The NBA figured 52 years was long enough. Cleveland fans won’t have to wait longer than they have to for their championship banner to be raised.
The Cavaliers will receive their championship rings on opening night against the New York Knicks on Oct. 25. They’ll also host Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors in a highly anticipated rematch on Christmas Day — this time at home. It will be their first home game on Christmas since 2008.
The Cavs will face Carmelo Anthony and the revamped Knicks at home to start a season for the second time in three years — the two teams also met on opening night when James first returned to Cleveland two years ago. More details regarding the special opening night ceremonies and championship celebration will be released later.
The game against the Warriors is followed by a return trip to Oracle Arena on Martin Luther King Day, the capstone to a grueling 11-day, six-city trip that spans both coasts and three time zones. It will be the team’s first trip back to Oakland since winning the championship there in June.
Other schedule highlights include a trip to the Washington Wizards on Nov. 11 that will likely include a stop at the White House to visit with President Obama to celebrate the championship.
The Cavs will play on national television at least 34 times, including 19 at home.
Jason Lloyd can be reached at jlloyd@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Cavs blog at www.ohio.com/cavs. Follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/JasonLloydABJ.