Cavs Fan Guide: Mike Golic says Cavs are down but not out

Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic
Photo courtesy of Joe Faraoni, ESPN

With ESPN’s popular morning radio show Mike and Mike in town for the NBA Finals June 8 and 9, Mike Golic has been able to catch up on his sleep.

“At home (Connecticut) I get up at 4:15 a.m.,” says Golic from ESPN’s set at Fan Fest at the Gateway Plaza. “While we’re here, I get to sleep until 5 a.m.”

Golic, the Willowick native who spent nine seasons in the NFL, returns home to find the Cavs in an 0-2 hole against the defending champion Golden State Warriors. “Cavs fans don’t want to hear it, but Golden State is the better team right now,” says the 53-year-old Golic. “The Cavs players look in the mirror and they know they have to play better. They’re good enough to beat this team, and I fully expect Cleveland to win tonight.”

While a potential victory tonight could change the narrative of the series, a loss will all but bury the team’s hopes for a title. “Tomorrow morning we’re either going to be talking about how the Cavs are right back in it or we’ll be talking about Golden State as one of the greatest teams of all time,” says Golic, who talks with us about the Finals, LeBron James and his co-host.

Q: What has been the difference in the series thus far?
A: The role players. In the first two games the bench for Golden State has shot 62 percent, and the bench for Cleveland has shot 31 percent. I was a role player in the NFL, and when you’re asked to perform, you need to contribute. Against a team like Golden State, you need all of your guys to step it up.

Q: Are you surprised by how the series has played out to this point?
A: I think everybody expected a different series. I thought with [Kevin] Love and Kyrie [Irving], Cleveland had a team that could match the Warriors’ 3-point shooting. With Love and Irving out last year, a lot of people didn’t believe Golden State won a legitimate NBA title. Right now, they’re showing everybody that they did.

Q: Are the Cavs relying too much on James in this series?
A: LeBron is the best player in the league. But you need more than one superstar to win in the NBA. That’s why he was able to win a title in Miami. Fairly or unfairly, a lot is asked of him. Cleveland’s offense is too segmented right now and LeBron has shot just eight free throws in the first two games.

Q: What’s it like working alongside Mike Greenberg?
A: The show has been on 17 years but with Greenie it feels like 30 years. We’re very different. We come from different upbringings. I have to explain to him the difference between a flat-head screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver. Some times I just shake my head in disbelief.

By Barry Goodrich

Cavs Fan Guide: Three Songs of the NBA Finals

The music of a Cavs game can change the mood of the fans and a lift up the entire arena. But when DJ Steph Floss spins at the NBA Finals home games against the Golden State Warriors, June 8 and 10, he wants to catch the ear of the players first. "For the Finals, I try to cater more to the players than I actually do to anyone else, because I feel that they need the extra energy," Floss explains. "The energy that the players put out, the fans will reciprocate." Let's remind the Warriors that this is our Land by turning up the music and jamming out to Floss' three songs of Finals.

"Really Got It" by Jerreau
Floss got hooked on this song back around Christmas time but kept it on the down low until LeBron James recently put it to Instagram. "When LeBron posted the video of him in the car going crazy listening to this song, everyone was like, What is this, What is this? Everybody just fell in love with this song. Great connection. Amazing lyrics. It's a motivational song."

Headed to get that work in on our day off bumping the homie @jerreau new LP "Never How You Plan". What's a day off though!?!? Let's go people. Don't let nothing stop u from having fun, working hard and smiling! #StartingHoopingForTheNikeCheck #StriveForGreatness #RWTW #NIT

A video posted by LeBron James (@kingjames) on Apr 12, 2016 at 9:01am PDT

"Summer Sixteen" by Drake
Like Drake, the Cavs are looking for revenge the summer of 2016. "It's very simple," Floss explains. "We are looking for revenge playing the Golden State [Warriors] again this year." Some fans may be upset with Drake, ever since he dissed James and Kyrie Irving on Instagram. But let's let bygones be bygones, especially since Floss fired back plenty of friendly shots at Drake on his own Instagram, and James and Drake settled their dispute with a public hug and a near-kiss on the cheek.



"Trap or Die" by Young Jeezy
 When the Golden State Warriors come to play on our home turf June 8, the Cavs are letting them know who's house it is, true to Young Jeezy's lyrics, "Last time I checked, I am the man on these streets." "People were questioning whether we are that good," Floss says. "But nah, last time I checked, we are the man."

Cavs Fan Guide: This Cat Loves the Cavs in a Very Special Way

Even when we are down, the booming energy of thousands of fans packing into and around The Q during home and away games in the NBA Finals' Cleveland Cavaliers-Golden State Warriors matchup is difficult to match. But Tina Adkins is content to skip the hoopla and watch her beloved Cavs team with her furry friend, Nala, at home. Adkins tells us why her feline is always her best basketball companion.

Miss nalas back at saying lets go cavs @foxsportsohio pic.twitter.com/IWDBJo5egg

— TINA ADKINS (@TEEMARIE0523) January 26, 2016

"It started with the first game of the season, almost as soon as Ahmaad [Crump] started announced the lineups. Nala came running down the stairs and jumped up on the cable box, and now every single Cavs game, she’s up on that cable box watching the game with me.

My father absolutely loved LeBron James, and I swear my dad’s spirit is in that cat. [LeBron’s] first season back is when my dad was getting really sick. Even when he was laying there dying, that was our thing. I’d head straight from work to the hospital and watch the Cavs game with him, and now the cat watches the Cavs games with me.

She will sit there and stare at that TV the whole time, from tipoff to the end of the fourth quarter. She barely moves. Sometimes she’ll put her paw up on the screen. Or when I start yelling at the TV, she’ll perk up and get really close to the TV.

She’s a very smart cat. She was born last July, so she’s coming up on a year. It was maybe like the seventh or eighth game of the season when I really started to notice it kept happening. And just out of emotion, I was like, OK Dad, I know you’re here with me." — as told to Kevin Stankiewicz

Cavs Fan Guide: Stylish Threads for the Finals

one of one, I'm good with those odds #TheLand #ShipToCLE #SeekNoApproval

A photo posted by Omar "O" Z. M (@officialozm) on Apr 17, 2016 at 2:54pm PDT

The NBA Finals are no time to let your style slack — especially if you’re sitting courtside. With the national media spotlight and a dose of celebs hitting town for the Cavs’ home games, we talk to Omar Madhun, who owns sneaker and fashion reseller Ship to CLE, about some tips for stunting (showing off) in style.

Hat Trick: Madhun recommends starting at the top with Tackma’s suede-brimmed Cleveland Cap ($65). The hat features the brand’s signature lightning-shaped T logo, but in Cavalier-inspired colors. The cap itself is navy blue, while the logo is buttery gold outlined in wine. “The quality speaks for itself, and it’s affordable,” Madhun says. The cap is also a statement piece at Cavs game, he says. One of the brands’ founders has ties to Cleveland, and LeBron James, J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson have all publicly sported it. “Especially in Cleveland, you can’t go wrong,” Madhun says.

Time Travel: Although there is plenty of limited-edition NBA Finals gear hitting the shelves right now, Madhun recommends rocking vintage-looking Cavalier threads. “That vintage look just beats out that new style,” Madhun says. Whether you had it buried in the closet from the ‘90s or you picked it up at a secondhand retailer is inconsequential. But for those like Madhun, who is 23, choosing the vintage route evinces a certain level of fandom. “It conveys that you’ve been a fan for a good amount of time, even if you’re young,” he says. “They assume this guy is serious if he went out of his way to buy a jacket that’s older than him.”

Bottomed Out: While narrowing down the perfect pants can be tricky because it’s slightly dependent on what you’re wearing up top, Madhun says it would be hard to miss with a pair of Nike Tech Fleece joggers ($100). They’re comfortable, stylish and most importantly, help show off your sneakers (don’t worry, we’re getting to those next). But Madhun says if you're torn between two options — one that goes better with your top and the other with your kicks — choose the former. “I wouldn’t stretch to make the shoe look good,” he says. If you’ve got top-notch soles, “people are still going to notice them.”

Kick It: The shoes take your look to the next level. Madhun’s recommendation is any pair of Nike’s Kyrie Irving line, especially the first version. But if you’re going to go with the newer Kyrie 2s, make it the exclusive Krispy Kreme edition ($165 through NikeID). “Those are super hot right now,” Madhun says. “They’ve been a hit throughout the playoffs.” Prompted to choose, Madhun says go with Kyries over LeBron James’ signature Nike shoe because they look better in a casual setting. Oh, and Madhun says please be sure to leave your Under Armour Steph Currys at home. Hopefully, that’s a no-brainer.

Cavs Fan Guide: Where to Watch, Eat and Drink Pregame

Photo courtesy Barley House Cleveland

Barley House Cleveland: Score four-bottle Bud Light and Budweiser buckets for $14 during games. Plus, the spot's $5 pizza specials every Thursday make tonight's game a tasty throwdown. 1261 W. Sixth St., Cleveland, 216-623-1700, barleyhousecleveland.com

Clevelander Bar & Grill: Celebrate with the $4 Kevin Love-inspired “Droppin’ Dimes” shot, made with Three Olives Cherry vodka. If you’d rather watch the Cavs make shots than drink them, the Clevelander will have $4 domestic 16-ounce cans, $3.25 short and $4.75 tall domestic drafts available for game time as well. 834 Huron Road E, Cleveland, 216-771-3723, clevelanderbar.com

Eat’n Park: Fans decked out in their best Cavs gear will score a free Smiley Cookie with their meal at Cleveland-area Eat’n Park locations, including Austintown, Boardman, Chapel Hill, Medina, Mentor, Parma, Warren and Willoughby locations. Various locations, eatnpark.com

Flat Iron Cafe: Need a lift to the game? The Flat Iron’s Cafe Valet will shuttle you and your friends for free. Plus, fans can score daily specials, which rotate every game, such as 50 cent wings during Game 3 June 8. 1114 Center St., Cleveland, 216-696-6968, flatironcafe.com

Free Cavs Fan Fests and Watch Parties: Need a pregame Cavs fan makeover or a Scream Team pump-up? Head over to these free fests outside The Q. Fans of all ages will enjoy games, live music by Northeast Ohio bands, food trucks, performances by the Cavalier Girls and giveaways for home games June 8 and 10. For away games June 2 and 5, snag a ticket to a watch party inside the arena for all of the entertainment from an actual game expect the players and the game shown on the humongotron. If it goes to more than four games, expect Fan Fests for future Finals home games and more Watch Parties for road games. Fan Fests, Outside of The Q, East Sixth Street and Gateway Plaza; Watch Parties, The Q, 1 Center Court, Cleveland,  nba.com/cavaliers/playoffs/guide

Hodge’s: One of downtown’s largest patios will play host to Cavs fans eager to catch both home and away games on the two 70-inch TVs installed specially for the NBA Finals. During the games, basketball fans can sip on $3 Coors and Great Lakes Brewing Co. Dortmunder Gold on draft. 668 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4000, thedriftwoodgroup.com/restaurants/hodges

The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland: Both local and overnight basketball fans can celebrate the Cavs NBA Finals appearance at the Ritz-Carlton Cleveland. Viewing parties in the Lobby Lounge will take place every game of the Finals and the special $16 All In cocktail, made with tequila, triple sec and prickly pear liqueur and garnished with a gold sugar rim and gold dust sprinkle, will be available. Guests of the hotel’s Club Level will also receive special basketball-inspired treats. 1515 W. Third St., Cleveland, 216-623-1300, ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/cleveland 

All In cocktail

Winking Lizard: If seeing the King slam-dunk on just one screen isn’t enough, then head over to the Winking Lizard's Gateway location — just under a five-minute walk from The Q — to watch the game broadcasted on about 50 TV screens throughout the restaurant. 811 Huron Road, Cleveland, 216-589-0313, winkinglizard.com/locations/gateway

Yours Truly Restaurant: If — and when — the Cavs win the NBA championship, Yours Truly's Rockside location will serve free food the following day. There is also a Yours Truly six-item special features menu as long as the Cavs are in the NBA Finals that include bites such as the Triple Threat Notso Fries, 3 Point Swish Sliders and Brew Kettle's All For One session IPA beer. 8111 Rockside Road, Valley View, 216-524-8111, ytr.com

Our Favorite NBA Playoffs Social Media Moments — So Far

How did we ever follow sports before social media? From diligently studying LeBron James’ occasional cryptic tweets and who he follows — or doesn't follow — to the Twitter spats between fans and ESPN troublemakers such as Stephen A. Smith or Skip Bayless, we can't get enough. Ahead of June 2's first game of the NBA Finals rematch between the Cavs and the Golden State Warriors, we take a look back at some of our favorite social media moments.

Lil' Kev 

Presumably, Richard Jefferson was bored during a flight home from the Cavs' first-round sweep of the Detroit Pistons, so he decided to peruse one of the in-flight magazines to pass the time. That's when he spotted a Tommy Bahama ad featuring a model, who looked shockingly similar to teammate Kevin Love, who recently did some modeling of his own for Banana Republic. Jefferson tore the page out, nicknamed it Lil' Kev and posted it on his Snapchat (which we suggest following). The rest is viral history. The Lil' Kev page has its own Twitter account, a verified Instagram page and appeared on custom-made T-shirt J.R. Smith was seen donning before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

@nba let's go @cavs

A photo posted by Lil Kev (@officiallilkev) on May 19, 2016 at 4:29pm PDT

Animal Kingdom 

Humans aren't the only Cavs fans in town. Instagram user @scherer84's two cats wear their pride with the best of them.

My little Cavs fans watching the game #clevelandcavaliers #cavs #cleveland #clevelandohio #easternconferencefinals #easternconference #conferencefinals #catsofinstagram #cats #catstagram #catgram #kitten #kittensofinstagram #furbaby #furballs #cat #catlover #catlovers #caturday #catslife #catlady

A photo posted by Sarah (@scherer84) on May 19, 2016 at 9:01pm PDT

Rihanna Back at It 

Rihanna’s affection for LeBron James is no secret. She’s still ardently supporting James, evidenced by her Instagram post from late May. While laying out in the sun, catching some rays, the 28-year-old singer emblazoned James’ No. 23 on her stomach with sunscreen and shared it with the caption “mood.” If the Cavs can keep their red-hot 3-point shooting going, the Warriors might want some of Rihanna’s sunscreen so they don’t get burnt. 

mood

A photo posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on May 19, 2016 at 8:12pm PDT

Drake’s Take

Not all the social media buzz surrounding the Cavs postseason as been supportive. Canadian rapper Drake took to Instagram to launch shots at the team, specifically Kyrie Irving. It was, of course, while his Toronto Raptors were on top in Games 2 and 3.

2 gave us 2...we'll take it 😂

A photo posted by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on May 23, 2016 at 8:20pm PDT

While the team got its revenge on the floor in Games 5 and 6, the fans did too online. DJ Steph Floss, the official DJ for the Cavs and LeBron James, posted a trio of photos on Instagram, two of which directly involved Drake.

Turn that 7 upside down, it's an L now! 😦 @champagnepapi

A photo posted by DJ Steph Floss (@djstephfloss) on May 25, 2016 at 8:07pm PDT

Class with Professor Polk 
Local comedian Mike Polk Jr. took some time to analyze the Cavaliers' scorching-hot 3-point shooting during the postseason, a key reason why they've been so dominant. The mathematical breakdown is actually informative. One lingering question after watching, though, is what professor really wears a white lab coat?

How are @Cavs so successful shooting from outside the arc? Prof. @mikepolkjr teaches 3-pt Shooting 101. #ALLin216 https://t.co/DiW2HFQJIL

— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) May 18, 2016

Morgan Freeman's Prediction, Sort of 
Frank Caliendo, the renowned voice impersonator and comedian, was in 92.3 The Fan's studio Tuesday, appearing on its afternoon drive show. There seems to be no shortage of impressions he can do, but Morgan Freeman is one of his best. He showed it off on air while offering his thoughts on the fast-approaching Finals. 92.3 on-air personality and former Ohio State University Buckeye Dustin Fox tweeted out a behind-the-scenes look at Caliendo channeling his inner Freeman. It's hilarious, and hopefully, his prediction of the Cavs winning in six is true.

.@FrankCaliendo has a message for the @Cavs as Morgan Freeman. #ALLin216 pic.twitter.com/fjcgljmV2V

— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) May 31, 2016

Cavs Fan Guide: Gear Up for the 2016 NBA Finals

If you've caught the #ALLin216 fever like us, here is your guide to gear up for cheering on the Cleveland Cavaliers as they return to the West Coast to face off against defending champs the Golden State Warriors when the NBA Finals start June 2. Whether it's a cup of joe or wine-and-gold duds for your pooch, get in the spirit to root on the Cavs with these fun finds. 

Take after Australian guard Matthew Dellavedova and enjoy in a pregame cup of java with his own G’Day Mate! specialty Arabica coffee blend available at Cleveland Coffee Co. ($13.50 per pound). Get even more hyped up by reading our January interview with Delly about what drives his unconventional coffee habit. 816 Huron Road, Cleveland, 216-861-8358

For some Cavs spirit all the way down to the toes, check out some custom-made Cavs socks from League Ready Customs ($15). You'll be sure to catch some attention walking down East Fourth Street with this pair.

                                                     

If getting yourself involved isn’t enough, you can get your pets in the zone too with some Cavaliers jerseys, bandanas and collars from CLE Pets, which we featured in our May issue. Check out these mesh fabric jerseys ranging from $25.99-$27. 5th Street Arcades, 530 Euclid Ave., Suite 23-1, Cleveland, 216-905-6789

photo by Dana Miller

After the Cavaliers set a NBA record of the most 3-pointers in a playoff game against the Atlanta Hawks in May, Tony Madalone, store owner of Fresh Brewed Tees, came up with some designs to show off the Cavs' accomplishment. Check out these two for $26.99 online. Shirts can also be found at the Cavaliers Team Shop at The Q. freshbrewedtees.com, 216-618-1912

Has anyone ever wished that the Cavs released a mixtape? Well, Ilthy has released an #ALLIN Mixtape shirt for $35 available in three different colors, featuring J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert. ilthy.com

Get pumped up with Homage's recently released line of licensed Cavaliers shirts from $32-$36 in a variety of designs just in time for the Finals. 235 Main St., Westlake, 440-925-4178

photo by Dana Miller

And, must we not forget about the Cavs’ newest unofficial mascot, Lil' Kev. He’s been on the journey with the team throughout the 2016 playoffs, as forward Richard Jefferson carries a laminated picture of him and documents it on his entertaining behind-the-scenes Snapchat feed. Now, you too, can sport some Lil’ Kev with a shirt from Redbubble for under $30. 

If you were inspired by ESPN's 30 for 30 Believeland film, show everyone all we need to do is believe that our team and city are champions with the help of CLE Clothing Co.'s Believeland shirt ($25) and other similar variations. 342 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-736-8879; 11435 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-465-9595

GV Art & Design said it well: "No one deserves it more," in this Win One For the Land T-shirt ($28). 17411 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-273-7188; 38038 Second St., Willoughby, 440-525-5240