The Scene is Set for Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals

These 2016 NBA Finals brought so many plot twists that Game 7 is a must watch. Today is one of those days the basketball subculture and its contemporaries will enjoy. 

In one corner, you have Lebron James, and new comers Kyrie Irving and yes, Kevin Love as the lead challengers. While the reigning or raining NBA Champions find themselves in a familiar position, having knocked off Oklahoma City in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals three weeks ago. People are intrigued for a multitude of reasons, including the historical implications and sheer love for the two faces of the NBA; Ohio's James and Stephan Curry.

We got here after the tide blew the Cavs into the Bay after losing Games 1 & 2 in Oakland. Roughly 1 in 3 fans were calling for a sweep or Golden State in 5, for sure. Despite a timely Game 3 win for the Land, the Warriors were unfazed. Led by 38 from Steph, Golden State clapped back after that Game 3 loss to go up 3-1 heading back to the West Coast. They outplayed the Cavaliers in the second half 58-42 for an impressive 108-97 Finals road win.  

Not so fast my friend, Draymond earned his fifth flagrant foul in the Game 4 win during a bait play by Lebron. That meant he had to sit out the Game 5 loss in baseball’s Oakland Coliseum. He vowed to come back stronger and more focused on the task at hand. If he did, it meant a healthy Kyrie would allow Draymond, Klay and crew to celebrate on his home court after putting 41 point in the book on the road in Game 5. Kyrie delivered then, and he will need to give one more elite performance to earn his ring. 

Game 6, however, belonged to vintage Lebron. Yes, vintage, we have seen this young man put up crazy numbers year after year after year after year. The stage is now set for him to grow tall enough to wear the crown above his head, at this stage. A win for Cleveland, and Lebron did it. He told us he was about to go home and win a title, and he did it. He told us he’d be back not three, not four, not five times, and this moment is ripe for passage into the next level. 

Contrarily, a win for the Warriors, and Stephan Curry becomes the undisputed face of the NBA. He, Klay, Draymond, and crew along with head coach Steve Kerr will have history in their back pocket for the rest of their lives. “Remember when we won 73 and took our second title in back-to-back Games 7s.” Aside from a rejuvenated Spurs team or repeat performance by the Thunder, these Warriors can battle their way into position to win three (3) NBA titles in a row. Its starts tonight. 

What a hand to hold for the fans, the league, the basketball community, the sports and entertainment media world, players, and of course the odds-makers. Game 7 is upon us, and falls on a day our culture sets aside to celebrate Fathers, so find yourself a smile with the ones you love. Likewise, in your own game changing moments, remember what your Game 7s are. Consider your opportunities to become a champion at life, and seize those moment in the same fashion you see your heroes rise to the occasion. You can do it too. 

Love, peace, and hair grease.