Last week, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder gave basketball fans a true treat.
Expectations were high, as at least record-wise, the two best teams in the league would square off for the ultimate bragging rights.
Neither of the teams disappointed those who watched.
Multiple lead changes, stout defense, and efficient shooting made it one of the best – if not the best – regular-season games of the campaign to date.
With that in mind, Cavs analyst Rafa Hernández-Brito said on “Full Court Cleveland” that the game showed the type of basketball the fans wanted to see.
Ahead of Cavs-Thunder II tomorrow, let's revisit last week! #LetEmKnow
"That was the type of basketball that everyone wants to watch."
– @ElAlcaldeRafa pic.twitter.com/IUtOBGDgAI
— Full Court Cleveland (@FullCourtCLE) January 16, 2025
Fans have complained on social media for years about today’s three-point-happy and seemingly defense-less NBA.
It seemed like the league was only interested in scoring, with referees rarely calling offensive fouls, travels, and whatnot.
That’s why it’s unusual to see two teams playing ethical hoops in today’s game.
Not coincidentally, those teams also happen to be leading their respective conferences.
Once other teams start watching what the Cavs and Thunder are doing, they will likely try to replicate it.
This has always been a copycat league, and that could finally be for the best.
Also, the league needs to do a better job of marketing the teams that play the game the right way, even if they’re not big-market teams.
This goes beyond the eye test, and the stats back it up.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder are the two best teams in basketball right now.
NEXT: Georges Niang Sends A Clear Message About Cavs' Goals
