LeBron Makes His Fifth Consecutive Finals Appearance

Don’t act like you are surprised. How could you be?!

LeBron James is a two-time NBA champion, four-time league MVP, and one of the game’s best players averaging 27.6 points and 10.4 rebounds this year in the playoffs.

James post-season play has been phenomenal, but what has been the most impressive characteristic of James is his maturity, leadership and will to win. James returns to the Finals for a fifth consecutive year and is using that experience to fuel him.

Growing up in Cleveland, this championship run the Cavaliers are making takes a special place in my heart. Hell, to even hear the words “championship” and “Cleveland” in the same sentence is strange for me. What I keep going back to for constant positive thoughts during the series is LeBron’s letter (the opposite of “The Decision”) that he released to Sports Illustrated below:

“I feel my calling here goes above basketball. I have a responsibility to lead, in more ways than one, and I take that very seriously. My presence can make a difference in Miami, but I think it can mean more where I’m from. Our community, which has struggled so much, needs all the talent it can get. In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have. I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m coming home.”

LeBron’s back is a bit sore (literally and figuratively) from carrying the Cavs, but his supporting cast has definitely stepped up. With no Kevin Love and an injured Kyrie Irving the most unlikely players are making a name for themselves.

Matthew Dellavedova, the backup point guard single handedly won Game 3 against the Hawks, scoring 17 points off the bench. He has been the defensive and energetic spark plug for the Cavaliers always ending up in scrappy hustle plays on the floor leaving 110% on the court. In Game 6 of Cleveland’s series clincher against the Bulls, Dellavedova posted 19 points as well.

Forward Tristan Thompson is a big, gritty man who can guard multiple positions defensively and kill it on the offensive glass to get second chance points.

JR Smith scored a playoff career high 28 points and set a Cavaliers playoff franchise record nailing eight 3-pointers and is acting as a 3-point specialist.  Smith brings the cockiness and swagger that every locker room needs.

But make no mistake…this is LeBron’s town, this is LeBron’s team and it’s starting to look like it might be his time too.

– Morgan

10 Best Player Tattoos

Ladies and gentlemen, ’tis the season to be single and if you’re opinion is anything like mine, a tatted man is the best kind of man. There’s something beautiful and badass about a man who’s willing to have a needle stabbed into his body several times to ultimately create a work of art. No? Athletes are notorious for showcasing their art so without further a due, here are the 10 BEST Player Tattoos!

10. CC Sabathia

NY Yankees pitcher, CC Sabathia, is the next badass on this list. Although CC doesn’t have pecks like Kap, he sure is feeling himself like Nicki and Bey! Sabathia makes this list simply because of all the detail put into his back! His last name coming out of flames is actually fuego, and take a look at that San Fran backdrop underneath with a lion and unicorn framing it. Okay, we see you!

9. Jermaine Jones

Jermaine Jones is arguably one of the best midfielders in America. But nothing says I rock heavy with my country like an American flag in a star tat on the knee! Keep being dope! #Mericuh

8. Mike Scott

Please hear me out. Emojis are definitely a millennial thing: mostly overused but definitely glad we have them because sometimes they make the conversation a million times better. But for you to actually take your favorite Emojis and have them permanently tatted on your body?! You the real MVP. Atlanta Hawks forward, Mike Scott ladies and gents.

7. Matt Kemp

LA Dodgers Matt Kemp makes the list because this beautiful portrait of his grandparents on his chest. Keeping family closest to his heart. What. A. Guy. (Swoon)

6. Colin Kaepernick

San Francisco Niners QB Colin Kaepernick is next on the list. Now his tattoos may not look like much but you have to give a man props for the full chest tattoo that’s supposed to stand for “inner strength, spiritual growth, and humility” and in the mix of that says “against all odds.” Regardless if you love the tat or not, enjoy looking at his chest. 😉 #goodGAWD

5. Daniel Agger

Now I’m no soccer pro, but when I see a tattoo I love, I ride for that player. Danish footballer, Daniel Agger has this insane portrait of Vikings in a graveyard that takes up his entire back. I won’t say much about it, because all you can really do is appreciate the detail in this true work of art.

4. Monta Ellis

The Dallas Mav’s Monta Ellis has a full tree on his stomach. Stretching from his chest all the way down to his naval. Should I say more?

3. Devin Thomas

Okay so remember earlier when I said “a tatted man is the best kind of man,” well that’s true. AND if it’s paired with a guy who’s still in touch with his inner child? Count me in! TWICE! Yeah, sure, Detriot Lions’ Devin Thomas has other tattoos, but come on! Having Goku from Dragon Ball Z tatted on your back is the flyest thing since Nike Air Force Ones first drop! Play on playa! 😉

2. J.R. Smith

Cleveland Cavs guard J.R. Smith obviously makes the top 2 on this list. Of course we all know JR is super tatted but if you look closely at his neck, you’d think you’re staring at simply a Yankees symbol, but over that tattoo says “Young Money.” As in the record group that Lil’ Wayne owns. Oh yes, he did. The brave soul has a Young Money tattooed on his throat and yes, I’m here for it.

1. Tim Howard

How could I make a list about tattoos and not have Tim Howard at numero uno! This American goalie is completely covered in ink. He has a dragon, a crucifix, pictures of his mother as a young woman and his grandfather in military uniform, and a Superman logo. With all those tats, I’ll be his Lois Lane any day of the week! #comefindme

– Nicolette