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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1989 Eastern Conference First-Round: Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Game Five: Chicago wins 101-100

The Cleveland Cavaliers were poised for greatness heading into the 1989 NBA Playoffs. The team was fresh off a franchise record 57 wins in the regular season. This gave them the third best record in the league. Stars such as Mark Price, Larry Nance, and Brad Daughtery filled out the roster. All of these players averaged double-digit scoring figures. Furthermore, each one of these players went on to become franchise legends.

All of this made the Cavaliers legit contenders to win a championship. Only one thing stood in their way: Michael Jordan. Jordan was also in the midst of an amazing season. Jordan averaged 32.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 2.9 steals.

This series was a best of five. The Cavaliers had done their absolute best to hold off Jordan and the Bulls. In game four, Jordan dropped 50 points in the loss. However, the series still came down to a deciding game five.

Jordan had been torching the Cavaliers all night. Despite all of this, the Cavalier still held a one-point lead with under five seconds to play. All they needed was one stop to advance to the next round. Then, “The Shot” happened. Jordan caught the inbound, dribbled to the free-throw line and drilled the game-winning shot right in Craig Ehlo’s face. Jordan ended the game with 44 points and eliminated the Cavaliers.

This shot essentially ended Cleveland’s championship hopes. Sure, this team was still elite for years to come. But Jordan and the Bulls began their dynasty only two years later. The Bulls went on to win six championships and slammed the door shut on the rest of the NBA. Jordan’s shot doomed the Cavaliers for years of disappointment.