Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said Monday that he is rooting for the Cleveland Cavaliers to extend their playoff run at the expense of the Republican National Convention.
The Ohio Democrat was being interviewed on WAKR radio when host Jasen Sokol asked him for his NBA finals pick. The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing the Golden State Warriors for the second year in a row for the league championship.
“It’s going to be the Cavs, obviously. And guess what this is going to do, if they go all the way to the end,” Strickland said. “It’s going to throw a monkey wrench into plans for the Republican convention.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Sokol asked.
“I appreciate the community’s enthusiasm for the convention. A lot of resources are going to come in,” Strickland replied. “I hope it’s a wonderful experience for everyone, including local folks.
“But I’d prefer to see the Cavs win the championship than give the Republicans an extra two weeks to prepare for their convention.”
The Cavaliers are currently down 2-0 to the Warriors in the best-of-seven series. Sokol asked if Strickland’s prediction meant that he assumes the Cavaliers are going to win the series in six games.
“I don’t care how many it goes, as long as the Cavs are the ultimate winners,” he said.
The Warriors won Game 1 of the series 104-89 and Game 2 110-77. Most analysts predict the NBA finals will be over relatively quickly.
The worst-case scenario for the RNC would be if the series goes to seven games, which would then mean the last home game for Cleveland would be played on June 16.
The RNC is scheduled to be held at Quicken Loans Arena from July 18-21.
