King James Gospel
Fansided

My Advice To Not Only Cleveland Cavaliers or GSW Fans: Just Enjoy It

By Dan Gilinsky

May 25, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) hands out conference champion shirts to his teammates after game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) hands out conference champion shirts to his teammates after game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

I’m not going to say anything hot-takey here about the Cleveland Cavaliers or Golden State Warriors. Just enjoy it, people.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors have loaded rosters. They likely have the two best teams in the league on paper, and everyone knew they’d get to this point. In what could shape up to be one of the best NBA Finals’ in recent memory, it’s simply about relishing the moment. Obviously, there’s a bit more to it than that.

Regardless, everyone’s hoping the “three-match” is as entertaining as it looks to be based on the matchups across the board. First off, how does the addition of Kevin Durant impact this series over the long haul? I would think the Cavs would have to put LeBron on him for long stretches, as he’s likely the best pure scorer in the game today. His efficiency has been off the charts since coming to the Bay, and he’s also had the best season defensively in his career.

The Warriors are one of the best teams ever assembled in the history of this league. Their point differential is +16.3 in these playoffs, which is simply insane. No team in the West has been able to contain their high-paced juggernaut thus far, as they have yet to lose in the postseason.

However, they are going to have their hands full with the best player in the game in Bron. The mental and physical battle between him and Draymond Green is a must-see in itself.

Many people think his absence in Game 5 of the 2016 Finals was the reason Cleveland pulled out the W. Let’s not forget what he had to say back in October on the potential three-match with Bron this season:

We’ll see what kind of chirping ensues between Green and the Cavs. I’ll tell you right now: he better not get t’d up too much, because then the Warriors fans will NEVER stop making excuses for his outlandish on-court antics. There’s no disputing it’s going to be a heavyweight fight between him and Bron, Kyrie, K-Love, etc.

In addition, what does Steph have for the Cavs this go-round? The always politically-correct sharpshooter hasn’t had the best results in head-to-head matchups with Irving healthy. That matchup will be another great bout.

Going back to Bron, though, something resonated with me in an interview he had with Ernie Johnson last night (he was interviewed last):

His advice to guys like Deron Williams, Derrick Williams and Kyle Korver, who’ve never been there before, was simple. He said “just live in the moment.”

I understand that’s nothing to really read into, but it was something that was comforting to see. James has been on this stage for seemingly an eternity now, and he’s such a calming presence for his teammates to turn to when the lights are brightest.

More from King James Gospel

The Cavs will have their share of adversity against a team that has had the best three-year run in the history of the league (per nba.com). That team is even better than they were last year, so the Cavs will obviously have their hands full. I do hope Steve Kerr can be involved in this series, too, but I don’t think that has a massive impact on the outcome.

Notwithstanding, this could potentially be the greatest Finals in NBA history, when you factor in all the hype and anticipation. That is a completely subjective statement, but I don’t think those expectations are that far-fetched. If there’s any guy who can beat one of the best two-way teams ever assembled in NBA history, it’s Bron.

So don’t get stressed out reading and dissecting every little stat people like me say about this series, NBA fans. Just sit back, have some cold beverages and grub, and enjoy the heck out of it.

Don’t constantly bicker about whether LBJ or MJ is the true G.O.A.T. That conversation will put a million lines on your foreheads. Just revel in the present.

This is what most of the country has been waiting for since KD signed with Golden State, and next Thursday can’t come soon enough. For now, I feel so happy for guys like Korver and both of the D-Will’s. They’ve worked so hard to get to this point.

Must Read: Kyrie Irving Is Peaking at the Perfect Time

Maybe there’s another “THIS IS FOR YOU” speech from Bron pointed at them this time, too. I’ll be at the edge of my couch to see, that’s for sure.