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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2016 NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Game seven: Cleveland wins 93-89

All hope was nearly lost when Cleveland fell down 3-1. No team in NBA Finals history had ever come back from that deficit. It seemed as if the Cavaliers were destined for another season of failure. The Cavaliers had already lost to the Warriors in last year’s NBA Finals and a repeat of that outcome would be heartbreaking.

Then, the Cavaliers began to pull off the unthinkable. After monster performances from Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, the series was tied at 3-3. Everything would come down to a deciding game seven in Oakland. This game would prove to be the most important game in the history of Cleveland sports.

With under two minutes remaining in game-seven, the game was tied. Neither team had scored in the past three minutes. The next bucket could very well decide the game. Suddenly, the Warriors came up with a steal and began their deadly fast break. The Warriors seemed destined to score and steal momentum. Miraculously,  James made one of the most incredible blocks of all-time as he pinned Andre Igudola to the backboard at the very last second. The Cavaliers regained possession and had a chance to win the game. Irving danced on Stephen Curry and drilled the three-pointer to take the lead.

Just like that, the Championship drought was over. The Cavaliers had stormed back to win game seven and deliver a moment that the entire city of Cleveland will never forget. Without the performances from James and Irving, Cleveland would likely still be suffering from a 50-year slump.