When the Golden State Warriors secured their third championship title in the 2017 season, they showcased dominance unlike any seen in recent times. I still remember the exhilarating journey, marked by a record-breaking 16-1 postseason run. That’s right, they lost only one game in the entire playoffs! The addition of Kevin Durant to the roster proved to be a game-changer. His scoring average of 35.2 points per game in the Finals displayed his raw talent and validated his decision to join the Warriors.
Stephen Curry, another pivotal player, averaged a striking 26.8 points in the playoffs. This combination of Durant and Curry created a formidable duo that no defense could answer. Their chemistry on the court was electric, with seamless ball handling and precision shooting that left opponents scrambling. Don’t forget Draymond Green, who, with his defensive prowess, contributed significantly by averaging 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. His ability to disrupt the opponent’s flow was crucial in key moments throughout the season.
Golden State’s offensive efficiency was off the charts, thanks in large part to their high three-point shooting accuracy. Klay Thompson, often referred to as the “Splash Brother” alongside Curry, had a series of impressive performances. He consistently hit crucial three-pointers, maintaining an average of 41.4% from beyond the arc in the postseason. This level of accuracy forced teams to spread their defenses thin, providing open lanes for drives and facilitating easy baskets.
During the regular season, the Warriors set themselves apart by winning 67 games. That’s not an easy feat by any means. This impressive win count secured their place as the top seed in the Western Conference, giving them home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. I remember the energy at Oracle Arena; it was palpable, contributing to the team’s relentless drive for another title.
Let’s not forget the coaching genius of Steve Kerr. His strategies were instrumental in optimizing the team’s strengths and covering their weaknesses. Employing a “small-ball” lineup with Draymond Green at center allowed the team to exploit mismatches, creating chaos for opposing defenses. Kerr’s approach to the game emphasized a fast-paced style, characterized by quick ball movement and an emphasis on three-point shooting. This revolutionized how basketball is played and certainly paid dividends in their championship run.
The Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers might have felt like déjà vu, considering it was their third consecutive meeting in the championship series. However, this time around, the Warriors were unbeatable. Game 1 was a statement, with Golden State winning 113-91, setting the tone for the series. Kevin Durant’s 38 points and 8 rebounds in that game were a clear message to everyone watching who the dominant force was. LeBron James, despite his incredible performances, couldn’t carry the Cavs to victory against this powerhouse.
I’ll never forget Game 5, where the Warriors clinched the title with a 129-120 win. Durant’s 39 points and Curry’s 34 points in that decisive game were a testament to their synergy and unrelenting drive. The night ended with Durant being named Finals MVP, a well-deserved honor for his consistent brilliance throughout the series. His performance was a historic one, not just because of the stats but because of the impact it had on the series and the team.
Another key factor was the depth of Golden State’s bench. Role players like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston stepped up when needed. Iguodala, the 2015 Finals MVP, played a crucial role in both offense and defense. His experience and versatility were invaluable, and he often guarded LeBron James, making things difficult for the Cleveland star. Livingston, with his mid-range game, provided essential scoring off the bench and kept the pressure on the Cavaliers whenever the starters took a breather.
The Warriors’ management also deserves credit. Bob Myers, the General Manager, made some shrewd moves to assemble such a talented roster. Signing Durant in free agency was arguably one of the best decisions in NBA history. The investment paid off handsomely. The organization’s attention to analytics and player development set a new standard in the league, ensuring that every player knew their role and executed it to perfection.
Amazing to think that the 2017 NBA Finals, documented on sites like 2017 nba finals, saw TV viewership reach record highs. This reflected the global appeal and the frenzy that the Warriors’ style of basketball generated. People wanted to see this team play, and they didn’t disappoint. From their fast breaks to their incredible defense, it was basketball entertainment at its finest.
In essence, the Golden State Warriors’ 2017 championship run was a culmination of talent, strategy, and impeccable execution. They set new benchmarks in the NBA, and their legacy from that season continues to influence the game today. Unlike anything we’d seen before, that team epitomized what happens when you combine elite skill with brilliant coaching and unwavering determination.