LeBron James will make his much-awaited return to the Cleveland Cavaliers when they open their season against the New York Knicks on Thursday at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
James, who decided to return to the team that drafted him after spending the past four seasons in Miami, said that he is very excited to play in front of hometown fans, who are expected to welcome him with open arms at the Q.
"It means everything to be able to open our NBA campaign here in Cleveland with these fans. It's going to be a special moment," James said via ESPN. "We can't take it for granted. You don't get moments like this, they don't come around every day."
James is no stranger to big games and media spotlight, but the four-time Most Valuable Player said that their upcoming match against the Knicks might be the biggest sporting event in the city's history.
"For me, I know all of us shouldn't take this moment for granted. This is probably one of the biggest sporting events that is up there ever," James said after their shootaround on Thursday morning.
The Cavaliers are considered as one of the best teams on paper this season after acquiring James during the offseason and building a great supporting cast led by Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving.
Cavaliers coach David Blatt is also expected to have a fair share of the spotlight as he will be coaching in his first game in the NBA after spending successful years overseas. The rookie coach said that he, along with his coaching staff, are excited to get things going this season.
"Myself and my staff, we are as excited as anybody," Blatt said. "This is the beginning of the journey. And we have worked hard during the course of the preseason. Our management group and our owners have worked hard to put a good team in our hands and 'very excited' would be a fair way to describe the feeling, yes."
The Cavaliers will be a heavy favorite against the Knicks, especially after the Carmelo Anthony-led squad took a 104-80 loss to the Chicago Bulls in their season opener on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.
The Cavaliers-Knicks match will kick off at 8:00 PM ET and will be shown live on TNT and via NBA League Pass.
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