Golden State Warriors: Six plays that broke LeBron James’ spirit

1. Durant takes the crown

Without winning a championship, Kevin Durant would be a Hall of Fame player. He’d go down as one of the game’s elite scorers with a unique skillset. Winning a championship makes you a basketball immortal, elevating you to an exclusive status that no one can ever take from you.

When Durant made the decision to join the Golden State Warriors, many said he was taking the easy way out. That, by joining an established squad with their own MVP, he would just come along for the ride as Steph Curry and co. win another title. That was wrong.

Durant finally climbed the mountain and is standing alone at the top. He is now an NBA champion. And he took that championship right from LeBron James’ hands, outplaying him in every facet of the game.

Cleveland had Game 3 in the bag until Durant decided he had other plans. The Warriors, led by Durant, went on an 11-0 run at the end of the fourth quarter to steal the road game. No shot was bigger than KD’s three-pointer.

James knew, as soon as that ball went up in the air, that it was going in. His shoulders dropped after it fell through the net. It was over. He knew it. That was the moment that changed everything.

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It is a signature play that will last forever. It signaled a shift in the NBA’s power. Durant took the crown off of James’ head and the torch has been passed.

It is now time for King Durant to reign supreme over The Land.