2017 NBA Championship

Lore & Background

The Warriors finished second in the Western Conference with a record of 58–24, their fifth most wins in franchise history. Golden State set the NBA record of 16 consecutive home wins in the playoffs, surpassing the 1990–91 Chicago Bulls. Stephen Curry set the NBA record for three-pointers made in an NBA Finals game with nine. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson were all named to the All-Star Game, the first time in NBA history that a team has had four All-Stars in consecutive seasons, and just the ninth time in NBA history a single team has had four players in the game. Curry was named captain, being the leading vote getter from the Western Conference. The Warriors ended the regular season with a slew of injuries to all four of their All-Stars, including an MCL sprain for Curry that kept him out for six weeks, and lost ten of their last seventeen games. For the first time since the 2013–14 season, they did not clinch first place for home-court advantage for the playoffs and failed to win 60 games for the first time under Steve Kerr. This season marked David West's final season in the NBA. He retired on August 30, 2018, having won two NBA championships with the Warriors.

In Their Own Story

While confetti choked the air and players in blue and yellow swarmed the hardwood, the camera locked onto Kevin Durant. He hadn't just played well; he had delivered a 35.2 points-per-game masterclass that stands as one of the most efficient scoring runs in Finals history. In a poignant moment, Stephen Curry—the heart and soul for years—embraced his new superstar teammate, their individual rivalries dissolving into a shared coronation. The weight of four decades lifted from the Bay Area, replaced instantly by the electric realization: this wasn't just a win; it was the arrival of an unstoppable force.

Reader's Guide

The 2017 NBA draft was held on June 22, 2017, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Warriors did not have a pick, but acquired the Chicago Bulls's 38th pick in the second round for cash, having chosen power forward Jordan Bell out of Oregon. After the draft, the team signed Bell's former Oregon teammate, Chris Boucher, to a two-way contract. On July 1, 2017, Stephen Curry agreed to re-sign with Golden State on a super-max five-year/$201m deal. The Warriors also resigned Kevin Durant, and their veteran core of Shaun Livingston, David West, Andre Iguodala, Zaza Pachulia and JaVale McGee. Golden State also added Nick Young and Omri Casspi on one-year deals.

Did You Know?

• Stephen Curry set the NBA record for three-pointers made in an NBA Finals game with nine (Game 2 of 2018 NBA Finals).
• The Warriors set the NBA record of 16 consecutive home wins in the playoffs, surpassing the 1990–91 Chicago Bulls.
• Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson were all named to the All-Star Game, the first time in NBA history that a team has had four All-Stars in consecutive seasons.
• The Warriors became the first team in NBA history to come back from 20+ point deficits at half-time twice in the same season.
• Kevin Durant scored 213 points in the Western Conference Finals, breaking the record jointly held by Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaquille O'Neal.

Historic Dominance and Unprecedented Streaks

The 2017-18 campaign marked a zenith of sustained excellence for the Golden State Warriors, culminating in their third championship within a four-year span. By sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 in the Finals, they achieved a historic milestone: becoming the first franchise in North America's major professional sports to face the same opponent for a title four consecutive years. This dominance was reflected in their postseason record, where they set an NBA benchmark with 16 straight home playoff victories, surpassing the legendary 1990-91 Chicago Bulls. Their collective performance earned them the prestigious Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year award. This era solidified their status as a dynasty, securing both the Pacific Division and Western Conference titles for the fourth straight season while overcoming significant adversity to claim their sixth overall championship.

Stephen Curry's Record-Breaking Three-Point Revolution

Stephen Curry redefined perimeter shooting during this championship run, shattering multiple NBA records that highlighted his unparalleled influence on the game. In Game 2 of the Finals alone, he sank nine three-pointers, setting a new standard for the most made from beyond the arc in a single title-deciding contest. His consistency was equally staggering; at the time, he held an ongoing streak of making a three-pointer in 90 consecutive playoff games, a feat that included separate records for home and road performances. Curry also became the first player to average a triple-double in a playoff series alongside Draymond Green's contributions, though Curry's shooting volume was unique. He finished with 22 threes across the four-game Finals sweep, doubling the previous record. Furthermore, he joined an exclusive club of players with multiple games featuring ten or more made three-pointers, cementing his legacy as the greatest shooter in league history while leading the Warriors to another title.

Kevin Durant's Scoring Prowess and Draymond Green's All-Around Impact

While Curry dominated from distance, Kevin Durant provided an unstoppable scoring force that broke franchise and league records. His presence was pivotal in overcoming the top-seeded Rockets in seven games. Simultaneously, Draymond Green revolutionized the power forward position with his versatility, breaking Tom Gola's franchise record for triple-doubles with 22 total. Green became the first Warrior to average a triple-double across an entire playoff series against New Orleans and set a new postseason benchmark with four triple-doubles. These individual achievements underscored the team's depth, as all four starters were named All-Stars, marking only the ninth time in history a single team had four players selected for the game.

Overcoming Adversity and Franchise Milestones

The road to the championship was fraught with challenges that tested the team's resilience. The Warriors entered the playoffs having lost ten of their final seventeen regular-season games due to injuries affecting all four All-Stars, including a six-week absence for Curry with an MCL sprain. Consequently, they failed to secure home-court advantage or win 60 games for the first time under coach Steve Kerr. Despite this, they executed historic comebacks, becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome halftime deficits of 20+ points twice in a single season against Philadelphia and New Orleans. The season also marked significant transitions, including David West's retirement after winning two titles with Golden State. The roster additions like Jordan Bell and Chris Boucher complemented the returning core, ensuring continuity as they navigated a difficult regular season to ultimately dominate the postseason.