The Cavaliers made history Monday night when they became the first team to wear sleeved jerseys in the NBA Finals.
The Cavs are wearing their Black ⚫️ jerseys for tonight's game for the first time in the Post Season. pic.twitter.com/Ygl0EZcDfd
— CLE Sports Talk (@Cleveland_STC) June 14, 2016
Going with the sleeved jerseys was an interesting choice considering LeBron James ripped the sleeves off his jersey earlier this season. The alternate apparel worked out for the Cavs, however, as they got the win, backed by a huge game from their star player.
MORE: LeBron wise to get Draymond suspended, but now what?
So why did Cleveland opt for the non-traditional jerseys? Because that's what James wanted.
LeBron James made call to wear black sleeved jerseys, I'm told. J.R. Smith says that jersey symbolizes pride. #Cavs were prideful tonight.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 14, 2016
Will the Cavs go with these jerseys in Game 6? If history is an indicator, they'd perform better with sleeved jerseys. Sports Illustrated's Kenny Ducey did the math before Game 5 and found James was 5-0 in the alternate uniforms, and played pretty well, too.
MORE: Kyrie, LeBron connection blossoms in Finals
LeBron James in sleeved jerseys this year (5 games)
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) June 14, 2016
54.4% FG
29.2 pts
5.8 ast
7.6 reb
Cavs 5-1 with sleeves (5-0 w/ LeBron & sleeves)
He's now 6-0 and had a 41-point, 16-rebound, seven-assist performance Monday.
