Should you take the NBA Finals too seriously?

JR Smith of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles in the closing seconds of regulation as LeBron James attempts direct the offense against the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 31, 2018 in Oakland, California. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

The way odds in this year’s NBA Finals were originally projected, it would be impossible for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to win a single game in the ongoing world championship series.

There was the overwhelming feel that the defending champion Golden State Warriors would encounter very little problem in retaining the NBA title—by a sweep.

This has drastically changed following Friday’s Game 1, which saw the heavily favored Golden State Warriors escape the upset ax, thanks mainly to a hilarious lapse by the veteran JR Smith, who tried to run home like crazy after grabbing a rebound in the final 4.7 seconds, the score tied 107-all.

What had caused that hideous blunder, a joke and anomaly never before witnessed in the history of the fabled NBA Finals?

Officials in Game 1 were also guilty of making some mindless calls.

Anyway, out in our city wet market, heavily populated by Warrior team fanatics, fortune seekers could not find a single bet on the Cavaliers.

Cautious adventurers would agree to gamble against Golden State, but only after being given a hefty handicap.

Truth is team fanatics tend to get carried away once the NBA Finals fever has gripped the country.

Said veteran sportswriter Al S. Mendoza: “The NBA Finals is like a cure, kaligayahan ng bayan. This is also God’s gift to President Duterte. The NBA Finals help lessen the sufferings of the people, pantulong upang maibsan nagluluksang mamamayan.”

Everybody wanted to end up a winner.

But could the NBA Finals be also hazardous to your health?

There was a report Friday which stated coach Tyronn Lue of Cleveland has admitted to ESPN he had to undergo treatment and counseling after suffering from anxiety.

Meanwhile, the National Basketball Players Association said it has appointed its first director for mental health and wellness.

Dr. William Parham will oversee the union’s new program designed to help members with mental and health issues.