Rihanna should show up to Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals, knowing that it may be her last chance to see and support LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for the rest of the season. It would be a great opportunity for the fans to receive some in-game entertainment it what could be a thoroughly disappointing night,
During Game 1, pop icon Rihanna showed up and showed out in her fandom for LeBron James. Rihanna, who has long since been a WITNESS to King James’ greatness, left the arena with some choice words after the Cleveland Cavaliers lost the opener:
LeBron is still the King.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers one loss away from being out of the playoffs, will she return courtside to offer her support James and entertain the Cleveland faithful?
Appearing on the B. Nix podcast, radio host and journalist Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson talked about Rihanna’s knowledge of the game and how she excels as an entertainer:
"“Rih is one of the most social people you will ever meet that is a star. You forget she is who she is, very humble, very outspoken and actually knows the game of basketball.”"
"“You can sit and have a conversation with her about it and she knows what she is talking about. She’s a sweetheart, she doesn’t forget a face. But the thing about it is she talks just like a fan. She says four letter words just like anybody else.She yells “Switch on D,” do this, do that.Rihanna knows the game of basketball, that is one thing I can firmly say about her. She knows the game of basketball and she, I think there are so many parallels on the entertainment side of things, you know, be it [singing] or dancing and these sports side of things. There is a timing; there is a knowledge [in] using instincts to get things done and entertaining a crowd. There are so many parallels and she gets it.”"
This sounds a lot like the message Cleveland fans got about James. After he pretended to sip a beer after missing a layup against the Toronto Raptors, Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck put together a terrific piece detailing the joy James has in entertaining fans.
In the article, Dru Joyce II (James’ former head coach at St. Vincent’s – St. Mary’s High School) had this to say about James:
"“He’s always been fun,” says Dru Joyce II, who coached James at Akron’s St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. “He’s always been a jokester. He’s always been that guy. He’s enjoying the game. It’s supposed to be fun. And he understands he can entertain a little bit and make this stuff good. That’s good to see, that he can still have fun with it.”"
Rihanna, who has long-held an admiration and perhaps adoration for James, seems to have a bit in common with him. With that said, the fans at the Q could certainly use her ability to entertain to provide some lighthearted highlights in what will be an otherwise serious affair, with fans biting their nails and on the edge of the seat until the game seems, or is, or over.
If the crowd goes silent as the Warriors go on a run and the Cavs need some energy, Rihanna is sure to provide an entertaining moment for the crowd to do just that. In Game 4, the Cleveland Cavaliers will likely want and need all the support they can get.
After all, rowdy home crowds have been known to shift the tides of a championship game before.
The Golden State Warriors are the odds-on favorite in Game 4, according to TopBet.
Related Story: LeBron sums up his mental space
Do you think that Rihanna will, or should, show up to Game 4 at The Q? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.