2015 NBA Playoffs ~ Eastern Conference Finals vs. Atlanta

Game One @ Atlanta ~ May 20, 2015

 

J.R. Swish

 

Need I say more?

 

We happily watched game one at home with Kevin & Lisa where we wore the same shirts, ate the same food and sat in the same seats. While LeBron James led Cleveland with 31 points, it was Smith who ignited the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. He made eight 3-pointers on 10-16 from the field and scored 28 points in the victory over Atlanta. With Smith doing most of the damage, Cleveland outscored the Hawks 22-4 over a 5 minute stretch. During that span, J.R. made five 3-pointers. Unfortunately, Kyrie Irving re-aggravated his knee during the third quarter and wasn’t able to return leaving our Big 3 to only LBJ.

 

 So right and Cavs win 97-89.

 

 

 9 down. 7 to go.

Game Two @ Atlanta ~ May 22, 2015

 

 Kevin and Lisa were out of town in St. Louis, so Steve and I decided to venture downtown to the Cavs watch party at The Q. We’ve seen footage on TV and it seemed like a great time with huge crowds. Although a free event, Steve had access to employee tickets which allocated us to the VIP section of the Club Level with complimentary snacks, beer and wine. With a crowd of 15,500, it was not sold out, but it was packed! The watch party was fun and they really tried to re-create a home game atmosphere. The starting line-ups were introduced with little kids wearing the respective player’s jersey and the dance and scream teams performed as well a halftime act. It’s a great opportunity for families who are not able to attend home games.

 

 

 

We wouldn’t ever think to dress like twins in public, but the Cavs had won four straight games with these shirts, so we couldn’t go against our superstition.

 

 

LeBron James scored 30 points and the Cavaliers took command of the Eastern Conference finals even without Kyrie, beating the Hawks 94-82 for a 2-0 lead in the series. During an 11:25 stretch, the Cavs nailed eight 3's and LeBron assisted on ALL EIGHT. He is a machine.

 

Free drinks and Cavs win 94-82

 

 

 

 10 down. 6 to go.

Game Three ~ May 24, 2015

Sean and I attended game three together and it was totally exhausting. LeBron started off shooting 0-10 from the field and the Cavs found themselves down 24-21 at the end of the first quarter. LeBron shook off his atrocious start, withstood Atlanta's comeback and finished with 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists. LeBron willed us to a win; he just would not let us lose. His 3-pointer with 36.4 seconds left in overtime put the Cavs ahead by one, and then a runner with 12.8 left made it a 114-111 advantage and the Cavs took a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

 

 

Pure exhaustion and Cavs win an overtime thriller 114-111

 

Steve even got some air time after the game. Haha.

 

 

11 down. 5 to go.

 

Game Four ~ May 26, 2015

 

I really have an amazing husband. Seriously. I can go on and on about how he take cares if me, how he loves me unconditionally, how he makes me smile...all.of.the.time.

But, let's be real. These tickets? They give him an asterisk.

I'd love to say that Sean, Kevin and I would be able to have this playoff experience without Steve, but it just wouldn't be the same. Steve and I have attended some pretty spectacular sporting events, but we have never ever paid for an NBA ticket. Because of Steve, Sean, Kevin and I are watching our beloved Cavaliers; our home town team and we're doing it without any financial hardship. It may go without saying, but thank you Steve.

 

Game time.

Sean was kind enough to offer “his” ticket to Kevin for game four. Despite the potential to close out the series, we have a bit of a Cavs brotherhood amongst us and Sean wanted to share the wealth. Entering game 4, the Cavs had won six straight games and were on the brink of going to the NBA Finals for the second time in history.

 

First, we headed to the casino to get an All For One beer before the game. Kevin and I both had nervous excitement as we entered the arena. We wanted to watch this series come to an end with heightened anticipation for the next opponent. 

 

 

 The Cavs came out strong and never looked back.

 

 

 LeBron scored 23 points while J.R. added 18 points and Tristan Thompson had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Kyrie returned and played 22 minutes to provide a boost at the PG position. Coach David Blatt cleared his bench with 3:47 remaining in what was a total blowout. In the end, Cleveland handily reserved a spot in the NBA Finals with a 118-88 victory.

 

 

 The Cavs are playing into June and...

 

WE ARE HEADED TO THE NBA FINALS!!!!