The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 105-97 to win their first NBA championship in forty years. The Warriors led most of the game, but the Cavaliers never gave up and kept it close until the final seconds.
Golden State Warriors Win 1st NBA Championship in 40 Years
Andre Iguodala wins Finals MVP
Andre Iguodala, who appeared to be the catalyst that changed the series, won the NBA Finals MVP. Iguodala scored 25 points in addition to playing stellar defense. Stephen Curry, the league MVP, also scored 25 points. Draymond Green recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Head coach Steve Kerr became the first rookie coach to win the NBA championship since 1982.
LeBron James scored 32 points and had 19 rebounds along with 8 assists. Many thought that James would become only the second Finals MVP on a losing team since Jerry West won in 1969. However, it was Iguodala’s defense on James and offensive spark in all 6 games that enabled Iguodala to win the award.
Cleveland Cavaliers Carried by LeBron James
Despite losing their second and third best players in Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving to injury, James carried the Cavaliers to a 2-1 early lead in the finals. James earned the respect of many in a losing effort considering the far weaker supporting cast that he nearly willed to a championship.
It was a two-point game at half-time with the Warrior holding on for a 45-43 lead. The Cavaliers opened the third quarter with four points to take the lead. It would be the last lead the Cavaliers held for the rest of the series. The Warriors eventually built their lead to 15 points.
J.R. Smith’s 15 4th Quarter Points Kept Game Close
However, behind J.R. Smith’s 15 points in the fourth quarter, the Cavalier kept the game close. With 30 seconds left, the Warriors held only a four-point lead. In the end, the Warriors simply had a deeper and more talented team that the Cavaliers. Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors in their NBA championship.
