The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached the playoffs 20 times in their 46-year history. But on Sunday night, they finally reached the promised land—winning the NBA title on their third trip to the Finals. Cavaliers fans could be forgiven for not quite believing that the day had come.
That's the theme memorably illustrated in this new Nike spot from Wieden + Kennedy in Portland, Ore. "Worth the Wait" shows fans from around city—as well as the team's top players, including LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and J.R. Smith—celebrating their long-awaited triumph.
The theme isn't new—it brings to mind BBH's great spot about Andy Murray's Wimbledon victory in 2013, which ended a drought of 77 years for British male singles champions there. But it feels like the perfect tribute to Cleveland—the team and its fans.
And of course, if things had gone south on Sunday, it never would have aired at all.
CREDITS
Client: Nike
Agency: Wieden + Kennedy, Portland, Ore.