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Golden State Warriors rank as second-best NBA Finals series since 2000

By Tony Pesta

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (L) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James exchange words during the second quarter in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California.Powered by an amazing effort from LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers completed the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, dethroning defending champion Golden State 93-89 to capture their first NBA title. The Cavaliers won the best-of-seven series 4-3 to claim the first league crown in their 46-season history and deliver the first major sports champion to Cleveland since the 1964 NFL Browns, ending the longest such title drought for any American city. / AFP / Beck Diefenbach (Photo credit should read BECK DIEFENBACH/AFP via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (L) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James exchange words during the second quarter in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California.Powered by an amazing effort from LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers completed the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, dethroning defending champion Golden State 93-89 to capture their first NBA title. The Cavaliers won the best-of-seven series 4-3 to claim the first league crown in their 46-season history and deliver the first major sports champion to Cleveland since the 1964 NFL Browns, ending the longest such title drought for any American city. / AFP / Beck Diefenbach (Photo credit should read BECK DIEFENBACH/AFP via Getty Images) /
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For half a decade, the NBA Finals featured the Golden State Warriors. Though they felt like the most dominant dynasty the league had ever seen, the Warriors won just three championships during that run as they battled in some all-time great series.

Bleacher Report recently highlighted some of the Dubs’ best showdowns as they ranked the eight best NBA Finals series since 2000. To no surprise, the Warriors appear twice on this list. Their back-to-back clashes with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers appear two times.

You can’t make a list ranking the best NBA Finals without including the Golden State Warriors, who have some memorable series.

In this ranking, the 2015 NBA Finals place seventh while the seven-game 2016 thriller falls to second, behind only the iconic San Antonio Spurs versus Miami Heat duel in 2013. Other series on the list include the Boston Celtics versus Los Angeles Lakers (2008 and 2010) and both Heat versus Dallas Mavericks’ series (2006 and 2011).

Focusing back on the Warriors, it is clear as to why the 2016 series is on this list. Though the first three games of the finals were mostly a wash, the historic 3-1 comeback is something both fan bases have to appreciate. The LeBron/Curry rivalry was at its peak and dazzling shot-making from Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and even Draymond Green made a battle for the ages. Don’t forget, Green led all scorers in Game 7 with 32 points!

Their previous showdown was equally as entertaining, with James taking on the challenge of fending off a young, hungry Warriors team. The Dubs’ first rise to the top was a memorable one as they had to eliminate the King on his home floor in Game 6 to end their championship drought in the Bay.

Stephen Curry will never receive proper credit for his performance in the 2015 NBA Finals. After a bit of a lackluster start in the first two games, Curry averaged 27.8 points on nearly 50 percent shooting to win the title.

Nonetheless, it is great to look back at the past and reflect on some of the Warriors’ greatest battles. Hopefully, we will see Curry and the Dubs back in the NBA Finals soon.

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