CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland Cavaliers fans are in full playoff mode, and what better way to stay in the mindset of a championship race than the Larry O’Brien trophy making a stop in your city.
“I think it’s a testament to our fans and our fan base and how they’ve shown out all year,” said Chief Marketing Officer Chris Kaiser.
Cleveland is one of eight cities across the country to host the NBA Road Trip to the Trophy.
Fans could share their favorite Cavaliers memory, get non-permanent NBA tattoos, get photo-shopped into NBA moments, meet Cavs legends, and see the championship trophy up close.
Cavs faithful gathered at Pinecrest Mall in Beachwood throughout the afternoon for the event.
Former small forward Campy Russell says it is an event for the fans, a way to celebrate the relationship between the team and the fan base, which is part of the reason home court is such an advantage.
“It’s really hard for anyone to be successful there primarily because of two things. Our fan base, but also the way we approach the game every single night,” said Russell. “This fan base here in Cleveland is so fanatical; I’m going to use the word financial; that is why I think our teams play so well.”
A sentiment former power forward Larry Nance Sr. agrees with resoundingly.
“You’re talking to the right guy because every fan base thinks they have the best fans in the world, but we really do,” said Nance Sr. “The nicest thing I can say about the fans, I came here from Phoenix on an 80-degree day, we came here it was snowing, and we stayed here because of the people we met.”
