CLEVELAND — After taking down one of the best teams in NBA history, LeBron James had a heartfelt moment with one of the game's most popular sideline reporters.
James was interviewed by Craig Sager after Cleveland's 115-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 on Thursday (Friday, Manila time) tied the NBA Finals at three games apiece.
It was Sager's first NBA Finals in 34 years on the job. His employer, TNT, worked out a deal with ABC, the network that broadcast the game, to get Sager on the air.
Sager was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014 and has been in a fight for his life over the last two years. After asking James several questions about the game and his 41-point performance, Sager congratulated him on the victory.
"First of all, let me ask you a question," James said with a wide grin. "How in the hell do you go 30-plus years without getting a finals game? That don't make no sense."
Decked out in one of his trademark colorful suits, this one a black number with blue and silver flowers, Sager beamed as James continued his salute.
"I'm happy to see you, man," James said. "Much love and respect. I'm happy I was able to witness it in front of these fans. We really appreciate you."
Sager replied, "Thanks for entertaining me."
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