:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51490345/usa-today-9213540.0.jpg)
Tuesday’s game is going to feel weird. For the first time in over a half century, Cleveland fans are heading into a season opener focusing on the past. Tuesday is ring night for the Cleveland Cavaliers, an opportunity to receive their championship rings in front of a wild fan base that will have an opportunity to bask in the glory of what last year’s team accomplished.
Who: New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
When: Ring ceremony: 7:00 ET, Tip-off: 7:30 ET (NOTE: This has been changed to accommodate the American League Champion baseball team that plays in Cleveland)
Team getting a ring: Cleveland Cavaliers
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland Ohio
Where on my eyeballs: TNT
Music:
If you would have told Cleveland fans exactly what would occur on Tuesday, October 25th, 2016 a year ago... they’d never believe you. Before the Cavs game, you have your championship ring ceremony. At 8pm the Cleveland Indians open game one of the World Series at home. Fans in this area have the past to celebrate, the present to enjoy in the moment, and then the Cavs game itself is more about celebrating the start of the journey to defend it’s championship.
For those that will be at the game, enjoy it. This is the mountain top of fandom. It’s what many believed would never occur. The Cavs became the first team to rally back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals and now are putting forward arguably the best roster the team has ever had.
It’s a strange, strange time. As nothing that will occur on Tuesday is about the day itself. Honestly, the only thing that could make Tuesday’s Cavs game less relevant is if it was against the New York Knicks.
Fear the Sword’s Fearless Prediction:
Emotions are going to be running high for the Cavs early on. I expect things to be a little ugly early, maybe even fall behind. But once the team gets back to just playing basketball the talent differential will take over. Cavs win 108-97.