2017 vs. Warriors
Trilogies are usually not the best. Unless it’s in the context of a sport, mainly basketball, and it’s something that’s never been done before. Tied up 1-1 in Finals wins against each other, Cleveland and Golden State were at it once again in 2017. Both teams were coming in steam rolling through their competition, and having the entire basketball world wait for the expected trilogy to commence.
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Once the ball tipped, Golden State was clearly the better team from the start and made it a quick 4-1 series. Despite the serious being short, it was somewhat expected after the new guy Golden State signed a month into Cleveland’s championship reign: Kevin Durant.
Durant heading to the Bay Area and winning a championship in his first year there created one of the best teams the league has ever seen. Their entire core being in their 20’s has them pinned on becoming the next championship dynasty. Something James hasn’t experienced and probably won’t.
James lost to a historic team after becoming the first player in The Finals to average a triple-double. He had one of the bests season’s of his career and if it wasn’t for the ultra-team in the Bay it’s hard to say Cleveland doesn’t repeat.
The asterisk in this one is obvious: if Durant isn’t on the NBA’s version of the Justice League, then James’ Finals record wouldn’t be his jersey number.
Must Read: 2017 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Lakers pass on Lonzo Ball; Josh Jackson rises
Conclusion
LeBron James has never been a favorite in the main event and most likely never will with the way the league is going. There’s been an explanation for every single one of his underdog appearances, and it’ll be interesting to see what the next one will be if he makes it back.