Photo Credit: Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports
It was a magical season for the Golden State Warriors. Rookie head coach Steve Kerr was taking over a team that had all the talent and potential in the world, but just could not get to the next level in the playoffs. The Warriors played in a Western division that was expected to be won by the defending champions Spurs. However, it was clear that Kerr, bringing his knowledge from playing under Phil Jackson, playing with Michael Jordan and coaching under Gregg Poppovich, was the right candidate to take this team to the finals.
The Warriors went 67-15 for the season, with only two losses at home. In the first round of the playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans, the team cruised to victory with a four game sweep. With series victories over the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets, the team was headed to the NBA Finals. Reigning MVP Steph Curry and the Warriors were set to face off against two-time NBA champion LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
The Cavs lost Kevin Love during the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs and then lost Kyrie Irving during game one of the NBA Finals to a broken knee cap. None of the Warriors players had any experience playing in the Finals, but that did not slow them down. The team won the series in six games taking full advantage of the Cavs depleted roster.
Warriors were 2-1 in the series and head coach Kerr decided to update his roster by replacing center Andrew Bogut with Andre Iguodala. Adding Iguodala gave Golden State a “small-ball” line-up that no one in the league can compete with. Iguodala was crowned MVP of the series for his ability defense James. James still had an incredible series, averaging over 35 points per game, however, he struggled significantly more when Iguodala was in the game.
As far as championship hangover? Not so much for this team who has only lost twice this season. The Warriors started the season 24-0, a new NBA best. This team looks better than every other team in the league and many more championships look very possible for this team.
