TEL AVIV, Israel — The Cleveland Cavaliers suddenly have far fewer fans in Israel after the firing of David Blatt.
The shock announcement on Friday, despite the second-year coach leading the Cavs to the NBA Finals a year ago and to the top of the Eastern Conference this season, was taken personally by many fans in Israel, where the Boston-born Blatt made his name professionally, met his wife and raised his family.
News of the firing topped all Israeli newscasts Saturday, knocking Middle East violence off the headlines.
The provincial pride in Blatt was suddenly replaced with anger toward the Cavaliers and their perceived coldhearted send-off.