Tifo -- it’s not just a soccer thing anymore.
Cleveland Cavaliers fans unfurled a rather large banner Tuesday night in the lower deck of QuickenLoans Arena with the phrase “there’s always this year” emblazoned on it before Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Perhaps inspired by the induction of a number of MLS clubs' supporters' groups, known for their elaborate and gigantic displays during rivalry games, tifo has only been getting bigger, better and more creative around the country – and now, apparently, has infiltrated other sports.
There was a tifo attempted by fans of Notre Dame's football team last year, but it didn't quite work out.
The Cavs banner on Tuesday night referred to a line known by many a fan of struggling franchises: “There’s always next year.” For Cleveland, that's especially poignant: They haven't had a major pro team title since the 1964 NFL title game, which predates the Super Bowl era.