With tensions high at the 2017 NBA Finals, which team clinched the title? Is it the Golden State Warriors or the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers once again made it to the NBA Finals, the first time in NBA history, the two teams met for a third consecutive year. In the 2016 finals, the Cavaliers defeated the Warriors. With Lebron James and Kevin Durant ’s rivalry, it was a nail-biting final game. But, who won the NBA Finals 2017? Did the Cavaliers defend their title or did the Warriors take back the 2015 title? The Warriors and Durant avenged their last year’s defeat by winning the game against the Cavaliers 4-1. That’s right, Golden State Warriors are the NBA Finals 2017 winner. Take a look at the highlights of the game, right here.
Cavaliers’ Lebron James was expected to take the championship for his team and the title of MVP. But the Warriors foiled that with a 129-120 victory over them and Kevin Durant was named MVP. The Warriors were trailing 3-1 in the best of seven NBA Finals when they faced the Cavaliers in Game 5 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on Monday night. The game ended with the Warriors winning the third title in franchise history in front of the home fans.
Durant capped his first season with the Warriors scoring 39 points He averaged 35.2 points over the five-game series against the Cavaliers. Durant and Stephen Curry were instrumental in avenging their team’s seven-game loss last season with Curry adding 34 points to their score.
Things heated up during the game while fans rose to their feet with every dunk, block, and steal. Durant and James were seen getting a little testy on the court after a missed foul call. There were more fouls and arguments on the court which led to a little confusion. Warriors’ Draymond Green was called for a foul on Iman Shumpert, while Warriors Coach, Steve Kerr defended his case to officials. There was even a minor scuffle involving Tristan Thompson and David West.
Cavaliers had started Game 5 just the way they ended Game 4—scoring and taking the lead. But Warriors came out in the second quarter and extended the lead in their favor with a monster run. Every time the Cavaliers would close the lead, the Warriors led by Durant, Curry, and Andre Igoudala would pull ahead.
It came down to the last few minutes before the final buzzer. Cavaliers got within three points early in the final quarter before Durant extended the lead to 122-110 with three minutes left to play. James and Curry added to the points until the game ended. So, finally, Warriors registered a 129-120 win over Cavaliers.
Kevin Durant won his first championship in his NBA career tonight and was rightfully named the MVP. He said that Lebron James is the only player he considers an equal if not better. He was given the Bill Russell Trophy by Russell himself before he proceeded to thank his team and fans in Oakland.
Warriors’ Coach Steve Kerr gave the post-victory address with his tongue-in-cheek humor. “We have very little talent, actually, it was most coaching, ” he bragged before saying he had the best job in the world. He thanked his best guys, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry before giving a special mention to Durant. The Warriors are now planning their victory parade.
The Warriors have the entire roster eligible for free agency. But after this victory, the core team isn’ t expected to change. While the Cavaliers return home to regroup and possibly come back stronger, the Warriors are already bracing for the next season.
