The First Game of the 2017 NBA Finals Was Really Just a Battle Between Rihanna and Kevin Durant
And she won.

Rihanna, blessed be her name, stopped by the first game of the NBA finals to support LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and went ahead and started a rivalry with Kevin Durant. But first, let's rewind to her appearance on court—a moment so stunning commentator Jeff Van Gundy morphed into a teenage fab-boy and squealed: "I don't about this, but Rihanna just walked in front of me. Are you kidding me?" he said.
"Rihanna just walked in front of me." Jeff Van Gundy, the realest, out here willing to risk it all. pic.twitter.com/z2jTfiBYrhJune 2, 2017
Rihanna then took her seat, but she didn't just watch the game. No, she heckled the other team (the Golden State Warriors), served side-eye, and caused the internet to melt down into meme-dom.
"LISTEN BRUH RIHANNA SITTING RIGHT THERE YOU NEED TO BALL OUT TONIGHT" pic.twitter.com/Boot2M902CJune 2, 2017
Oh, and she dabbed.
Amazing. Rihanna bows to LeBron then hits a dab and small waves a Warriors fan telling her to sit down.💀 pic.twitter.com/q0IyIPIbGKJune 2, 2017
But, friends: it was RiRi's searing battle of glares with Kevin Durant that was the real winner, which began after she yelled "BRICK" during his free-throw.
Listen: Rihanna yells "BRIIIIIICK!!!" at Durant during free throw, he stares her down twice 😂 (h/t @tshent) pic.twitter.com/XYdFOv9mc3June 2, 2017
By the way, Durant was asked about the moment, and had this to say:
Reporter: "...you looked towards the crowd towards Rihanna. Was that on purpose?"KD: "I dont even remember that."#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/P4AIN2zyunJune 2, 2017
HERE FOR THIS RIVALRY.
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Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.