The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors are currently battling it out in the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year. While the teams split the last two finals series, the Warriors look poised to one up Cleveland this year as they hold a firm 3-0 series lead.
The change in this Warriors team from the last two years is obvious: the addition of Kevin Durant. Durant has gone toe-to-toe with Cavs superstar LeBron James all series and has often come out on top. Though James is on pace to be the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a finals series, KD is putting up 34 points per game to go along with 10 rebounds and 6 assists.
When Durant joined Golden State, a highly criticized move, his decision drew a lot of comparisons to James joining the Miami Heat in 2010. Many argue the addition of Durant to a historic 73-9 Warriors team is unfair and makes the team overpowered in comparison to other NBA teams. While those critics certainly have a point, James himself revealed he has no issues with Durant’s move and even called the decision ‘great’ for today’s NBA:
LeBron James details differences between his Heat situation and the Warriors now, if it is good for the league and if it's 'fair'. pic.twitter.com/Vy4W5eeOjG
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) June 8, 2017
Contrary to LeBron’s opinion, a lot of fans and players alike think Durant’s choice to join Golden State was one worthy of criticism. Being one of the absolute best players and earth and joining an already championship caliber roster, Durant was aware of the backlash he’d get for the decision.
For LeBron, this statement could all be a mental tactic to get into the Warriors head as he looks to give his team any edge he can. As he has aged and gained experience, James has learned just what to say and when to mess with his opponent. Down 3-0, the Cavs face a daunting task and will need more than just mind games if they dream of turning this into a competitive series.
