Golden state: Kevin Durant (39 + 7 rebounds), Curry (34 + 10 assists), Iguodala (20).
In a classy move, the first person from the Cavaliers to walk up and congratulate KD was LeBron James, who KD said in a post-game interview was the only person he'd looked at as competition since the 2012 Finals when James and the Miami Heat beat Durant and the Thunder.
Durant has been criticized occasionally in his career for struggling in the biggest of moments, but he has been devastating in these NBA Finals.
Were you surprised about Golden State taking home the Championship?
The Cavs superstar finished the series with averages of 33.6 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists over five games. The Warriors won 129-120 t. Then it was Golden State's turn again, taking the title in five games. But the Warriors bench has been the difference through three quarters.
Warriors point guard Stephen Curry said the experience of losing last year's Finals served them well this season. He also had 13 rebounds and eight assists, giving him a triple-double average for the finals, an unprecedented feat. The season could not have ended any better for Durant after joining the Warriors in free agency.
James scored 41 points to lead Cleveland.
Oath Keeper At Anti-Muslim Protest Says Civil War Is 'Guaranteed'
The organization says it opposes discrimination and supports the rights of those subject to Shariah. A dozen police surrounded them as counter-protesters shouted several feet away.
But a stone-faced LeBron James refused to be drawn on his plans.
Golden State outscored Cleveland 38-23 in the period on Monday night. He hit a 17-foot fadeaway over James early in the fourth quarter, then assisted on a 3-pointer by Andre Iguodala the next time down as the Warriors pulled away.
Cleveland was let down in part by Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving.
With a much-improved bench led by Iguodala, JaVale McGee, Shaun Livingston and West, that "Strength In Numbers" slogan that has become such a staple the past two seasons shined all season long, from Durant's 19-game absence late in the regular season with a left knee injury to assistant coach Mike Brown stepping in for 11 postseason games to lead the way while Steve Kerr was ailing.
A long and tiresome debate over fairness and parity in the National Basketball Association has raged ever since Durant announced his decision to join Golden State last July. Steph Curry followed with a deep 3 of his own to get the Warriors rolling on a 21-2 run. They finished one victory short of the NBA's first flawless postseason, but bounced back from their Game 4 loss to Cleveland in the NBA Finals with another high-scoring performance.
James did, however, say he believed the Cavaliers would try their best to compete. With an officiating crew that is trying to keep a handle on the physical play, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson both have two fouls for the Warriors while Kevin Love and Kyle Korver have picked up a pair for the Cavs.
Comments