The 2017 NBA Finals. Golden State Warriors versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love against Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. The three-match, the third installment of the latest NBA rivalry. Everyone was anticipating an epic showdown. But when all was said and done, the star of Game 1 was undoubtedly someone who didn’t even play one minute in the game.
Kevin Durant erupted for 38 points, eight rebounds, eight assists on the night and scored at ease weaving his way through a porous Cavs defense but even he was distracted by the star of the night.
Rihanna, who has won multiple awards, named to Time’s 100 most influential people list in 2014 and has also eclipsed 230 million records sold worldwide in her career, was undoubtedly the star of game 1 on Thursday night and it wasn’t even close. The singer, actress and overall superstar usually walks into any building and immediately all eyes are on her. But her Thursday night during game 1 of the 2017 NBA Finals proved not even some of the top athletes in the world can handle what she brings to the table.
It all started during the first quarter. As LeBron James drove inside and slammed down a huge dunk over JaVale McGee, Rihanna strutted towards her courtside seats. She walked right by ESPN/ABC broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy and he was starstruck, to say the least. Shoot that shot, JVG.
The game went on and Rihanna continued to enjoy the game alongside some other high profile fans in attendance including Jay-Z, Kevin Hart and the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Jay Z, @rihanna, @KevinHart4real and @MCHammer among the big names at #NBAFinals game 1pic.twitter.com/LCctJpxNeE
— Def Pen™ (@defpen) June 2, 2017
As the Warriors began to dominate in the second half, Rihanna didn’t dial back her fun. The noted LeBron James superfan bowed to the King, dabbed at a fan and she had light heckling with Kevin Durant. It was later shown that she wasn’t the one yelling ‘BRICK’ at Durant.
#Warriors ran away with game 1 of the #NBAFinals but Kevin Durant and Rihanna had an interesting second half ??? pic.twitter.com/RnAO3t7Jo6
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) June 2, 2017
Alright, Rihanna didn't yell "brick" last night. Confirmed. pic.twitter.com/fNDYg0C4lS
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) June 2, 2017
After the Warriors wrapped up their impressive game 1 win, Durant took the podium and was asked about his confrontation with Rihanna. With the guidance of Stephen Curry, he quickly eluded any form of a messy situation and said he had no clue about anything.
But before Rihanna’s night was done, she had to send one last shoutout. This one was different though, it was for the King.
Rihanna following the #Cavs loss in game 1 of the #NBAFinals:
"It doesn't matter b*tch, the King is still the King." ???
(?: @TonyZ19) pic.twitter.com/iChFzLpi9e
— Def Pen™ (@defpen) June 2, 2017
It’s Rihanna’s world, we’re all just living in it. Hopefull she’ll be back for game 2.
