Former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Phil Handy has reflected on the Cavs’ historical 2016 NBA Finals victory.
The Cavaliers became the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 finals series deficit in 2016, breaking a 52-year championship drought for the city of Cleveland.
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“It was unbelievable,” Handy told SEN’s The Sporting Capital.
“Just being able to go on that journey, that is the pinnacle of basketball for every player, every coach.
“Your dream is to play in the NBA and your dream is to win a NBA championship.
“Our path to that just wasn’t normal. We were down 3-1, when you’re in a situation like that, odds aren’t looking good.
“It was an unbelievable journey. Probably the best thing I have ever experienced in terms of my basketball career.
“To be able to win that championship in the NBA, but in my hometown, I’m from Oakland, I played for Golden State. There was a lot of emotion for me involved in that.
“The history of Cleveland, that was a historical championship for the city, historical for LeBron (James) in terms of his development in the city.
“Guys like Kevin (Love), never won a championship, guys like Kyrie (Irving), never won a championship, guys like Richard (Jefferson), spending his whole career, 15 years, never won a championship.
“It was a magical journey and definitely something I will never forget.”
Listen to Phil Handy’s chat with Jack Heverin on SEN’s The Sporting Capital in the player below