For all the plays that have haunted Cleveland sports over the years, fans finally have one to redeem them all. “The Block” as it will be known in Cleveland, and NBA, history, emphatically stamped the Cavaliers’ place among NBA champions. It was a punctuation mark on the comeback, the collapse, and the redemption of an entire city, decades in the making. Of course, there was much more to the series than one play. Let’s take a look at what was an incredible NBA Finals, and reflect on what it means for both the Warriors and the Cavaliers.
Series Recap
The series began with an unexpected role player taking over game one in Golden State. Shaun Livingston went crazy and set the tone as the Warriors took an early lead, winning by 15. Though Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson struggled, they proved to be proficient decoys and allowed their other teammates to step up.
Game two was much of the same, as Curry and Thompson never really got going, but the Warriors dominated the game and won easily. The series looked like it was going to be a laugher, but the Cavaliers knew that they had a chance to defend home court and try to even the series.
Game three was an entirely different affair, and changed the narrative of what we all expected the series to be. How could a team go from losing by 30 to winning by 30? It was an enigmatic series, and this two game swing exemplified that perfectly. The Warriors looked out of sorts on both ends of the floor, and never got anything going.
Game four was the turning point in this series. The Warriors finally got Curry going, and looked to be cruising towards another NBA Finals win. Up by double-digits late in the fourth quarter, en route to a 3-1 series lead, they looked like they had extinguished Cleveland’s hopes.
However, a late mix-up between LeBron James and Draymond Green changed that. James stepped over Green, who swung his arm out and caught LeBron in the groin area. Though nothing was called during the game, the NBA reviewed the play and assessed Green a Flagrant One foul, meaning he would be suspended for the next game after accumulating too many flagrant foul points. This play proved to be the pivotal moment that changed the course of the series.
With no Draymond in the fold, the Warriors had to alter their defensive strategy and offensive system in game five. LeBron and Kyrie Irving feasted on the weaknesses of a Draymond-less Warriors team, who could no longer effectively switch everything on defense nor employ the vaunted “Death Lineup” that has been so devastating on offense. Harrison Barnes played a horrendous game, shooting 2-14, and LeBron and Kyrie each went off for 41 points, ensuring that the series was going back to Cleveland for a game 6. To add to the Warriors’ problems, a drive by J.R. Smith in the 3rd quarter knocked Andrew Bogut out of the series, further weakening the Warriors’ ability to protect the rim and run their offense.
With no Bogut, and Steph Curry in early foul trouble in game six, Cleveland stormed out to a 20-point lead in the first quarter. The Warriors threatened a few times, but Andre Iguodala suffered a back injury and Golden State simply could not stop LeBron as he scored 41 points again. Tempers flared as Curry fouled out for the first time in years, and he threw his mouthpiece into the stands, got ejected, and the Warriors lost big.
Finally, all of this culminated in a game seven for the ages. It was the only true close game of the series. Each team traded blows and had questionable coaching decisions throughout the game. Ultimately, tied at 89 with just less than five minutes left, neither team could find a bucket. The Warriors’ Curry and Thompson missed good looks, LeBron and the Cavs couldn’t find a basket either, and tension mounted.
Then, Golden State’s Andre Iguodala picked off a pass with 2 minutes left and it looked like the Warriors would score on a fast break. Curry fed Iguodala who went up for a layup, but LeBron performed a signature chase down block that seemingly came out of nowhere. With just less than one minute remaining, Cleveland ran a play to isolate Kyrie on Steph Curry, who had been struggling defensively. Kyrie sized him up, created space and hit a long step-back three, which deflated the building and proved to be the last basket of the game. LeBron’s free throw with 11 seconds left iced the game, and the Warriors were unable to score, setting the scene for the celebration of a lifetime back in Northeast Ohio.
What Does it Mean?
For the Cavaliers, this means the monkey is finally off their back. LeBron did what he came back to do, and cemented his legacy in both NBA and Cleveland history. A triple-double in game seven following two 41-point performances is all-time great level. It also means that Kyrie furthered his claim as an elite point guard, as he routinely torched Golden State’s defense, culminating in the game winning shot in game seven. It means that all of the turmoil surrounding the team throughout the season is void. It means that firing David Blatt and promoting Tyronn Lue was a genius move. It means that Kevin Love has a championship ring and that Tristan Thompson’s contract paid off. Above all, though, it means that Cleveland has its championship, now and forever.
On the other hand, this was without a doubt a shocking collapse by the Golden State Warriors. Up 3-1 after winning the most games in NBA history, it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that they would finish the deal. However, perhaps they got too cocky and poked the LeBear one too many times.
After the Green play and subsequent suspension, LeBron was on a different level. He carried that team and there was seemingly no response from the Warriors, who looked shell-shocked at times. Curry and Thompson went cold, and all of this culminated in a stunning choke-job by a team that many considered would be the greatest of all time, if they could close the deal.
It means that maybe Harrison Barnes isn’t worth a max contract, and that they really did need to have all their parts together to win. It also means that they now have to live with the decisions they made all summer, and perhaps for the rest of their careers. There is no doubt that the Warriors will still be in the mix next season. They do, however, need to make a few changes that can help them deal with LeBron in the future. All that will come in time, but for now they are left wondering what might have been, and how they let this one slip away.
A great game seven capped off a great regular season and set us off into the season of 2016-2017. What do you think this all means in the grand scheme of things? Let us know in the comments!