The 2017 NBA Finals are quickly approaching and the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite being the reigning champs, are the underdogs yet again. LeBron James and the Cavs have had a shaky season, but have been fantastic in the postseason, entering The Finals with a record of 11-1.
However, most fans and NBA analysts aren't giving Cleveland a fair shot to be the Golden State Warriors. Why is that? Is it because Golden State added another all-star to their lineup in Kevin Durant, or could it be that the media just doesn't like to jump on the Cleveland bandwagon for any sport?
Nobody is giving the Cavs a shot to win
While both Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal have both chosen the Cleveland Cavaliers as their finals pick, the rest of the media seems to be overwhelmingly in support of the Golden State Warriors winning the 2017 NBA Finals, and that could be an asset for the Cavs going to the big show.
As many Cleveland fans know, the Cavs are used to being underrated, despite having the best player in the NBA in LeBron James. They've had to prove themselves time after time, yet still get a little love from the media. While die-hard Cavs fans may get angry about the unfairness in which LeBron and company are compared to their western rivals, it could actually work to their advantage to be the underdogs yet again.
Cleveland vs. Golden State round three
Being underrated in the 2017 NBA Finals could light a fire in the Cleveland Cavaliers to prove themselves as the champs again, much like they were forced to do in the 2016 Finals when they were down 3-1. The Cavs are a team like no other when it comes to their friendships and brotherhood off the court, and often those cultivated relationships lead to success on the court.
The gang knows what lies ahead of them, and what needs to be done to bring the title back home with them, but it won't be an easy road. In addition to the Cavs being fired up about being the underdogs, perhaps the Golden State Warriors will be so consumed with all the talk of their predicted impending championship win that they could underestimate the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite being embarrassed by their loss to them in the previous year's Finals.
LeBron and company still have something to prove
It's likely that the Cavs know exactly what the media is saying about them, and they will have a bit of a chip on their shoulders going into Thursday night's Game 1 in Oakland.
While both teams are expected to come out swinging, the Cavs underdog status and off court relationships, along with the heart of Tristan Thompson, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love could be the factors that push the Cavs over the edge for a win in the 2017 NBA Finals.
