazing. The energy, the timing and focus. He had to time that block before it hit the backboard or it would be interference and two points for the Warriors. A half a second of timing. a quarter inch of space at 10 feet in the air. Lebron moved through time, space, fatigue and history to deny a shot and to ensure Cleveland would not be denied again. Horray Lebron. You deserve all the riches that comes your way.
2
After the Warriors beat Portland in the second round, I rooted for them. I loved Steph Curry's preternatural shooting and layups and lightheartedness, and I loved watching the Warriors beautiful, unselfish play. But all along, I wondered in the back of my mind who I would root for in the expected final between them and the Cavaliers. Inexplicably, I found myself rooting for the Cavaliers, but not against the Warriors. Both Curry and James are wonderful human beings and spectacular athletes. But there was just something compelling about the Cavaliers story and their championship-starved city. After games 1-6 being dominated by one team or another, Game 7 was just as I had hoped it would be: back and forth, incredibly tense, exciting, and infused with spectacular plays from both teams. What a spectacular game!
2
About 8 years ago I bought my then-7-yr old son a big poster of LeBron to hang on my son's bedroom wall. He lived for LeBrown, and never missed a Miami game. BC Lebron was important to my son (who I wanted to be close to), I followed LeBron and we marveled at the man who gave 40 scholarships to U of A, and supported bb camps for teens, etc.
As time has progressed, and LeBron began to compromise his integrity in my view. I eventually started hiding from my son LeBron's entitled, hostile and arrogant statements.... LeBron was no longer a role model in the Patterson household.
Two years ago I took down the poster in my son's room and threw it away.
No other team/city deserves to win like Cleveland
In many ways, LeBron has come to remind me of Johnny Manziel (even tho LeBrown is not using drugs/alcohol). LeBron is becoming too self destructive and annoying to be a mentor.
Adolescents need to find a better role model these days and the media needs to quit promoting LeBron to these naive kids.
As time has progressed, and LeBron began to compromise his integrity in my view. I eventually started hiding from my son LeBron's entitled, hostile and arrogant statements.... LeBron was no longer a role model in the Patterson household.
Two years ago I took down the poster in my son's room and threw it away.
No other team/city deserves to win like Cleveland
In many ways, LeBron has come to remind me of Johnny Manziel (even tho LeBrown is not using drugs/alcohol). LeBron is becoming too self destructive and annoying to be a mentor.
Adolescents need to find a better role model these days and the media needs to quit promoting LeBron to these naive kids.
2
Michael was a better poet. LeBron gives it to us raw, and reveals what absolute is. Nobody could ever really be like Mike. Do you try as hard at anything as LeBron?
1
This article was superbly written. Thank you for capturing the moment.
19
Columnists and editorial writers get a week. Powell had one day. I liked the description of LeBron as a 6-foot-8 Erie Lackawanna freight train. I'm not sure what a Lackawanna freight train is. But it sounds right.
1
Congratulations to LeBron James for willing the city of Cleveland their first title in almost 52 years,
The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, The Decision, etc., and now:
The Winner.
The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, The Decision, etc., and now:
The Winner.
17
Cavs fans should be wary. They have no cap space, their bench is weak, and they have no first round draft choice. At his salary, Love will be tough to trade. Thompson is tradeable but is an important contributor. Management has done nothing to speak of the past year. Lue could be one of many coaches to succeed in his first year, and never again. I like the Cavs and not only did I root for them, I bet on them, too.. But the only way they can get better next year is by trading a few bench players and hoping for an upgrade. The Warriors do have cap space and the fee agent market includes lots of talent , topped by Kevin Durant. Cleveland wants a championship from LeBron every year, I don't think the future looks bright.
4
Michjas....the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James just won the NBA Championship.
Game. Set. Match. Hooray for Cleveland and LeBron.
It's not about the future.
It's about the here and now....if you've got the sensory perception to actually experience it.
Feel the moment.
Game. Set. Match. Hooray for Cleveland and LeBron.
It's not about the future.
It's about the here and now....if you've got the sensory perception to actually experience it.
Feel the moment.
31
Man yes! Enjoy this incredible moment - thank you!
1
Michjas *** I don't think the bench is as weak as you make it ..... but having said that, here's a little scenario to think about... if Durant leaves, I think the only place he will want to go is Cleveland. But the league might step in and say no way. I don't think Durant will go to Golden State.
Thanks to Lebron James we now have a new sports reference, a new part of the American cultural lexicon -"The Block" How lebron James found the energy so late in a game in which he and already given so much of himself to run down the court and jump from just inside the foul line and block a sure layup is just incredible and one of the most amazing things i have ever seen. I have never seen any athlete play so hard and with such unquenchable desire to win a Championship for his city. All Hail the King.
26
As far as I know, no superstar in any pro sport has ever been called to return home and win it all for his home town. There is next to no connection between professional athletes and where they grew up. Players who play with one team throughout their career -- Duncan, Brady and Jeter -- are what we consider loyal. Many have no idea where these loyal stars grew up. The baseball star most identified with his team's city is probably David Ortiz, born in the Dominican Republic and played six years for the Twins. LeBron has been burdened with a unique obligation to Cleveland. That is partly because he was drafted by the Cavs, and partly because he announced his leaving with "The Decision", the most infamous free agent announcement in the history of sports. I thought his return to Cleveland was as much an obligation as loyalty. Most of Ohio's pro athletes are playing somewhere else. For LeBron, everything is different. He's the one superstar who has local ties that bind him. The Cavs were not a great fit for him when he left Miami. In Miami, he played without a dominant point guard. That he won this championship in Cleveland was against all odds. Those who trash LeBron don't get it. He finds ways to win where there are few or none. He answers to the people of Cleveland, unlike any other. You're only likely to get one LeBron in your lifetime. Why not embrace him?
25
Well said!
great block but let's talk bout the referee too...perfect position and he could have easily made the wrong call of goaltending but didn't...refs get blasted enough let's give credit where it's due....awesome no call (and a good poster for his den).
11
Well, since you bring up the refereeing, I thought it was the worst refereed series imaginable. Let me qualify that a little: I don't watch the NBA regularly, and only got involved in this series when Golden State played the Thunder. I was stunned that NBA referees were so ... bad. Have they been this terrible for a long time? And, if a player or coach complains, they get fined. Hmm, not much incentive there for self-improvement.
The low point, for me at least, came in Game 7 with the Cavs when Stephen Curry was set on the court, feet planted, and Iman Shumpert literally ran into him and knocked him down. Foul!! Yes, but the refs called it on Curry. Wha??
At that point, I wondered if there wasn't an unspoken agenda going on to give LeBron James his title. Too bad. If the games had been refereed much better, it would have been a much more interesting series. But, we'll never know.
The low point, for me at least, came in Game 7 with the Cavs when Stephen Curry was set on the court, feet planted, and Iman Shumpert literally ran into him and knocked him down. Foul!! Yes, but the refs called it on Curry. Wha??
At that point, I wondered if there wasn't an unspoken agenda going on to give LeBron James his title. Too bad. If the games had been refereed much better, it would have been a much more interesting series. But, we'll never know.
1
When LeBron James was 25, he showed how young he was for his age when he bungled his move to Miami. No one could really blame him for leaving, but did he have to break every heart in Cleveland in the process?
He showed everyone how much he's grown up in the last six years. Well done, LeBron. And congrats, Cleveland!
He showed everyone how much he's grown up in the last six years. Well done, LeBron. And congrats, Cleveland!
30
In an epic game, the Cavaliers gave their city a long awaited championship. LeBron now has his vindication.
LeBron said his time in Miami was like going to college. His two titles there, then, can be seen as collegiate championships - sorry Heat fans. LeBron's maturing while away in Miami helped shape him for this moment as he came "home". His humbling at the hands of the Warriors last year, while playing with a depleted roster, only strengthened his resolve. And even after going down 3 - 1 this year to the best regular season team in NBA history, LeBron James said he would not bring his city this far to have its heart broken again. He delivered, and we all witnessed. I had to say it!
LeBron said his time in Miami was like going to college. His two titles there, then, can be seen as collegiate championships - sorry Heat fans. LeBron's maturing while away in Miami helped shape him for this moment as he came "home". His humbling at the hands of the Warriors last year, while playing with a depleted roster, only strengthened his resolve. And even after going down 3 - 1 this year to the best regular season team in NBA history, LeBron James said he would not bring his city this far to have its heart broken again. He delivered, and we all witnessed. I had to say it!
35
The block was the turning point in a great game. The turning point in the series was when LeBron threw Green to the floor then stepped over him and stood there while an outraged Green tried to stand up. Green was kicked out of the next game while LeBron went on his merry way. This tarnishes the league's image.
4
This incident was a horrible reflection on the NBA....IT'S ALL ABOUT MONEY!
Why didn't Green get suspended during the Thunder's game when he deserved it?
Why did "cry baby" LeBron get to manipulate the NBA when Green didn't deserve it?
ALL ABOUT MONEY.
Why didn't Green get suspended during the Thunder's game when he deserved it?
Why did "cry baby" LeBron get to manipulate the NBA when Green didn't deserve it?
ALL ABOUT MONEY.
2
Green also held onto LeBron's ankle on the floor while James stepped over him and not on him.
James' block on Andre Iguodala was an epic display of talent and willpower, definitely the turning point of the game.
32
Looked like he pinned the ball on the backboard. Goaltending? Happy for the King but I really enjoyed watchIng the Warriors blow out the league! Great time for the NBA,
1
@John McCauley: It was a perfectly legal block, since he pinned the ball on the way up. If he'd pinned it after it touched the backboard it would have been a goaltend.
This game was certainly basketball history, good for Cleveland, the NBA and the fans. When they were bringing up James at 18, I had my doubts. He certainly made me a believer.
15
I cheered for Golden State -- until the end when I became overawed by James' intensity and intelligence and team play. At the buzzer I cheered for Cleveland's accomplishment.
30
In admiring LeBron's athleticism, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that he's the hardest worker on the floor... hence, all those rebounds, blocks and assists to go with his points. LeBron, Kyrie & Co. outhustled the Warriors at both ends of the floor, and on their home court no less. Lesson for the Dubs: Less splash, more dash.
21
undoubtedly he is skillful, but he has no reasonable manner while playing. I don't think he deserves the Championship
1
"Reasonable manner"? You must have been watching a Trump rally instead of the NBA Finals.
30
And James, the unreasonable, just donated $87M to set up a fund for kids to go to college. Guess you do not understand the intensity it took to win the last 3 games - in addition to the skill.
was barking at Curry acceptable ?
Lebron James comes across as a class act... Congrats to the cavs and the city of Cleveland... You beat the best and deserve it.
35
The last 4 minutes the Warriors failed to score. That has not happened all season including the playoffs. That's how far their confidence fell in this series.. Curry, not only threw the ball all over Oracle culminating with a behind the back pass into the stands but was schooled by Kyrie Irving hitting the game winner from the arc-in his face.. Hopefully they will learn from this collapse. Proud of Draymond. He came to win yesterday. Unfortunately he was a cult of one....
13
Yes I thought the block of Iguodola's layup was the defining play for the game. A hustle play from a superstar is always impressive, but so late in the game. That is usually when the Warriors put teams away with a series of three pointers from Curry and/or Thompson. Didn't happen. I am glad the refs didn't decide the outcome of this game. The league fines Curry and Kerr each for criticizing the officiating of an earlier game. Apparently the fines are particularly harsh if the criticism is accurate.
6
The Cavs defense and intensity was unfamiliar to the "chosen warriors."
Joy finally comes to Cleveland thanks to LeBron James.
But the NBA had to intervene and provide an assist. Took NBA 3 days to decide if Green was going to be playing game 5, then all the calls went against GS and that was it. The NBA decided the outcome bc it was in their broader interest to bring equity to the NBA.
But the NBA had to intervene and provide an assist. Took NBA 3 days to decide if Green was going to be playing game 5, then all the calls went against GS and that was it. The NBA decided the outcome bc it was in their broader interest to bring equity to the NBA.
2
ludicrous...Love had a critical foul called in his first game back after a concussion that was absolutely wrong... the bad calls went both ways...and James gets few calls when he drives and somehow sinks layups with numerous people on his back...
I watched greatness on the basketball court and was awed.
15
Who's your daddy, Golden State Warriors ? National Basketball Association ? Dr. James Naismith ?
Who is your daddy ?
That's right, LeBron Raymone James, the son of a single 16-year-old mother, Gloria Marie James, and the informally adopted son of the Frank Walker family who helped raised him into a model citizen.
LeBron James, the boy who never even knew his own daddy.
It takes a Cleveland village.
Who is your daddy ?
That's right, LeBron Raymone James, the son of a single 16-year-old mother, Gloria Marie James, and the informally adopted son of the Frank Walker family who helped raised him into a model citizen.
LeBron James, the boy who never even knew his own daddy.
It takes a Cleveland village.
66
Nice!
2
Just to confirm....
This is the same BBall player whose jerseys were being burned in effigy a few short years ago in that selfsame city...
Right??
This is the same BBall player whose jerseys were being burned in effigy a few short years ago in that selfsame city...
Right??
4
SteveRR....LeBron evolved...Cleveland evolved....even you can evolve....try it, you'll like it.
7
That last, phenomenal block reinforces that old adage....
You can't teach greatness....
It was a 'Russelesque' performance !!
...and an inspiration....
You can't teach greatness....
It was a 'Russelesque' performance !!
...and an inspiration....
32
Great piece of writing, capturing well a virtuoso performance that you really had to see to believe. I found out this spring that I'm probably more of an NBA fan than I am a baseball fan, a condition I've probably been aware of for years but couldn't admit to. Unless it's the Yankees in the post season, I'm probably not watching all that faithfully. But I've been glued to the television for the past month or so, kept up past my bedtime on multiple occasions each week. And it ended perfectly. LeBron has his detractors, but even the haters have to see the beauty in his work ethic, his devotion to team and family, his commitment to community, especially when so many others given his start may not have become the same person. It's such a pleasure to witness personal redemption. As far as I can tell, the only mark on his character was the way he left Cleveland for Miami (not the act, but the execution), a completely excusable conceit for a superstar in his 20s. I have no connection to Cleveland or LeBron, but last night, as he wept on the arena floor, I felt my heart rising the same way it does every time I watch the end of "A Christmas Carol." There's nothing more powerful than making good on a second chance.
65
Well said. I couldn't agree more!
4
As an Akron native, I am still pinching myself about the outcome of last night's game. I must echo audiosearch's praise of your prose, Mr. Powell. I cannot get metaphors like "Sprinting five or six steps behind was that 6-foot-8 Erie Lackawanna freight train known as LeBron James" out of my head. Your writing is a great compliment to great athletes and Northeast Ohio.
36
Great article! Great game! Great player!
Let it steep and simmer.
Everyone benefits from such an epic contest.
Good for you, LeBron!
Good for the Cavs! Good for the Warriors!
Let it steep and simmer.
Everyone benefits from such an epic contest.
Good for you, LeBron!
Good for the Cavs! Good for the Warriors!
49
I guess it's accurate to say he had reached 6 championship series. This was his seventh so technically while this game was being played, he had reached 7 championship series. 7 of the last 8.
4
If you can buy the players, then you are dumb enough to believe that 'YOUR TEAM' won. When 'THEY' buy the players, they will believe that 'THEIR TEAM' won. When guys seven feet tall are playing a game created for guys less than six feet tall and the baskets are at the same old height, it's not a game, it's a FARCE!
2
Volleyball anyone?
5
James is truly awesome.
And I am a Knick fan!
Congrats to the entire city of Cleveland, their fans, their players, coaches and their entire organization.
This story will be told, and retold, and retold, and retold for generations all throughout Ohio.
This was Ohio's Woodstock: 500,000 (well, maybe not quite) attended, but truly, millions upon millions were *there.*
Enjoy...
And I am a Knick fan!
Congrats to the entire city of Cleveland, their fans, their players, coaches and their entire organization.
This story will be told, and retold, and retold, and retold for generations all throughout Ohio.
This was Ohio's Woodstock: 500,000 (well, maybe not quite) attended, but truly, millions upon millions were *there.*
Enjoy...
42
Thanks for the kind words, brother!
1
Thanks both the the Thunder and the Cavs for giving us GREAT basketball to watch! This die hard Warriors fan went home disappointed last night. However ...
LeBron is a credit to humanity and a great athlete - a worthy role model. This is as good as it gets for the NBA - sells a lot of tickets, ads and products for the commercial interests. His performance last night undeniably met the highest standard, but this article, while crediting several, does a great disservice to another spectacular performance. Kyrie was playing out of his head last night. Every talented guard at this level MUST have moves around the hoop to get past much larger defenders. NOBODY sinks that many crazy attempts. Then, game tied, he simply drops in a 3. Game over. You may note that Warriors scoring stopped cold at that point.
Take nothing away from LeBron, but for goodness sake recognize that the world was treated to a SPECTACUCLAR performance by his teammate. May have been worth $50,000/seat.
LeBron is a credit to humanity and a great athlete - a worthy role model. This is as good as it gets for the NBA - sells a lot of tickets, ads and products for the commercial interests. His performance last night undeniably met the highest standard, but this article, while crediting several, does a great disservice to another spectacular performance. Kyrie was playing out of his head last night. Every talented guard at this level MUST have moves around the hoop to get past much larger defenders. NOBODY sinks that many crazy attempts. Then, game tied, he simply drops in a 3. Game over. You may note that Warriors scoring stopped cold at that point.
Take nothing away from LeBron, but for goodness sake recognize that the world was treated to a SPECTACUCLAR performance by his teammate. May have been worth $50,000/seat.
45
I used to hate LeBron but can't do it any longer. It's just time to let go and recognize greatness.
That he came back to Cleveland and does great work for kids through his foundation doesn't hurt either.
Steph and his crew had an easy ride last year. This year, they learned a hard lesson - don't mock your opponents, e.g. as cry-babies with hurt feelings, especially if it happens to be Lebron. Just don't do it.
That he came back to Cleveland and does great work for kids through his foundation doesn't hurt either.
Steph and his crew had an easy ride last year. This year, they learned a hard lesson - don't mock your opponents, e.g. as cry-babies with hurt feelings, especially if it happens to be Lebron. Just don't do it.
60
Yup
1
Mr. Powell, reading your prose is like being in the middle of a great dance. I read sports journalism and in the middle of any piece you've written, without knowing it's your writing, I feel something different going on; some unique pleasure surges through me. You don't juice up the prose too much, just good reporting laced with apt quotes from the players: "I watched Beethoven tonight, I watched LeBron James compose a game," and many more.
On to the Cavaliers: I'm a transplanted midwesterner and sports victories mean so much to our rustbelt towns. Not a basketball seer, I didn't quite know how the Cavs pulled this off - particularly when the Warriors were sinking all those 3-pointers. Some sort of groundedness, being in the moment, not choking.
Great victory!
On to the Cavaliers: I'm a transplanted midwesterner and sports victories mean so much to our rustbelt towns. Not a basketball seer, I didn't quite know how the Cavs pulled this off - particularly when the Warriors were sinking all those 3-pointers. Some sort of groundedness, being in the moment, not choking.
Great victory!
29
And let's not overlook Mr. Powell's clever concave up-down opening sentence.:
"To try to pick the inflection point in this spectacular and deciding game of the N.B.A. finals, to lay a wager on which arcing shot, improbable steal or rebound would turn this game, was to ensure you’d go flat broke."
A truly good lede for a game with so many lead changes...
"To try to pick the inflection point in this spectacular and deciding game of the N.B.A. finals, to lay a wager on which arcing shot, improbable steal or rebound would turn this game, was to ensure you’d go flat broke."
A truly good lede for a game with so many lead changes...
4
LeBron achieved perhaps the greatest performance ever in a professional sports championship series.
35
Congrats Cleveland.
I hope the this win produces additional wins in more areas that really count in the lives of children.
I hope the this win produces additional wins in more areas that really count in the lives of children.
11
I hope people stop knocking LeBron James. He has done what he had to do, all the way through his career. He had to learn how to win from Pat Riley. He came back and redeemed himself in Cleveland in the most outstanding way possible.
LeBron is All Akron. He is one of us. If anybody should break the Cleveland championship drought, it's him.
It was an NBA Championship for the ages. I don't know where LeBron rates in the pantheon of great players. But he is one of them, and the best player in this era.
LeBron is All Akron. He is one of us. If anybody should break the Cleveland championship drought, it's him.
It was an NBA Championship for the ages. I don't know where LeBron rates in the pantheon of great players. But he is one of them, and the best player in this era.
45
Congratulations Cleveland! An incredible 7 game series that had fans on the edge. Yes, the Warriors could have won but they didn't. Fans everywhere are happy for James and for Cleveland. He was ridiculed, hated and demonized when he left. In coming back, he made a promise and it is wonderful that he, his coaches and team delivered.
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