NEO High School Football Week 9: Cuyahoga Hts and Stow impress
October 24, 2016Indians in the World Series and Olive Garden smack talk – WFNY Podcast No. 545
October 24, 2016When the Cleveland Cavaliers start the NBA season Tuesday night, it’ll be much more than just one of 82 regular season games. For the Cavs and all of Cleveland, the pregame festivities will most likely be much more important than the actual game. Prior to the game, the wine and gold will not only receive their championship rings, but the championship banner will also be raised into the rafters of Quicken Loans Arena, where it will be showcased forever. In the midst of all that going on, so many memories and incredible flashbacks will also take place, ones that Cleveland and the Cavaliers players and coaches will never forget.
The ceremony will not only bring chills and goosebumps to almost all Cavaliers fans, along with the players and coaches as well, but it will also make many teary-eyed because it will remind Cleveland that their 52-year championship drought in their three major sports is over. Like many fans, head coach Tyronn Lue has already admitted that he will cry when he receives his ring and sees the championship banner raised up, just like he did on June 19 when the Cavs overcame a 3-1 series deficit and beat the Golden State Warriors in Oracle Arena, per cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
“I’m probably going to cry again. Every time I see, even during preseason, every time I see those last plays of Kyrie’s shot, Kevin’s stop and LeBron’s block, guys celebrating and crying, it just sends chills through my body. I’m pretty sure that on Opening Night it’s going to be even more than that. It’s going to be an emotional night, I know that and I’m going to enjoy it also. It’s going to be one of those nights. It’s a great night. Who wouldn’t want to be in that position as an NBA player or NBA coach? It’s going to be a great night for us.”
For the first time ever, there will be an NBA Championship banner in the rafters for the Cavaliers. No, not just Central Division champions or Eastern Conference champions, but NBA Champions.
In the interview, Lue also admitted that when he thinks back to Game 7, he thinks of three things: LeBron James’ incredible block that was heard (and seen) around the world, Kyrie Irving’s three-pointer to give the Cavs the lead for good, and what he did immediately following the clock hitting 00:00, a time that he was sort of out of his own body because he couldn’t control himself or what he was doing.
“When Mo Speights grabbed the rebound and dribbled out, they was down 4 and you knew it was over at that point,” Lue said with a smile. “After that, s— I ran through that arena, I don’t even know why I ran down. I just took off running, I didn’t know where I was going. Then Dahntay (Jones) ran me down and choked me out and brought me back to the bench. I blacked out for a second, I really did. Where was I going? It was unbelievable man.”
Tuesday night will be a special night. Not only are the Cavs having their ring ceremony and banner raising prior to their season opener, but the Cleveland Indians will be hosting Game 1 of the World Series just across Gateway Plaza against the Chicago Cubs. Whether you’re in attendance either of the two games, downtown just enjoying the atmosphere, or sitting in front of a television at your house, enjoy it, Cleveland, and don’t be afraid to cry or be teary-eyed. The Land deserves this.
1 Comment
Already starting. NPR had a story this morning that some Cleveland movie theaters were showing Major League last night. Couldn’t make it through that story without getting teary. (I’m in North Carolina these days). So envious of everyone in the Land this week.