Some bonds in the NBA never fade, and the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers crew is proof of that. Before the Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers matchup on Wednesday, March 5, Richard Jefferson, Kevin Love, and Tristan Thompson shared a hilarious reunion that had fans feeling all kinds of nostalgia.
Jefferson, now a color commentator for ESPN, was ambushed by his former Cavs teammates, with Love and Thompson playfully mobbing him like it was Game 7 all over again.
And honestly? It was the perfect reminder of just how special that 2016 squad really was.
Echoes of 2016: Cavaliers Still Love Richard Jefferson
It’s been nine long years since the Cavaliers made history. But for that squad, it still feels like yesterday. Do you blame them? They were the only team to ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.
Take all the trades, retirements, and career changes, but the bond between those guys hasn’t gone anywhere. They didn’t miss a beat.
Jefferson was the veteran glue guy on that championship team, bringing energy and experience when it mattered most. Love was the stretch-four sharpshooter, locking in defensively and hitting clutch shots. And Thompson was the hustle machine, crashing the boards and doing the dirty work.
Now? Love is playing in Miami, Thompson is back in Cleveland, and Jefferson is calling games instead of playing in them — but the chemistry remains.
Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love team up to attack Richard Jefferson 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/cNPs27Drwb
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) March 6, 2025
When Love and Thompson jumped on Jefferson, it wasn’t just a random moment. It was a reminder of a brotherhood built through battles, championships, and one of the greatest NBA Finals wins ever.
Cleveland on the Path To Relive Glory
The 2016 season was a legendary one. LeBron James’ iconic chase-down block, Kyrie Irving’s cold-blooded dagger, and the emotional championship parade will always live in Cleveland’s heart.
That said, the current Cavaliers team is writing its own story. With a 112-107 win over the Heat, Cleveland improved to 52-10 on the season, sitting atop the Eastern Conference and looking like a serious contender once again.
Led by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and a deep supporting cast, this Cavs squad has elite defense, balanced scoring, and the kind of chemistry that wins championships. The city is buzzing again, and while this isn’t James’ Cavaliers anymore, the championship DNA still runs deep in Cleveland.
This little pregame moment? It shows what games and comebacks like that can do to a team. It turns them into a family.
And for Cavs fans? It feels like stepping into a time machine and doing it all over again.
