The Spurs Won, but Sager Owned the Night
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The San Antonio Spurs opened up their 2016-2017 season with a dominant win over the Golden State Warriors. Kawhi Leonard scored a career-high 35 points and crashed the Kevin Durant party. Fans were leaving the Oracle Arena in droves.
But the real story of the night was also the best feel good story of the night. The NBA continued it's support for Craig Sager in his fight vs leukemia in the most Craig Sager way possible. He wasn't in attendance, but he stole the show. It was announced that a select number of custom Nike's would be auctioned off that were designed by Sager (pictured below) and the proceeds will go to the SagerStrong Foundation. Every member of the NBA on TNT crew had t-shirts that resembled the unique suits Sager wears. And the Oracle Arena was filled with fans wearing a separate shirt that also honored Sager. 
The NBA has been a league that gets it right. Adam Silver doesn't get enough credit for that. Last night they could have easily carried on with the opening night celebration and then next week they could have dedicated a night to Sager. Instead, the NBA gave it's spotlight to Sager. The game that will likely have the highest ratings for a next few weeks, was basically turned into a time slot dedicated to spreading awareness about Sager's illness, updating on his recovery, informing the audience of the SagerStrong Foundation, and a moment for the entire NBA to show one man how much they love him. The game last night was kind of about basketball and a lot about humanity.
The NBA has been a league that gets it right. Adam Silver doesn't get enough credit for that. Last night they could have easily carried on with the opening night celebration and then next week they could have dedicated a night to Sager. Instead, the NBA gave it's spotlight to Sager. The game that will likely have the highest ratings for a next few weeks, was basically turned into a time slot dedicated to spreading awareness about Sager's illness, updating on his recovery, informing the audience of the SagerStrong Foundation, and a moment for the entire NBA to show one man how much they love him. The game last night was kind of about basketball and a lot about humanity.
