It was a painful NBA Finals – both figuratively and literally – for LeBron and the Cavs. Dodgy officiating, a killer mental mistake and a punched white board punctuated Game 1, and the Wine and Gold never recovered for the remainder of the series. The guys discuss the late-game proceedings in Game 1, LeBron’s busted hand, the burden on the Cavs’ front office navigating the draft and free agency in light of LeBron’s potential departure this summer, the Warriors’ weird dynamic with Kevin Durant, and how long Golden State can keep its nucleus together.
Let’s be honest: The Cavs are facing some of the longest odds in NBA Finals history when they tip off against Golden State for the fourth straight season. But is all hope lost? David Zavac, contributor for The Athletic, is back on The Nail to dive into what the Cavs can try to do to make this a competitive series. The guys also touch on the absence of Andre Iguodala and most likely Kevin Love for Game 1, how some of Cleveland’s new faces can fit into this four-year rivalry and the difference for the Cavs between playing as the team to beat in the East playoffs vs. having nothing to lose in the Finals.
Two nights removed from the end of the Finals, the guys give a spirited send-off to the Cavs’ run as the reigning NBA champions. Topics covered include: the Cavs’ historic offensive performance in Game 4 even with the series likely out of reach, chaotic moments defining the last two games, Golden State needing Kevin Durant more to beat the Cavs than Durant needed Golden State to win a title, and an appreciation for the Cavs’ core over the past three years as we head into a summer of uncertainty.
After nearly a full year of anticipation, it's time. With Cavs-Warriors III beginning Thursday night, the guys discuss what has become arguably the best rivalry in sports, who has the most at stake in this year's Finals, and how the Larry O'Brien Trophy will be won.
Dropped a big leg, hit ’em with a steel chair, threw them through the Barber Shop window…Take your pick of wrestling metaphors. Kevin Durant made a shocking heel turn this week by walking away from the Thunder to join the Warriors. The guys dive into NBA free agency with the fallout of the most surprising move in six years, as well as its implications for the Cavs and the rest of the league. … Plus: From memes and custom championship belts to T-shirts and locker room beer baths, WWE has developed an unlikely crossover appeal with mainstream pro sports and Sports Illustrated’s oral history of ‘American Gladiators.’
