So, the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers felt like a Hollywood blockbuster. I mean, who could forget the intense seven-game series the previous year? The Warriors, with their 73-9 record in the 2015-2016 season, seemed unstoppable, yet the Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, managed to clinch the title. Fast forward to 2017, and the stage was set for another epic showdown.
The Warriors had a new weapon in their arsenal: Kevin Durant. Can you believe they added a four-time NBA scoring champion to an already potent lineup? The Warriors went 67-15 in the regular season, thanks to the combined brilliance of Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. That season, they didn’t just look good on paper; they looked unstoppable on the court. Their offensive efficiency, measured by points scored per 100 possessions, was through the roof.
The Cavaliers weren’t too shabby either. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love formed a formidable core. LeBron was having one of his best seasons statistically, averaging around 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. Those are some elite numbers right there! Kyrie, on the other hand, dazzled with his ball-handling skills and clutch performances. You just know it’s going to be fireworks when these two teams meet.
Before the Finals, analysts and fans debated whether Durant would fit into Golden State’s already established rhythm. Would the Warriors lose their identity with KD? Those doubts didn’t last long. By Game 1, Durant proved he was the missing piece of their puzzle. He dropped 38 points in the opener and dominated throughout the series. You remember that dagger three-pointer he sank in Game 3, right? Utterly demoralizing for Cleveland.
Let’s not forget the shooting clinic put on by Curry and Thompson. Between the two “Splash Brothers,” they combined for over 50 points per game in the series. Curry, with his deep threes, seemed to stretch the floor unlike any other player in NBA history. And Draymond, the unsung hero, anchored the defense and kept everyone in check.
The Cavaliers had their moments, though. Game 4, where they avoided the sweep, saw them make an NBA Finals record with 24 three-pointers in a single game. Kyrie went off for 40 points, and LeBron added a triple-double. That’s the kind of competitiveness you expect in the Finals. But honestly, the Warriors just had too much firepower.
With the upgrades in their roster, the Warriors outlasted the Cavaliers in five games, clinching the 2017 NBA Championship. This time, they didn’t let a 3-1 lead slip away like in 2016. Durant earned the Finals MVP by averaging a whopping 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His efficiency was mind-boggling, shooting over 55% from the field and 47% from beyond the arc. You could say he was in a different zone altogether.
One aspect that stood out was the speed and transition game of the Warriors. They had multiple possessions where they just zoomed past the Cavs’ defense. Imagine having four All-Stars who can all run and shoot at an elite level. The Warriors’ offensive tempo was something else; it felt almost like watching a finely tuned machine at work. They’d turn defense into offense so swiftly, it was a sight to behold.
Another memorable moment for me was the camaraderie and chemistry the Warriors displayed. Whether it was celebratory chest bumps or synchronized plays, you could see they gelled well both on and off the court. This rapport translated into their gameplay, making them a hard nut to crack.
Off the court, the Finals also had significant implications for the NBA business side. The series drew millions of viewers globally, bringing in substantial advertising revenue. According to estimates, the 2017 NBA Finals generated around $223 million in advertising revenue for ABC, the network broadcasting the series. That’s a pretty hefty sum. And let’s not ignore the merchandise sales; jerseys, hats, and other Warriors and Cavaliers gear flew off the shelves.
Furthermore, the 2017 Finals also sparked numerous discussions around “superteams” and competitive balance in the league. With Durant joining the Warriors, many debated whether this sort of stacking the deck was good for the sport. While some fans loved the drama and high level of play, others worried it made the league too predictable. There’s no denying that these conversations highlighted changing dynamics in free agency and player movement.
2017 nba finals set a high bar for excitement and competition. It wasn’t just another championship series; it was a symbol of basketball’s evolution. With each game, every shot, and every defensive stop, the Finals wrote another chapter in NBA history, one we’ll be reminiscing about for years to come.