The Golden State Warriors won the Western Conference Championship, defeating the OKC Thunder in 7 games. Here are some of the best quotes from last night.
It was one of the most thrilling series any of us have ever seen.
The Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder left it all on the floor. The Warriors made history, becoming just the 10th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit. This series had everything that makes NBA basketball special. It was full of superstars doing things only a select few can, going head-to-head with each other. There were was physicality and finesse. Conventional wisdom and logic were thrown out the window. It was an incredible seven games.
OKC’s Steven Adams was a pain in the side for Golden State all series long. The 22 year-old center had a fantastic series. He also understands just how great the series we all witnessed really was.
Steven Adams: "You're going to remember this series for the rest of your life"
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 31, 2016
The Warriors lost 9 games all season and they lost 3 to OKC in this series. The Thunder gave them everything they had. The Warriors had their backs against the wall. Kevin Durant had his team on the brink of going to their second NBA Finals in the last six years. The last three games of the series in particular were incredibly close and it was a battle.
Draymond Green: "It wasn't easy. That's a great team we just beat."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) May 31, 2016
After struggling early in the series, still dealing with his knee injury, Stephen Curry exploded over the final three. He finished Game 7 with 36 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds while hitting 7 three-pointers. He was celebrating with teammates and fans as the game started to shift in Golden State’s favor.
Steph: "I feel joy for sure"
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) May 31, 2016
It was just a matter of a time until Curry figured it out. Despite his struggles, he’s still a 2x MVP and the best basketball player in the world. He knows when he needs to takeover. Already on his way to being one of the greatest we’ve ever seen, Curry added to his already-impressive resume.
Kerr on Steph Curry: "this is who he is, having a clutch performance in a game 7"
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) May 31, 2016
Festus Ezeli expressed the same sentiment.
Festus Ezeli: "Steph is gonna Steph. He came out and showed why he is the MVP."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) May 31, 2016
Russell Westbrook is physically imposing. Steph Curry, on the other hand, isn’t. Curry, known as the “Baby-Faced Assassin,” is a killer despite being the smallest guy on the court most nights. He looks like a child when he drives amongst the trees.
Why do these questions keep being raised about Steph's toughness? "Because he looks like he's 12" #vintagekerr
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) May 31, 2016
The Warriors will play in a re-match of last year’s Finals except this time it looks like Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving will be good to go in this one. LeBron James has dominated in the postseason and he has his Cleveland Cavaliers playing their best basketball of the year. After sweeping the first two rounds and beating the Toronto Raptors in six games, the Cavs are healthy and well-rested.
The Warriors have had some tough series, getting every team’s best shot, but they’ll be ready.
Draymond Green on facing the rested Cavs: "It's the NBA Finals. You find a new wind for that."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) May 31, 2016
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will be this Thursday in Oracle Arena.