It wasn’t the prettiest win, but Cleveland’s 112-107 victory at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Wednesday night had a little extra magic. The Wine & Gold not only secured their 12th straight win but also officially clinched a playoff spot with 20 games still to play. But for Cavs fans, the real treat wasn’t just the win—it was seeing former player Richard Jefferson right there, calling the action.

But Jefferson wasn’t the only ex-Cav in the building. The night turned into a mini-2016 championship team gathering, as Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson were also in the house. Before the game even started, things took a hilarious turn when Love and Thompson spotted their former teammate. Without hesitation, they swarmed Jefferson in a playful ambush, bringing back memories of their title-winning chemistry.

Jefferson’s reaction? A mix of nostalgia and professionalism. Even as he soaked in the love, he tried to keep it together. “I’m trying to work here, I love these guys, I love these guys. I’m trying to work, I’m professional,” he said with a grin, attempting to maintain his composure while his former teammates refused to let him off the hook.

However, Jefferson later shared it on Instagram. Posting a clip, he wrote, “I was just minding my business when all of a sudden..” He even followed up with an IG story, laughing it off with, “These guys 😂😂😂.” Clearly, the love from his old squad caught him off guard.

Each of them took different paths to that historic 2016 Cavaliers team—Jefferson as a veteran leader, Love as a blockbuster trade acquisition, and Thompson as the homegrown talent. But on this night, none of that mattered. For Cavs fans, it was a moment of pure nostalgia. And the good news? They’ll be seeing more of Jefferson soon.

Richard Jefferson will return during NBA Finals

It’s going to be a star-studded lineup on the mics for the 2025 NBA Finals, and this time, and former Cavaliers champion Richard Jefferson is stepping up. A few weeks ago, ESPN confirmed its broadcast team for the biggest stage in basketball, and Jefferson is officially in. He’ll be joining the legendary duo of Mike Breen and Doris Burke, marking his first time calling an NBA Finals since becoming part of ESPN’s No. 1 crew.

Why he was chosen? Maybe for his humor. “For me personally, the people that I geek out over are comedians. When I drive in my car, I listen to comedy. I love quick-witted humor,” he told GQ during an interview. And top of it, this isn’t new territory for Jefferson.

Throughout the season, he’s been right there in the booth for some of the league’s biggest matchups, working alongside Breen and Burke. He even had a front-row seat to the shocking Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers, reacting like most fans—completely baffled by Nico Harrison’s decision. His takes have been sharp, and his chemistry with the crew has been undeniable.

Now, the NBA Finals stage is set, and for Jefferson, this is a major milestone in his broadcasting career. His mix of humor and insight has made him a fan favorite, and alongside Breen’s iconic calls and Burke’s in-depth analysis, this trio might just deliver one of the most entertaining Finals broadcasts in recent memory.