On Saturday, October 18, 2008, I attended my very first NBA (pre-season)game. It was the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the Philadelphia 76ers at the "Q" Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. I am a Clevelander and have actually been watching the Cavaliers on tv since I was a kid; the days of Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance, Craig Ehlo. But in recent years, with the arrival of Lebron James and Directtv at my house, I have been watching more Cavs basketball and have really become a fan of the team. And I finally got to my first Cavaliers' basketball game on 10/18/08. I had a good time, although it was a preseason game. The sparse crowd was pumped and the guys (The Cavs) played great--especially at the end--and rallied to win 100-97. Best of all was seeing them win. I was extremely happy about that :)Lebron James did not play in the fourth quarter but did get off some nice shots when he was in that got the crowd going. Based on what I saw in that night's game, I thought there  was reason for the Cavs' fans to be optimistic this season.  And so far the Cavaliers have not disappointed this 2008-09 season. Cleveland sports fans need something to get excited about. All in all, I enjoyed my first time at an NBA basketball game;a Cavaliers game. I gave that exprience  a B+. There were a few things I could have done without at the game. During the timeouts, there were these games that people from the crowd played, like spinning themselves dizzy on baseball bats. I thought it was silly and unnecessary. Why do they have to have these childish contests, which are clearly marketing ploys, during the ball game? Call me a purist, but I am there to see a basketball game; that is what matters. I attended some Indians games and they did not have such nonsense during timeouts. Another thing I could have done without are the dancers (the girls and the hip-hop dance team that I think is dubbed "scream team"). They were nothing spectacular and nothing to do with basketball. They, I think, are also just there to market to those in attendance who may not be basketball fans. I think the experience of attending an NBA game should be all about the fans; true fans; people who really appreciate and come to see to the game of basketball.
It was still a fun evening; it was nice to get out of the house and it was awesome to see a Cavs' win. I think I'll do it again soon.