On June 19, 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers made history by winning the NBA championship against the Golden State Warriors, marking the first championship win in Cleveland’s major sports history. The victory was a defining moment for the city of Cleveland and for the entire Cavs fanbase.
At the heart of the celebration was photographer Georgio Sabino III, who captured the memorable moments of the team’s triumph. Sabino, who runs a small photography business, covered the championship win and documented the team’s journey to the top.
After the win, Sabino wrote a letter to the White House, asking for the opportunity to photograph the Cavs being honored by President Obama. In the letter, Sabino stated, “We are a small business covering big stories.” President Obama honored the request and met with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including Kevin Love and Kyrie Irvin.
For Sabino, this moment was particularly special as he had met LeBron James when he was just 18 years old. Sabino’s son also had the opportunity to photograph LeBron during the parade in Cleveland, which was a historic celebration for the city and its residents. GS3 also photographed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar while he was on a book tour at the Cleveland Library.
Today, LeBron James continues to make history as the highest-scoring player in NBA history, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Sabino’s photographs serve as a reminder of the remarkable moments that took place during LeBron’s journey, and the impact that he has had on the city of Cleveland and the entire NBA.
The championship win of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 was a historic moment that will be remembered for years to come. Georgio Sabino III’s photographs captured the joy and excitement of the victory, and serve as a testament to the hard work and determination of the team and its players. Congratulations LeBron James!!! We are kids from Ohio.