Here are some facts the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers entering the championship series:
*It was the third straight Warriors vs. Cavaliers finals. Both teams were healthy. No significant injuries.
*The Warriors won 12 consecutive postseason wins sweeping first round, Western Conference Semifinals, and Western Conference Finals.
*Warriors and Cavaliers won all of their postseason road games.
*Seven NBA All-Stars played which ties the NBA record.
*LeBron James needed five more points to become the first player to achieve 6,000 career playoff points.
The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 4-1 to finish with an NBA postseason record best 16-1. Redemption, forgiving, forgetting, eliminating curses, silencing criticisms, ending negative discussions are some of the results of winning. Sometimes winning can ignore problems, hide conflicts, mask grudges, and false solutions; however, it's another conversation.
The Warriors 73 win disappointing 2015-2016 season is forgotten. Redemption is achieved. The Warriors responded with action after losing the 2016 NBA Finals to the Cavaliers. There were problems which must be solved. Draymond Green's 2016 NBA Finals Game 5 suspension arguably the turning point for the Cavaliers down 3-1 comeback win is forgiven. Kevin Durant leaving Oklahoma City Thunder or jumping ship to the Warriors criticism is over.
Winning opens the thought process what the late Steve Jobs said, "connecting the dots backwards." What happened yesterday which results in winning today. Here is a timeline:
*Jun 2009. Stephen Curry was drafted number 7. The Warriors considered trading the 7th pick for veteran all-star Amare Stoudemire.
*Nov 2010. Joe Lacob and Peter Guber were the new owners. Success starts at the top of any organization.
*Apr 2011. Bob Myers was hired as the Assistant General Manager. He was promoted to General Manager in Apr 2012.
*Jun 2011. Klay Thompson was drafted number 11. The Splash Brothers were born.
*Jun 2012. Draymond Green was drafted number 35.
*Summer 2013. Andre Iguodala was acquired from the Denver Nuggets in a sign-and-trade deal. He accepted a bench role as the sixth man. He won the 2015 NBA Finals MVP.
*Sep 2014. Steve Kerr was hired as the Head Coach.
*Jul 2016. Curry, Thompson, Green, and Iguodala recruited Durant at The Hamptons. The five are known as The Hamptons 5. Kerr and Myers participated in the recruitment.
The Warriors plays basketball their way. There are no egos. Superstardom is shared. The basketball is spread. There is sacrifice. The team plays unselfishly. They are family friendly. Professional. Humble. Transparent. Relax.
Finally, LeBron James is still the best basketball player on the planet.
Email: feedbackininblog@innovateinfinitely.com
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