Cavs vs. Warriors, Game 7, 89-89

There’s one video on the internet that I return to more than any other that exists: the final 3 minutes and 39 seconds of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. The score is tied at 89. The Cleveland Cavaliers, my home team, are facing off against the unbeatable Golden State Warriors. 

I grew up on Cavs basketball. As a kid, I had two dreams: one, to play in the NBA; two, to become LeBron James. I often sported my goofy Varejão wig, clutched an autograph from Daniel “Boobie” Gibson from his day camp, and waited year after year for a miracle that never came.

Until 2016.

The Cavs had never won a championship. No team had EVER come back from a 3–1 deficit in the Finals. So many people lost hope.

But, Cleveland reminded me what's possible when you believe.