On the eve of the highly anticipated NBA finals rubber match between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, the NBA world eagerly awaits, as the two biggest teams meet again to add another chapter to their ever-growing storied rivalry.
As the two outfits stormed through their conferences, NBA fans got what they so desperately craved – another potential seven-game series between two teams that simply do not like each other.
The Cavaliers famously came back from 3-1 down to win the championship in last season’s NBA finals, becoming the very first team in NBA history to do so. With their back against the wall and facing elimination, the Cavs dug deep with 41 points apiece from Kyrie Irving and LeBron James in Game 5 at Oracle Arena. It was then followed by another 41-point performance by James in Game 6 inside Quicken Loans Arena, setting up a Game 7 in the Bay area, presenting the Cavs an opportunity to do the unthinkable.
As Irving hit the shot that sealed the championship, and James completed the greatest defensive block in NBA history, the Cavs triumphed against all odds and shocked the world.
The improbable comeback was down to sheer grit and refusal to lose, but the Cavs also had another piece of togetherness, as they wore their now-famous long sleeved black jerseys as a sign of solidarity and comradeship.
According to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, the Cavs are waiting for “the right moment” to wear the famous jerseys again, as they opted to take to the floor in their blue away jerseys in Game 1.
If the Cavs happen to find themselves in another hole or the brink of capturing another championship, don’t be surprised if you see James and company don the famous black sleeves in a display of overcoming all odds, no matter what it takes to defend the land.