Golden State Warriors Deliver Championship to the Bay Area

There would be no collapse this time, as the Golden State Warriors are back on top of the NBA. Business was taken care of with the Warriors beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games to win their fifth NBA title.

Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors in hopes of capturing an elusive ring. Warriors’ management expected Durant to deliver in big moments, and in a championship or bust situation, Durant exceeded expectations. The 2017 Finals MVP delivered clutch performances, especially in Game 3, to add a ring to his four scoring titles.

In Game 5, Durant contributed 39 points to lead the Warriors to their second championship in three seasons. Since his decision to sign with Golden State, he drew criticism for leaving Oklahoma City. Durant has been a competitor throughout his NBA career and wanted to win a championship. The Warriors gave him the best opportunity, and now he can be called a champion.

Golden State Warriors /

Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry, at full health, played his game to the delight of Warriors’ fans. Last season, Curry suffered an injury early in the playoffs. He returned stunningly by stealing Game 4 on the road against the Portland Trailblazers in overtime. Curry recovered though the wear and tear eventually caught up with the star after a grueling 2016-17 campaign.

Payback was indeed on the mind of Curry and his teammates after leaving empty-handed last season. Not wanting Durant to have to carry the load in Game 5, Curry put up 34 points, and 10 assists as the Warriors could do no wrong.

Golden State’s road to the championship was no cakewalk. The Warriors were tested throughout the season and dealt with some adversity. With the trials, the Warriors came together as a team which ultimately led to them capturing another championship.

Let’s start with Durant, who almost did not get the opportunity to shine in the playoffs for the Warriors. On the road, Durant hobbled off the court against Washington after a teammate collided with his knee. The worst was expected, and hopes for a championship began to fade. A collective sigh of relief came when Durant’s injury was not serious and that he would be ready for the playoffs.

The loss of Durant affected the Warriors from a defensive standpoint. While the superstar is offensively gifted, his defense has been effective given his length. His absence saw the Warriors play their worst basketball of season, which included a three-game losing streak. But the adversity became a blessing as Curry and Klay Thompson found their scoring touches and entered the playoffs as the hottest team.

Second, head coach Steve Kerr keeps the Warriors offense ticking. Kerr missed most of the playoffs due to health. He returned to the Finals but probably experienced the symptoms he felt before taking a leave of absence. Now with another championship, recovering in the offseason should be his priority. Warriors’ management wants to keep Kerr in the fold to continue their winning ways.

Ultimately, the 2016-17 Warriors were not about Durant joining Curry to form a new super team. The two may have been front and center, but the supporting cast of players made a championship possible. Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala all played vital roles during the season. Off the bench, Iguodala stepped up once again as the 2015 finals MVP delivered 20 points in Game 5.

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As the Bay Area celebrates another championship, decisions will loom to keep the current core intact for the future. Durant and Curry both expressed their intent to remain with Golden State. Until pen is on paper, anything can happen at this point. For now, management will celebrate with fans on another title before getting back to business.

Sorry, LeBron James, the Warriors were not going to blow a 3-0 series lead. Oracle Arena finally got a celebration a year in the making after the Warriors choked a 3-1 series lead last season against the Cavaliers. History almost happened as the Warriors could have been the first team in NBA history to go 16-0 in the postseason. As sweet as the accomplishment would have been, winning at home was ultimately what the Warriors wanted to do.

The 2016-17 Warriors is perhaps one of the best NBA teams assembled. A team comprised of likable players that all played for each other and did not act selfishly. No matter a fan or critic, the Warriors provided exciting basketball at every arena. Now the goal will be trying to repeat as champions.

Next: Warriors: The Cupcake Has Never Been So Good

Demons of last season’s failure have been vanquished as the Warriors lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in front of a jubilant Oracle Arena. A new dynasty is in the making, and the Warriors have plenty of weapons to produce more championships for the Bay Area.

Congratulations Golden State Warriors! 2016-17 NBA Champions!

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