2017 NBA Finals Game 5 vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Lore & Background

This was the Golden State Warriors' third consecutive trip to the NBA Finals and ninth appearance overall, having come short of back-to-back titles in the 2016 NBA Finals by losing in seven games after having a 3–1 lead. With the acquisition of free agent superstar Kevin Durant in the offseason, the Warriors were hailed as a 'Superteam' by the media and fans, forming a new All-Star 'Big Four' lead by Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The team equaled their 2014–15 regular-season record of 67–15, their second most wins in franchise history. They won the Pacific Division title and Western Conference Championship for the third consecutive season. The club became the fastest team in NBA history to clinch a playoff berth, achieving the feat on February 25, 2017, two days earlier than last season when they clinched on February 27, 2016. They also became the first team in NBA playoff history to start 12–0, sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round, the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference semifinals, and the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals. Entering the Finals, this twelve game win-streak tied third for the most consecutive wins in the postseason. The Warriors also entered the Finals with the largest playoff points differential in NBA history, with a +16.3 winning margin per game.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Oracle Arena hummed with a nervous energy as the final minutes ticked away. The roar of the crowd had settled into a rhythmic chant, echoing off the rafters above the hardwood. On the court, Stephen Curry wiped sweat from his brow, watching the clock wind down on a game that felt less like a contest and more like a coronation. As the final buzzer sounded, the noise erupted into a deafening roar, a collective release of months of anticipation finally breaking free.

Reader's Guide

The Warriors won the first three games, giving them a 15–0 record, the most consecutive postseason wins in NBA history. They bounced back in Game 5 after losing to the Cavaliers in Game 4, eventually finishing the postseason 16–1 (.941), the best winning percentage in NBA playoff history. Game 1: The Warriors routed the Cavaliers 113–91 to take a 1–0 series lead. Kevin Durant had 38 points, Stephen Curry added 28. Game 2: The Warriors won 132–113, hitting an NBA Finals record 18 three-pointers. Durant scored 33 points with 13 rebounds, Curry had 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. Game 3: The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 118–113 to extend the longest winning streak in NBA playoff history to 15 games. Durant led with 31 points, Klay Thompson added 30, and Curry scored 26. Game 4: The Cavaliers avoided a sweep by routing the Warriors 137–116, ending Golden State's postseason winning streak at 15 games. Game 5: The Warriors won the series 4–1.

Did You Know?

• Golden State's Kevin Durant was unanimously voted the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), after averaging 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
• This marked the first time in NBA history that the same two teams played in three consecutive Finals, having previously met in 2015 and 2016.
• The Warriors finished the postseason 16–1 (.941), the best winning percentage in NBA playoff history.
• The Warriors became the first team ever to start 13–0 in the playoffs after winning Game 1.