A long offseason came to an end on Tuesday night as the NBA opened up another season. As usual, the year began with the new champions receiving their rings and raising their banned.
This time, it was the Cleveland Cavaliers who, for the first time in their franchise history, were able to call themselves NBA champions.
The Cavs faced off against the New York Knicks to tip off the new year. But before the game, they had a raucous crowd awaiting to greet their championship roster.
With the Larry O’Brien trophy in the house, the Cavaliers players, coaches, and front office received the prize they’d all been waiting for: a massive hunk of jewelry to place on their fingers.
#Cavs 2016 NBA championship rings
Made by Kay Jewelers: 6.5 carat, 400 diamonds, set in 10K white gold & 14K yellow gold. pic.twitter.com/rh7ONw2H0o
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) October 25, 2016
The night would not be complete without a variety of montages. There were videos of the title run as well as one featuring Cleveland celebrities (they exist!) and former Cavaliers congratulating the title team.
And of course, there was a speech from The King. In front of the sell-out crowd at the Cavs ring ceremony, LeBron James declared once again that it’s “Cleveland versus the world.” Cleveland won that battle last year; now they get to do it again.
