Tag Page NBAFinals

#NBAFinals
Beth Holland

Steph Curry Reflects on Finals MVPs and KD’s Warriors Era

In an interview during his China tour, Steph Curry opened up about missing out on the 2017 and 2018 Finals MVP awards. “That topic is always there. In 2018 I felt really close, but I didn’t play well in Game 3. KD’s Finals were incredible — he deserved those MVPs. If your focus is on FMVP, it can distract you. I almost let it distract me in 2018. But winning rings was always the priority.” On Kevin Durant joining the Warriors, Curry said: “We all had the ambition to keep chasing championships, and KD shared that vision. He knew he could be happy here and compete for more than one title. We ended up with two together.” Curry also reflected on 2015, when Andre Iguodala won Finals MVP over him: “That proved you just need to do your job to win a title. I’m at peace with it now, especially after 2022 when I finally got FMVP. That was a career breakthrough for me — and I even graduated from Davidson.” #StephCurry #Warriors #NBAFinals #KevinDurant #NBAHistory #FinalsMVP #DubNation #Sports

Steph Curry Reflects on Finals MVPs and KD’s Warriors Era
FromTheLand

Who Faced the Toughest Finals Competition—LeBron or Jordan?

A lot of people debate GOAT status based on rings, but what about the actual competition? Teams—not just star players—make the difference in the Finals. Based on SRS (Simple Rating System), Jordan’s teams were favored in all six Finals, averaging +2.3 points better than their opponents. LeBron’s teams, on the other hand, were underdogs—averaging -2.8 points worse. He’s actually won two rings as the underdog, which is rare for a superstar. Out of 55 Finals runs by Bird, Magic, Kobe, Shaq, Duncan, Jordan, LeBron, and Steph, LeBron’s teams faced the toughest Finals opponents relative to his own team’s strength. He’s taken the three “worst” teams to the Finals, faced the four hardest opponents, and went up against six of the only nine teams with an SRS of 8+ (including 2008 Boston in earlier rounds). LeBron’s average team SRS in Finals runs is also the lowest of the group at 4.6. For comparison: Bird 6.9, Magic 5.6, Kobe 6.1, Shaq 5.6, Duncan 7.3, Jordan 9.1, Curry 8.2. Factoring in all the injuries his teams faced, is it time to give LeBron even more credit for his Finals runs? #NBAFinals #GOATDebate #LeBronJames #Jordan #MyNBAGOAT #NBA #Sports

Who Faced the Toughest Finals Competition—LeBron or Jordan?Who Faced the Toughest Finals Competition—LeBron or Jordan?
Brittany Mills

Haliburton’s Historic Run ... Interrupted by Heartbreak

Tyrese Haliburton stepped into the spotlight during the 2025 playoffs and delivered one of the most efficient, unique performances in postseason history: In Game 4 of the Eastern Finals vs. the Knicks, he posted 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds — all with zero turnovers, becoming the first player ever to hit 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, 15+ assists with no turnovers in a playoff game. Across the playoffs, he repeatedly hit clutch shots, guided the Pacers into the Finals, and rewrote his narrative from “most overrated” to Finals-caliber leader. And then came Game 7 of the Finals — tragedy. Playing through a right calf strain, Haliburton tore his Achilles early in the first quarter and had to leave. His injury shifted Indiana’s momentum and casts uncertainty over the future of the franchise’s title window. It’s a moment that feels both incredible and cruel — a historic run cut short by heartbreak. Now the question is: once Haliburton returns to full strength, is he on track to become the next great playoff point guard? #NBA #Pacers #TyreseHaliburton #NBAPlayoffs #NBAFinals #BasketballHistory #NBAWhatIf #Sports

Haliburton’s Historic Run ... Interrupted by Heartbreak
FromTheLand

Who Had the Most Impressive Back-to-Back in the Last 20 Years?

Only three teams have repeated as champions since 2000 — and each did it in a completely different way. 🏀 2009–10 Lakers — Most Resilient Kobe and Pau bounced back from the ’08 loss, battled through a stacked West, and took down a prime Celtics Big 3 in a brutal 7-game Finals. They beat eight 50-win teams across those two runs — all without a “superteam.” 🔥 2012–13 Heat — Most Clutch LeBron at peak powers with Wade and Bosh still elite. They beat OKC’s 3 future MVPs in 2012, then survived the Spurs in 2013 thanks to Ray Allen’s legendary shot. Two tough runs, two banners. ⚡ 2017–18 Warriors — Most Dominant KD joined a 73-win team and the result was scary. A near-perfect 16–1 playoff run in 2017 (best ever), followed by another dominant Finals over LeBron’s Cavs in 2018. Maybe the most overwhelming team in NBA history. So, which repeat stands out more to you — the Lakers’ grit, the Heat’s clutch, or the Warriors’ dominance? #NBA #NBAlegends #NBAHistory #LakersNation #HeatCulture #DubNation #NBAFinals #BasketballTalk #Sports

Who Had the Most Impressive Back-to-Back in the Last 20 Years?