The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder starred in the most anticipated game of the regular season.
They lead their respective conference and have been the two best teams in the league all year.
Their stellar matchup was as exciting as anticipated.
With that in mind, former NBA coach George Karl gave them their flowers after the game, praising them for their defensive mindset and playoff intensity.
He did, however, say that he thinks the Cavs are slightly better:
“Great Thunder Cavs game tonight. Both are young but very team oriented and play excellent defense and with playoff intensity each game. The Cavs are slightly better but I love them both! Two championship caliber teams,” he said.
Great Thunder Cavs game tonight.
Both are young but very team oriented and play excellent defense and with playoff intensity each game.
The Cavs are slightly better but I love them both! Two championship caliber teams. pic.twitter.com/GULZargQUD
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) January 9, 2025
The NBA is struggling with a decline in ratings.
Even though the game is now more popular than ever, they haven’t been able to keep up with the NFL or other major tournaments in terms of interest and eyeballs.
That’s why they must make the most of these games to market their product.
They need to show the teams that play the best brand of basketball regardless of whether they play in big markets or not.
The Cavs and Thunder are both young and could star in one of the new rivalries in the league.
Hopefully, the NBA will realize what they have on their hands and give them more nationally televised games.
We’ve almost reached the midpoint of the regular season, and the Cavs have only lost four games, going undefeated against the West.
The media narrative is finally starting to shift, and statement wins in a playoff-like game like the one they had on Wednesday night are putting the league on notice.
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