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#3 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors - December 2016
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors had one of the biggest team rivalries in sporting history between 2015 and 2018 when they squared off in four straight NBA finals.
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The last two finals series' were one-sided in favor of the Warriors. Kevin Durant, who joined the team in 2016, had a huge role to play in that. The Warriors went on to register a formidable 8-1 record in nine finals matchups against LeBron James' Cavs after the signing of Durant.
Despite that, James still managed to have many great individual games during the stretch as Durant continued to bring out the best in him. The two teams were scheduled to face off on Christmas Day during the 2016-17 NBA season. Fans witnessed a belter of a game, as LeBron James and Kevin Durant put on a show.
Both recorded 30-point double-doubles. James scored 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Durant registered 36 points and 15 rebounds in that matchup. KD had the better individual stat-line, but it was James who emerged victorious that night. Cleveland edged the Warriors by a margin of one point, beating them 109-108.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors - 2017 NBA Finals
The Cleveland Cavaliers had a difficult time competing against the Golden State Warriors in the 2017 NBA Finals. The Cavs avoided a series sweep in Game 4 but eventually lost the tie in Game 5 to go down 1-4 and lose the title to the Warriors.
LeBron James tried his best to help his team get over the line, but Kevin Durant ensured the Warriors did not squander another opportunity to finish the series. James scored 41 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in that game, while Durant had 39 points, six rebounds and five assists.
It was one of the most epic duels in an NBA Finals game. The Warriors won that tie 129-120. Durant was named Finals MVP that year.
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors - January 2018
The regular-season matchup in January 2018 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors was the last time LeBron James and Kevin Durant were firing on all cylinders against each other at the same time.
The duo tallied 32 points each for their respective teams and were highly efficient with their shooting. James shot 12 of 18 from the field, while Durant made 9 of 15 shots. The latter also managed to knock down all ten of his free-throw attempts.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant were unstoppable that night. Durant's Golden State Warriors were the better team, though, as they won the tie 118-108.
