King James Gospel
Fansided

Three moments that changed the Cleveland Cavaliers forever

By Tony Pesta

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 21: Fans react after LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers makes a basket late in the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 21, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 21: Fans react after LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers makes a basket late in the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 21, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 12: Kyrie Irving
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 12: Kyrie Irving /

Every season there are games or moments that change the future of the NBA forever.

Every team in the NBA has had these moments, including the Cleveland Cavaliers. These moments can be full games or a single play. The outcome of these moments can have a profound effect on the future of the franchise or even the entire NBA.

Look at game six of the 2016 Western Conference Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder held a double-digit lead in the second half and were preparing to advance to the NBA Finals. Instead, Klay Thompson erupted for an NBA Playoff record 11 three-pointers and 41 points. The Thunder would go on to lose that game and eventually the series.

Now, if Thompson had not played the greatest game of his career, it’s likely the Thunder could have been NBA Champions this season. This means Kevin Durant would have no reason to leave in free agency. The Warriors dynasty could have ended before it even began.

Moments like this are scattered all throughout NBA history. Michael Jordan’s retirement opened the door for Hakeem Olajuwon’s two rings. One fourth-quarter comeback versus the Trailblazers started Shaq and Kobe’s three-peat. An injury to Derrick Rose halted Chicago’s hopes of another dynasty. Ray Allen’s three-pointer versus the Spurs held off San Antonio from celebrating their fifth championship.

As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, their franchise is plagued by these moments as well. Some good, some bad. There are obvious examples such as LeBron James leaving, coming home, and then leaving again. However, there are three specific games that changed the direction of this franchise forever. Today, we look at those games and see how the impacted the Cavaliers.