It took until Game 7, but basketball fans finally got a game that went down to the wire in the NBA Finals between the Cavaliers and Warriors. And being the hoops head that he is, President Barack Obama wasn’t about to miss the ending of Cleveland’s 93-89 victory.
MORE: Shut up, LeBron haters | How the Cavs came up clutch
Returning from Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and Yosemite National Park in California — a trip to encourage people to visit national parks — Obama and his family landed at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday night at 10:19 p.m. ET, when there were less than two minutes left in Game 7.
They weren’t quick to deplane Air Force One, with the White House confirming to reporters that Obama spent an extra 10 minutes on board to watch the end of the game.
Pres Obama leads family off Air Force One. But stayed on board until NBA Championship Game had ended. pic.twitter.com/KmWQ4PEQXg
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 20, 2016
First Family walks to WH from Marine One. Pres Obama ignored shouted question about the NBA Game. pic.twitter.com/VQFESTOMVT
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 20, 2016
By the time the President, First Lady and their two daughters emerged from the plane at 10:37 p.m. ET, the Cavaliers were in full celebration mode, and Obama passed along his own congratulations.
What a game and what a series for the @Cavs. Happy to see @KingJames bring it home for Cleveland!
— President Obama (@POTUS) June 20, 2016