Could Last Night Have Worked Out Any Better For The NBA?

You can say what you want about Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. Trust me, I have done just that throughout the first half of the NBA Finals. What you cant do is deny that what took place last night was absolutely awesome. Two teammates going off with all time clutch performances is exactly what this series needed to become at least a little interesting heading back to Cleveland, and it's exactly what the NBA needed for the Draymond Green storyline to get swept directly under the rug.

Unless you're a Warriors fan, of course, it was simply impossible to justify talking about the absence of the dick wrecker when two different players were keeping the entire basketball viewing world teetering on the edge of their seats. Now, did the suspension of the Warriors best, most versatile defender aid in what turned out to be two offensive outputs for the ages? Undoubtedly. However, this series - that seemed all but over following Game 4 - needed a shot in the arm and boy did it get it. I'll never be convinced that the NBA's decision to hit Draymond Green with the fateful fragrant wasn't at least partially influenced by their desire for this series to go at least 6 games and not only did they get what they want, but they got it in the the most electric fashion possible. 

I don't think anyone is under some illusion that a combined 82 points from the Cavaliers top two players is in any way replicable so this series is still well in doubt, but the importance that it's even a little intriguing can't possibly be overstated. For the league, to salvage a disastrously unentertaining postseason. For the fans, to continue to avoid a long summer filled with baseball and boredom - if only for 3(!) more days.