The Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals for the second time in three years Monday night, securing a Game 5 victory 129-120. It’s the first time in NBA history that two teams met in the Finals three years in a row. What’s incredible is that we could see these dynasties meet for another three years. And it would be possibly the best thing to happen for the NBA this century.
Make no mistake, these two teams have at least seven future Hall-of-Famers between them. The depth of talent is unparalleled. Any one can see how truly great these teams are on both sides of the ball simply by the eye test. But here’s a brief look at the numbers, just to prove these teams aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Kevin Durant is LeBron’s only challenger one-on-one
After knocking in 39 points Monday night, Durant became just the sixth player in NBA history to score 30 or more points in each game of the finals. He’s officially the second-best player on the planet right now.
The Warriors are all-time, blowing-our-mind, great
Duh. But did you know they’ve now set a three-year regular season run of 207-39? They only lost one game since February 4 when all of their stars played? That they set an all-time record for longest playoff win streak in all of professional sports with 15 straight wins, finishing the year with a 16-1 playoff record, the best in NBA history. Yup. In fact, regarding the playoff wins, the Warriors won by an average of 13.5 points per game, second to only the 1971 Bucks, who were 12-2 in their postseason.
LeBron James is still the greatest player in the world
Which means the Cavs aren’t going anywhere. For those who think LeBron is old and isn’t the league’s true MVP, he only averaged a triple-double for the series.
The Cavs simply need to add a little depth
Which they will in the off-season, make no mistake. In Game 4, the Cavs set an NBA Finals record with 86 points in the first half. They also hit a Finals record 24 three-pointers – yes, both numbers better than the Warriors’ all-time greatest shooting unit. However, their bench just wasn’t there this series. Not against this Warriors super-team. In Game 5, led by Andre Iguodala, Golden State’s bench outscored the Cavs’ subs 35-7.
There will be a Warriors vs. Cavs Part IV. And the rivalry will continue to be the greatest thing to happen to basketball since Michael Jordan.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of Crave Sports.
Photos: Getty
2017 NBA FInals
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors is presented the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Trophy by NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 in Game 5 to win the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 in Game 5 to win the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: The Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 in Game 5 to win the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors react late in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors along with their bench react late in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors carries off the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 in Game 5 to win the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Fans cheer as the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 in Game 5 to win the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Golden State Warriors celebrate outside of Oakland City Hall on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the NBA Finals by a score of 129-120 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 in Game 5 to win the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors goes up for a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Monica Davey/Pool/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: David West #3 of the Golden State Warriors and Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers are separated by referee Ed Malloy #14 and referee Dan Crawford #43 in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: David West #3 of the Golden State Warriors and Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers are separated by referee Ed Malloy #14 and referee Dan Crawford #43 in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches his shot against the Golden State Warriors during the first half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers fall to the floor during the first half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the first half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Fans hold up a banner during the second half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers attempts a lay up against the Golden State Warriors during the second half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 12: Cleveland Cavaliers fans react as they watch Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors during a watch party at The Quicken Loans Arena on June 12, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. For the second year in a row Cleveland trailed Golden State 3-1 in the best of seven series but were defeated 129-120 in Game 5. (Photo by Angelo Merendino/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shakes hands with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 in Game 5 to win the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 and JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walk to the locker room following their 129-120 loss in Game 5 to lose the 2017 NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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2017 NBA Finals: Game 5
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-120 in Game 5 to win the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
