According to LeBron James, the Cavaliers may not have won Game 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals without home support.
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The Cavaliers staged the most improbable NBA Finals comeback in history that year. From 3-1 down against a team with a 73-9 record in the regular season, they battled it out to take the crown. This run included 2 victories at the Oracle Arena, where the Warriors had only lost 1 regular season game.
With Draymond Green ruled out with suspension for Game 5, the Cavs cantered to a big win on the back of 41 point outings by Kyrie and LeBron. Game 6 proved to be closer for most of its duration.
The home support definitely came in handy in terms of refereeing. Many believe that Steph Curry was unfairly given ticky-tacky fouls while the Cavs were able to manhandle him without consequence.
Why LeBron James believes Home Advantage is paramount
During a recent appearance on Road Trippin’, James talked about his time in the bubble. He also compared that scenario to the one he lived in 2016. He explained that going back to Cleveland to play the Warriors made a big difference for them.
“In 2016, down 3-1, if we had not come back to Cleveland, Golden State may have beat us by a 100,” James said, before correcting himself and saying he meant 3-2.”
“Golden State may beat us by 100.”
LeBron on the 2016 Finals if they played in the bubble pic.twitter.com/JOwoW3FXJy
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) December 2, 2020
The clamoring for LeBron James as having a place in the GOAT debate came mainly after his unforgettable performances in the 2016 NBA Finals. The man shrugged off a couple of ineffective games early in the series to have one hell of a 3-game stretch in order to lead the Cavs to their first NBA title ever.