The 2016/17 NBA season came to a finish earlier yesterday, with the Golden State Warriors clinching their second championship in three seasons, as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1 in the NBA Finals.
This was the third time these two teams were meeting in the finals, with both teams having split the previous two series in the past two seasons.
This time, however, it was the Warriors, who lifted the trophy, wearing the specially designed ‘Champions’ tee-shirt, which you can buy in the NBA Store on Jabong.
With the team from Oakland completing a win that was comfortable in hindsight, here's a look at five reasons why their 2016/17 title was one of the best ever:
#1 Curry-Durant deliver the goods
When Kevin Durant agreed to leave Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors, everyone admitted that he would help the Oakland franchise become one of the best offensive NBA teams in history.
However, to overcome the loss of defensive specialists from the team, the 6'9" swingman focused extra on the defensive side of his game, becoming a very good shot blocker, apart from having a physical presence in defence.
It was his ability to play both sides of the floor, in tandem with Curry's ability to set the incredible pace that Golden State play at, that helped them become offensive juggernaut that they were in the 2016/17 season.
Curry averaged 25 points per game in the regular season, and elevated it to 28 in the playoffs, with his quick hands and aggressive pushing of the pace, helping to set the tone on both defence and offence.
Kevin Durant also averaged 25 points per game in the regular season, and pushed his scoring to 28 in the playoffs. His ability to defend multiple positions and score in pressure situations made his combination with Curry a truly memorable one.
#2 Green, Thomson and Igoudala’s sacrifices
The addition of Kevin Durant meant that everyone except Steph Curry would see the ball very less on offence. Someone like Klay Thomson could have objected to that issue, but despite being an All-Star, he had no problems adjusting to the situation, instead focusing on playing good defence, and making the most of his opportunities on offence.
As one of the few players who can guard all five positions in the league, Draymond Green helped offset the departure of Andrew Bogut by taking the mantle of becoming their defensive anchor even more, and helped facilitate the offence to relieve the pressure on Durant and Curry.
Despite Durant joining the team, Andre Igoudala managed his time on the court very well and acted as a player to facilitate ball movement on offence, while using his strength and active hands to perfect use on defence.
The three of them often had the responsibility of guarding the most explosive offensive talents on the other teams, and ensured that they gave it their all, giving the team a strong platform to build on.
#3 Lebron James and Kyrie Irving's incredible numbers
The Cleveland Cavaliers gave it their all, but the defending champions just did not have as many offensive weapons as the Golden State Warriors. Their heavy dependence on James and Irving for ball handling and scoring was their weakness ultimately, as they just did not have enough left in the tank to challenge consistently.
Despite that, both the Cleveland players put in tremendous performances in the finals, with James averaging 33 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists per game, while Irving put up 29 points and added four rebounds along with four assists.
Kevin Love did have a decent series, but the Cavaliers' hopes were pinned on the duo of James and Irving outplaying the Warriors' duo of Durant and Curry, and despite their scarcely believable numbers, Golden State's teamwork was too good for the team from Cleveland.
#4 16-1 playoff run
What made the Warriors' Championship run even more incredible is the fact that they were head and shoulders above any other team in the West, winning all series' without dropping a single game, creating a new record in the process. Losing just one game to defending champions Cleveland shows just how clued in and focused the Warriors were, and their win is a testament to their players and coaching staff.
The Warriors were able to integrate Kevin Durant seamlessly into their offensive and defensive schemes and designed specific plays to help him ease into the system. Credit to coach Steve Kerr and his assistant Mike Brown, who even doubled up as acting head coach when Kerr was out with his back problem.
Kerr and his team also utilised Durant's size and athleticism perfectly, making him a strong weapon on defence, while using the intelligence and movement of Draymond Green, Klay Thomson and Andre Igoudala to keep the offence fluid despite having two great isolation offensive players.
#5 Erasing the heartbreaking memories of the 2016 NBA Finals
A year ago, the Warriors were in this exact position, leading 3-1 and playing at Oracle Arena, with the chance to end the series in front of their home crowd. However, Lebron James and the Cavaliers had other ideas, and they came back to win the series and the Championship, 4-3.
This time, there was a different level of focus exhibited by the team from Oakland, as they were intent on closing the series as soon as possible. A loss in the fourth game did not deter them and they went into game five with the right attitude. They set the pace and were able to control how they wanted to play. Securing a comfortable win in the end showed that they were deserved winners, as they took a 2-1 lead in series' between the two teams.
Overcoming a big setback like they had to, and forgetting the trauma of their previous season, despite their record-breaking exploits, took a lot of courage to accomplish, and the Golden State Warriors showed the right character needed to become NBA champions once more.
In the end, they celebrated with the trophy with special tee-shirt that stated what they were – CHAMPIONS! You, too, can get your hands on the exclusive ‘GSW Champions’ tee on the NBA Store on Jabong.
Guess the Lakers players!
