Warriors Successfully Defend Their NBA Crown
The Golden State Warriors completed their four-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday after a Game 4 108-85 blowout victory and retain their NBA title. This is their third championship in four seasons, with the Cavaliers winning it in 2016. This was, however, the first time in their current four-chapter tussle that one team has swept the other. The Cavs managed to win one game in the series in 2017.
Kevin Durant was named the Finals MVP. He was a beacon of stability for the Warriors throughout the series, leading them to victory in Game 3 with 43 points and posting a triple-double in this decisive game with 20 points, 12 boards and 10 assists. Stephen Curry led the team in scoring in this outing with 37 points and a full stat line. LeBron James paced is Cavaliers with 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Golden State got off to an early lead and ended the first quarter with a 34-25 advantage. They maintained full control of this game and were not under threat of losing their hold. The Curry-Durant onslaught was just too much for the Cavs to contain and they had to succumb to a humiliating sweep at the hands of the best basketball team in the league.
The Warriors’ repeat performance of 2017’s success marks the beginnings of a dynasty in this modern age. They have no equal and only have their own lack of motivation as well as their overconfidence to fear.
So what’s next for LeBron James? He valiantly carried his team to an Eastern Conference championship but did not have enough support to properly contest the Warriors in the finals. The general sentiment is that James is expected to sign with another team this off-season, still likely in the East, and opt for a fresh start. He still is, after all, the best basketball player in the World today, so teams should be lining up to acquire his talents – at least those that can afford to pay him with a max deal. The Cavs are in the best position to offer him the most money, but he will be inclined to prioritize better chances at improving on his legacy and narrative over a few million dollars here and there.
That’s it for the 2017-18 NBA season. Will the Warriors keep on winning or will a new super team emerge to challenge their dominance over the biggest basketball stage in the World?