Rooting for a rivalry not even our own

The 21st century media explosion has given the NBA a presence in our basketball crazy country like no other.  Unless you’re caught in the recent tug-of-war of a leading cable provider and the NBA content supplier, you have at your fingertips a 24-hour digital and online lens to follow the games of the biggest basketball show on the planet.

So, whom are you rooting for in the upcoming NBA Finals?

It’s really not our league but sports fans can choose to follow whatever teams or sport they like. That’s why you have knowledgeable Premier league followers, armchair tennis experts who stay up late or passionate golfers and fans watching early morning coverage of major tournaments.

I have an attachment to the Golden State Warriors although I’ve been a Knicks and Celtics fan since the ’70s.  The Dubs connection was forged in the ’90s when our family joined relatives and friends in the Bay Area to watch the Warriors when they weren’t very good. Now that they’ve won a title after their 1975 victory and have been in the finals the last three years, you can’t blame me for cheering for the once awful Warriors.

The length and talent of the often criticized and bashed Kevin Durant is the X-factor for this edition of the Cleveland-Golden State rivalry.  If the Cavs in the past had solutions to frustrate Steph Curry, then they need a major defensive ploy to stop Durant.

But one can’t help but agree with Filipinos who root for Lebron James and the Cavs.  James’ achievements and missteps are the fodder of the internet era, something Michael Jordan never really experienced.  The passion for James seems to outweigh the critics and bashers because you can’t deny the man’s skills, physical strength and basketball IQ.

The finals will be an emotional ride not only for American fans but also for Philippine followers who will exchange and toss barbs, quips and kudos on social media.  Warriors’ fans who welcomed Durant’s arrival will crave for a title while Cavs’ faithful want to see James and company repeat.

Coaching will play a huge role in these finals.  The ailing Steve Kerr will continue to contribute in whatever way to the Dubs but not being on the bench could be a factor.

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue has the experience of winning it all last year by recovering after Golden State led 3-1.  He has James as his main point of attack along with the reliable Kyrie Irving and that fortifies the Cavs’ bid to repeat.