The 2017 NBA Finals weren't really a fair fight. If you’re asking who won nba champion 2017, the answer is the Golden State Warriors, but just saying their name doesn't capture the sheer, overwhelming dread they inflicted on the rest of the league. They didn't just win. They dismantled the very idea of competition.
It was a total revenge tour.
After blowing a 3-1 lead to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers the year before, the Warriors did something that felt like a "cheat code" in a video game: they added Kevin Durant. Imagine a 73-win team adding one of the greatest scorers to ever walk the earth. That’s what happened. By the time the 2017 playoffs rolled around, the result felt written in stone before the first tip-off.
The Road to the 2017 Finals
The Warriors entered the postseason like a wrecking ball. They went 12-0 in the Western Conference playoffs. 12-0. They swept the Blazers, the Jazz, and the Spurs. Honestly, the only reason the Spurs series was even a discussion was because Kawhi Leonard got hurt in Game 1. After that, it was a massacre.
On the other side, the Cleveland Cavaliers weren't exactly struggling. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love were playing some of the best basketball of their lives. They went 12-1 on their way to the Finals, losing only a single game to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
We were headed for a trilogy. For the third straight year, it was Golden State vs. Cleveland. It was the matchup everyone wanted, yet everyone feared it would be a blowout because of the "Durant Factor."
Why Kevin Durant Changed Everything
Before KD arrived, the Warriors were a jump-shooting team that could occasionally be bullied or bothered by physical defense. With Durant, they became unguardable. He provided a release valve. If Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson had an off night, you still had a 7-foot sniper who could pull up from the logo or finish at the rim with ease.
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Breaking Down the 2017 NBA Finals
The series started exactly how the skeptics expected. In Game 1 and Game 2 at Oracle Arena, the Warriors won by 22 and 19 points, respectively. It looked like a varsity team playing against a very good junior varsity squad. Kevin Durant was the focal point, dropping 38 in the opener.
But then we went to Cleveland for Game 3.
This was the turning point of the series. The Cavs played out of their minds. LeBron and Kyrie combined for 77 points. With two minutes left, Cleveland held a lead. It felt like we might actually have a series on our hands. Then, Kevin Durant happened. He hit a transition three-pointer right in LeBron’s face—a shot that essentially signaled the end of the LeBron era in the East and the start of the Warriors' dynasty.
The Lone Cleveland Win
The Cavs didn't go out without a fight. In Game 4, they put on perhaps the greatest offensive display in NBA Finals history. They hit 24 three-pointers. They scored 86 points in the first half. It was absurd. They won 137-116, ruining the Warriors' hopes of a perfect 16-0 postseason.
It was a pride win. Nothing more.
Back in Oakland for Game 5, the Warriors closed the door. They won 129-120. Kevin Durant won Finals MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 55% from the field. Those aren't just good stats; they're historical anomalies.
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The Legacy of the 2017 Warriors
Many basketball historians and analysts, including folks over at The Ringer and ESPN, often debate if this 2017 Golden State team is the greatest of all time. Better than the '96 Bulls? Maybe.
The 2017 Warriors finished the postseason 16-1. Their point differential was staggering. They had four All-Stars in their prime: Curry, Durant, Thompson, and Draymond Green. You had the best shooting backcourt ever paired with one of the most versatile scorers ever and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. It was a perfect storm of talent and coaching under Steve Kerr.
What This Meant for LeBron James
For LeBron, 2017 was a bittersweet year. He averaged a triple-double in the Finals—33.6 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. He was the first player to ever do that. And he still lost in five games. It highlighted the massive gap between "great" and "unstoppable." This loss eventually set the stage for Kyrie Irving’s departure from Cleveland and LeBron’s eventual move to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Key Statistics from the 2017 Finals
If you look at the raw numbers, the efficiency is what jumps out.
- Golden State Offensive Rating: 116.3
- Cleveland Offensive Rating: 114.6
- Kevin Durant’s True Shooting Percentage: A ridiculous 69.8%
- Total Three-Pointers Made: Both teams combined for a record-breaking barrage from deep.
The 2017 Finals proved that the "Pace and Space" era wasn't just a trend; it was the new law of the land. If you couldn't shoot from five spots on the floor, you couldn't compete with the Warriors.
Common Misconceptions About 2017
A lot of people think the 2017 Cavs were "weak." That’s just flat-out wrong. Statistically, the 2017 Cavs were actually better than the 2016 team that won the championship. Their offense was more refined, and Kyrie Irving was at his absolute peak. They just ran into a juggernaut that no team in history was likely to beat.
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Another myth? That the Warriors didn't need Durant. While they were a 73-win team without him, the 2016 loss showed they were vulnerable to fatigue and physical defense. Durant was the insurance policy that ensured they would never lose a seven-game series again as long as they were healthy.
Why the 2017 Championship Still Matters Today
The ripple effects are still felt in the NBA. This championship forced other teams to "super-team" up. It led to the Rockets building a roster specifically to counter the Warriors (which nearly worked in 2018). It changed how GMs look at roster construction, prioritizing wings who can switch on defense and shoot the three.
It was the year the NBA became a "math game." The Warriors simply had more weapons and more ways to score than any opponent could realistically account for over 48 minutes.
Practical Insights for Basketball Fans
If you're looking back at this era to understand today's NBA, here is what you need to take away:
- Roster Depth vs. Star Power: The 2017 Warriors proved that while depth is great for the regular season, top-heavy star power wins titles. Having two of the top three players in the world on one team is a literal cheat code.
- The Value of the "Three-and-D" Wing: Following 2017, the market for players like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston skyrocketed. Teams realized they needed versatile defenders who wouldn't be liabilities on offense.
- Offensive Efficiency: This series moved the needle on what "good" offense looks like. It’s no longer enough to be efficient; you have to be explosive.
To truly appreciate who won nba champion 2017, you have to watch the tape of Game 3. Watch the final three minutes. It’s a masterclass in high-pressure execution. The Warriors didn't just win a trophy; they changed the blueprint for professional basketball.
If you want to dive deeper into the tactical side, check out the play-by-play breakdowns on Basketball-Reference or watch the "Detail" series by Kobe Bryant, where he analyzed the defensive lapses Cleveland made trying to guard the Durant-Curry pick-and-roll. It’s a lesson in how even the best players in the world can be overwhelmed by a perfect system.
Go watch the highlights of Kevin Durant's Game 3 dagger. It defines an entire decade of the sport. Then, look at the salary cap shifts that occurred right after this season; it explains why we see so much player movement today.