Much as the Golden State Warriors’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA finals has been described as a collapse, Game 7 was anything but. It was biting, scratching and kicking warfare for a full 48 minutes. Such games always come down to someone making a big play at the end, and when Kyrie Irving’s 3-pointer swished through the net in the final minute, it was all over.
It would never have come to a game 7 without Draymond Green’s suspension for Game 5. Though LeBron James will never admit it publicly, his drawing of Green’s foul in Game 4 will be remembered as one of the most brilliant and sneaky acts of gamesmanship in professional sports. When he stepped over Green late in the game, he absolutely knew the NBA player code so charmingly expressed by Charles Barkley: when a guy steps over you, you have a moral obligation to punch him in the balls. Poor Draymond just couldn’t help himself, and he’ll be thinking about that moment for the rest of his career.
It was touching to see LeBron on his knees sobbing on the court after the final buzzer. He may have a deserved reputation as a mercenary and a drama king, but he is also a human being, and it was a moment that for once wasn’t about contracts, endorsements, or building a personal brand. It was someone living a boyhood dream.
The parade is scheduled for Wednesday. God doesn’t hate Cleveland any more.
– Chuck Strom
