The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers are basking in the glory of their NBA Finals win with a flashy celebration for their decade anniversary, but let’s call a spade a spade—this is a classic case of corporate sports media pushing a narrative that suits their interests. Big networks like ESPN love a good comeback story, especially when it involves flashy celebrations, spinning it into a feel-good, underdog narrative to keep viewers engaged and on board. It’s all about ratings, folks, not integrity.

In stark contrast, the 2004 Detroit Pistons, famously grounded and gritty, aren’t about to leap on the bandwagon of self-congratulation. Ben Wallace’s comments to TMZ Sports make it clear: that’s just not “their style.” This is where the contrast highlights a significant gap between two approaches to success: one driven by individual accolades and marketing glitter, while the other stays true to a team-centric, blue-collar ethos. Corporate media? Don’t expect them to air that kind of humility—they’d rather sell the glam than honor the grind.

Where ESPN and other platforms glamorize the self-congratulatory spirit of the Cavs, a truly independent narrative respects the rugged authenticity of the Pistons. But let’s face it: authenticity doesn’t sell like spectacle does. So here we are, stuck with the same recycled narratives that cater to the masses, while the real stories, the gritty ones, may never see the light of day. It’s time to demand a new standard in sports media.