There’s a lot of star power in this year’s NBA Finals, which will feature the Warriors’ Stephen Curry and the Cavaliers’ LeBron James coming face to face. According to NBA.com, James is the most talked about player on social media with over 7,000 mentions per hour. Curry, the league’s MVP this season, isn’t far behind.
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Beyond their social buzz is their actual play on the court. James and Curry are averaging atop the playoff scoring leaders among those to participate in at least five games. Curry is scoring nearly 30 points (29.2) in each contest while James right behind him with 27.6.
In addition to James’ scoring, he’s also posting 8.3 assists and 10.4 rebounds per game. That’s nearly a triple double average. Curry isn’t slouching, either. He has already broken the record for most made 3-pointers in a single postseason (73) with the Finals still to play.
Watching these two players in the prime of their careers go head-to-head should be a fun battle.
- Celebrity status
Cleveland isn’t the most glamorous city, but LeBron James’ presence has attracted some star power. Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel sits courtside at games and has become a fan since joining the city’s sports scene. Singer, songwriter and actor Usher has also made his Cavs fandom known.
Other celebrity Cavs fans include actress Katie Holmes, rapper Kid Cudi and actor/TV personality Drew Carey.
Golden State is still fighting to have its share of celebrity star power. There are four teams in California (Warriors, Lakers, Clippers, Kings) and most of the celebrities flock to the two L.A. teams.
Nevertheless, the Warriors have some famous fans of their own. Actress and model Jessica Alba is perhaps the most noteworthy supporter. Apple’s senior vice president of Internet software and services Eddy Cue is also a Warriors fan. Take that for what it’s worth.
Most importantly, the Warriors have Lil B on their side. And that’s really all you can hope for in today’s NBA.
- Riley Curry
If you aren’t aware of Stephen Curry’s 2-year-old daughter, Riley, then you’ve missed out on some adorable moments. Stephen has brought her out for his postgame press conferences twice during the NBA Playoffs and both times she captured the heart of NBA fans.
Riley does what any 2-year-old does, but she does it in front of dozens of cameras. She sings popular song lyrics, talks into the microphone, gets nearby attendants to hold her gum, walks behind curtains, and a lot more.
- Suffering fan bases
The Warriors have a strong fan base in the Bay Area, but it’s been a while since they’ve seen a championship. The last time Golden State won a title was 40 years ago in 1975 behind Rick Barry.
Cleveland has been suffering even harder. The city has waited 51 years for a title from any of its teams, including the Cavs, Browns and Indians. The city of Cleveland lost LeBron only to see him win a pair of titles with the Heat. Now, it’s their turn.
- Potential history being made
James is already considered one of the best basketball players of all time, but his legacy could be strengthened even more in this year’s postseason. If he plays all seven games he’ll tie Michael Jordan with 179 career playoff games.
In addition, James is 195 points shy of 5,000 for his postseason career. If he reaches that milestone, he’ll become the sixth player to do so, joining Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan.
