As a huge basketball fan, I couldn't wait for the 2017 NBA Finals, especially given how the season had unfolded. The anticipation was insane because we had the Golden State Warriors going head-to-head with the Cleveland Cavaliers. I remember staying glued to my TV, not wanting to miss a single moment. The Warriors had a stellar record with 67 wins in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, posed a formidable challenge.
When Game 1 kicked off on June 1st, everyone was on edge. Kevin Durant was a monster, scoring 38 points. Watching Durant and LeBron James go battle-for-battle felt like a Hollywood movie. Durant shot 14-of-26 from the field, emphasizing his efficiency. The Warriors won that game 113-91. It was just the beginning.
Game 2 was more of the same intensity. India's Times of India reported that Steph Curry became the first player recording a triple-double in the Finals, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. His sharp three-pointers were nearly indefensible. Durant chipped in with 33 points, and they finished the game 132-113, taking a 2-0 series lead. My friends and I were debating if the Cavaliers stood any chance.
Despite the Cavs' best efforts, Game 3 on June 7th demonstrated the Warriors' depth. LeBron was phenomenal, finishing with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. However, it wasn’t enough. Durant scored a clutch three-pointer in the final minute, securing the Warriors' 118-113 victory. It's worth mentioning that this gave them a 3-0 advantage, a mountain the Cavs couldn't easily climb.
Game 4 on June 9th, though, was a turn. The Cavaliers found new life in their home arena. Kyrie Irving put up a dazzling 40 points, and LeBron James added another triple-double to his Finals resume with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. This performance led to a 137-116 win for Cleveland. The arena erupted as folks cheered, believing a comeback might be possible.
But Game 5 was back in Oakland, and it felt like a different ball game. The Warriors led for most of the game. Kevin Durant was the Finals MVP, scoring 39 points in this crucial game. He averaged 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists throughout the series. We cannot forget Curry's contribution—34 points and 10 assists that night. The Warriors clinched the championship with a 129-120 victory. This win was their second title in three years, and honestly, it felt like a new dynasty was born.
The dissecting of their journey didn't just stop there. The sports community couldn't stop buzzing. ESPN analysts pointed out how the addition of Kevin Durant created an almost unstoppable team. One article in the arena plus emphasized that the Warriors' roster had become more than just a collection of All-Stars; it was a perfectly engineered basketball machine. I remember analysts arguing how the Cavaliers had little to no answer for the Warriors' firepower. The statistics supported these claims. Golden State averaged 121.6 points per game over the five-match stretch, pulling down 42.6 rebounds per game, compared to Cleveland's 114.4 and 41.2, respectively.
The Finals not only defined legacies but also set the bar incredibly high for subsequent seasons. Fans like me started comparing this Warriors team to the 1996 Chicago Bulls, who also set a record for regular-season wins with 72 victories. Off the court, merchandise sales skyrocketed. According to an article on Forbes, the Warriors’ brand value jumped by 18 percent after their win, solidifying their status as an NBA powerhouse.
Sitting and reminiscing, I'm astonished by the peak level of competition we witnessed. From the overpowering Warriors to the relentless Cavaliers led by LeBron James, the 2017 NBA Finals offered basketball at its finest. It’s these memories and stats that keep the love for the game alive in me, and I can't wait to see what the next season brings.