On Saturday, October 18, 2008, I attended my very first NBA (pre-season)game. It was the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the Philadelphia 76ers at the “Q” Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. I am a Clevelander and have actually been watching the Cavaliers on tv since I was a kid; the days of Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance, Craig Ehlo. But in recent years, with the arrival of Lebron James and Directtv at my house, I have been watching more Cavs basketball and have really become a fan of the team. And I finally got to my first Cavaliers’ basketball game on 10/18/08. I had a good time, although it was a preseason game. The sparse crowd was pumped and the guys (The Cavs) played great–especially at the end–and rallied to win 100-97. Best of all was seeing them win. I was extremely happy about that 
Lebron James did not play in the fourth quarter but did get off some nice shots when he was in that got the crowd going. Based on what I saw in Saturday night’s game, I think there is reason for the Cavs’ fans to be optimistic this season. I hope so. Cleveland sports fans need something to get excited about. All in all, I enjoyed my first time at an NBA basketball game;a Cavaliers game. I give it a B+. There were a few things I could have done without at the game. During the timeouts, there were these games that people from the crowd played, like spinning themselves dizzy on baseball bats. I thought it was silly and unnecessary. Why do they have to have these childish contests, which are clearly marketing ploys, during the ball game? Call me a purist, but I am there to see a basketball game; that is what matters. I attended some Indians games and they did not have such nonsense during timeouts. Another thing I could have done without are the dancers (the girls and the hip-hop dance team that I think is dubbed “scream team”). They were nothing spectacular and nothing to do with basketball. They, I think, are also just there to market to those in attendance who may not be basketball fans. I think the experience of attending an NBA game should be all about the fans; true fans; people who really appreciate and come to see to the game of basketball.
It was still a fun evening; it was nice to get out of the house and it was awesome to see a Cavs’ win. I think I’ll do it again. I hope I will; especially when the Cavaliers take on teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, LA Lakers. I am looking forward to the regular season! GO CAVS!
Lebron James did not play in the fourth quarter but did get off some nice shots when he was in that got the crowd going. Based on what I saw in Saturday night’s game, I think there is reason for the Cavs’ fans to be optimistic this season. I hope so. Cleveland sports fans need something to get excited about. All in all, I enjoyed my first time at an NBA basketball game;a Cavaliers game. I give it a B+. There were a few things I could have done without at the game. During the timeouts, there were these games that people from the crowd played, like spinning themselves dizzy on baseball bats. I thought it was silly and unnecessary. Why do they have to have these childish contests, which are clearly marketing ploys, during the ball game? Call me a purist, but I am there to see a basketball game; that is what matters. I attended some Indians games and they did not have such nonsense during timeouts. Another thing I could have done without are the dancers (the girls and the hip-hop dance team that I think is dubbed “scream team”). They were nothing spectacular and nothing to do with basketball. They, I think, are also just there to market to those in attendance who may not be basketball fans. I think the experience of attending an NBA game should be all about the fans; true fans; people who really appreciate and come to see to the game of basketball.It was still a fun evening; it was nice to get out of the house and it was awesome to see a Cavs’ win. I think I’ll do it again. I hope I will; especially when the Cavaliers take on teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, LA Lakers. I am looking forward to the regular season! GO CAVS!
