I grew watching basketball. My brother was good, he was 12 years older, but I remember watching him in Jr. High School, then high school and some in college and even when he was in the Navy, saw him play once.
I spent many a weekend at the old Coliseum at the Fairgrounds in Dayton, Ohio watching touring teams that came to town. The House of David, the Globetrotters, Caterpillar Tractors, Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, the Dayton Mets. Saw Cousey and some of the early big men. I watched a lot of basketball.
Last night, I watched the opening of the Championship game, Lakers and Celtics then went to something else. Watched part of the 4th quarter when it was getting close, but turned the TV off and listened to the radio when I went to bed. I didn't even know the outcome till later on the next day, and, I have to admit, I really didn't care who won. The network had it go to seven games, the Celts jumped out to a lead, then TV wanted it close, probably wanted the Lakers to win. More to talk about if then won. All the coaches victories, more of a story, so they won, just like the network wanted.
All the players and coaches made their millions, the owners got rich, the network got rich, the advertisers were happy, a great tournament, just like the script called for.
I was an avid fan, when it was two teams competing, honestly, not just for the millions.
The LA fans are happy, a lot of BIG names .... wonder what it cost them?
