When I talk about the 2017 NBA Finals, one name immediately comes to mind: Kevin Durant. I vividly remember watching those games, and Durant’s performance stood out like a beacon. With the Warriors up against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Durant showcased why he was worth every bit of his massive $54.3 million contract.
Over those five games, Durant averaged an incredible 35.2 points per game. His efficiency was mind-blowing, shooting 55.6% from the field and a superb 47.4% from beyond the arc. The term “scoring machine” doesn’t even begin to describe what he did during this series. 35.2 points in a Finals series? It’s not just about putting the ball in the basket; it’s about doing it consistently under the brightest lights and the most immense pressure.2017 nba finals
Now, think about his Game 3 performance where he dropped 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Warriors were trailing 113-107 with just over three minutes left on the clock. This situation was critical. Durant hit a massive three-pointer over LeBron James, giving the Warriors a 114-113 lead. This was the turning point that cemented the game’s outcome. Observers talk about such clutch moments defining a player’s career, and this instance was textbook.
Let’s not forget the depth of the Warriors’ roster. Players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are phenomenal, but Durant rose above everyone. Curry contributed significantly with his 26.8 points per game in the Finals, but Durant’s performance turned the tide. Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala played vital roles defensively, but the spotlight remained on Durant. His unmatched scoring prowess overshadowed even his talented teammates.
Speaking of teammates, one can’t ignore the camaraderie and the chemistry. In the post-season interview with ESPN, Curry stated, “KD was just a force throughout the whole series. He’s the Finals MVP and he deserves it.” This declaration didn’t come lightly coming from a two-time MVP himself. It underscores the respect and admiration Durant had earned even among his elite peers.
I remember reading an article by Sports Illustrated where the writer emphasized Durant’s stellar defense. Throughout the series, Durant averaged 1.6 blocks per game. His defensive prowess often goes unnoticed because of how efficiently he scores. However, these blocks were crucial in containing the Cavaliers’ offense. Remember, stopping LeBron James is no small feat, and Durant did his part beautifully in the paint.
One statistic that still blows my mind is the point differential. The Warriors outscored the Cavaliers by a total of 48 points over the series, a clear indication of their dominance. This wasn’t just about outscoring; it was about stifling Cleveland at every turn. The Warriors’ pace of play was phenomenal, averaging 119.8 points per game. This kind of offensive efficiency underlines the importance of each player’s contribution, Durant’s being the most significant.
Durant’s dominance also showed in the advanced metrics. According to Basketball-Reference, Durant posted a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 31.5 for the Finals. To put this into perspective, a league-average PER is 15.0. Durant more than doubled this, emphasizing his extraordinary performance. This metric encompasses shooting efficiency, defensive contribution, and overall impact on the game – factors where Durant excelled.
One fascinating aspect is the ripple effect of Durant’s arrival on the team’s dynamics. Before Durant, the Warriors were already a formidable team, having won 73 games in the 2015-2016 season. Adding Durant enhanced the Warriors’ already complex offensive schemes. With Durant, the ‘death lineup’ became nearly unstoppable. How often do you see a team with such versatility and firepower? Durant fit seamlessly into Steve Kerr’s system, improving the team’s overall efficiency.
I want to highlight Durant’s ability to perform under pressure. Critics often questioned his move to the Warriors, arguing it was a move for easy championships. But Durant silenced them with his Finals performance. According to ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus, Durant led all players with a score of +13.7 points per 100 possessions in the series. This metric shows how much better the Warriors performed with Durant on the floor compared to when he was off it. It’s a testament to his undeniable impact.
Watching him glide to the basket, taking those seamless jump shots, left fans and critics alike in awe. His agility and athleticism, combined with his high basketball IQ, made him a matchup nightmare for any defender – even for the likes of LeBron James. Some of my friends aren’t the biggest Durant fans, but even they had to acknowledge his brilliance during the Finals. The man could simply do it all.
When you look back at Championship-winning teams, invariably, a specific moment or player makes a mark. Durant etched his name into the annals of basketball history with his monumental performance. The Finals MVP wasn’t just an accolade; it was a validation of his decision, talent, and dominance. The joy on his face, the relief, and the celebration resonated with fans who followed his journey from Oklahoma City to Golden State.
I can easily recall the post-Finals interview where Durant openly spoke about the journey, the challenges, and the eventual victory. In an emotional moment captured by multiple sports networks, he said, “I came in here to be a part of something special, and it’s everything and more.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulated his journey and the 2017 Finals. It served as more than a series of games; it was Durant’s statement of intent, perseverance, and ultimate triumph.