Golden State Warriors Well Set to Carve out Dynasty  

The Golden State Warriors saw their hopes of clinching a historic title on top of their record-breaking season crushed by the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James inspired the Cavs to respond from a 3-1 deficit and secure their first NBA Championship in a 4-3 victory following their triumph in Game 7 of the series at Oracle Arena.

The Warriors saw their efforts to become the third team in the past 10 years to win the title twice on the spin thwarted, which will make them determined to bounce back next term. As a result, Steve Kerr’s men were backed at -117 on July 11 to respond to their disappointment by winning the championship for the second time in three years, with newly signed Kevin Durant expected to drive them back to crown.

Rise To The Top

Golden State were imperious from the off, dominating the competition in the opening two months of the campaign by winning 25 of their first 30 matches. Kerr’s men would only lose another 10 matches in the entirety of the regular season, finishing the term with a 67-15 record, the best win total in the history of the franchise. As a result of their success, they locked up the Pacific Division and the number one seed in the Western Conference.

Steph Curry was named MVP for his outstanding campaign as he dominated the court with his incisive moment and deadly accuracy from distance. Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes were also extremely influential in the club’s surge towards the post-season.

They brushed aside the New Orleans Pelicans, but were forced to overcome stiff resistance from the Memphis Grizzlies, rebounding from a 2-1 deficit to claim a 4-2 win. Curry was sensational in the Conference Final to help his team ease past the Houston Rockets to set up a showdown with the Cavaliers.

Fortune was on their side as injuries robbed the Cavs of Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, and despite a valiant effort from LeBron James, the firepower of Curry, Thompson and Green overwhelmed David Blatt’s men to hand the Warriors the championship.

Record Breakers

Kerr developed problems with his back during previous season, which required time away from the sidelines to heal, and Luke Walton was placed in charge of the side.

However, the quality of the Warriors ensured that the 50-year-old’s absence was not felt as the coach watched his charges make wonders from the off. Golden State maintained their momentum from their Finals win, tasting victory in all of their 24 opening matches, smashing the record held by the Washington Capitols and the Houston Rockets.

Their run was ended by the Milwaukee Bucks, but Walton still handed the team back over to Kerr in an excellent position to break the all-time win record at 39-4. Curry and his team-mates continued to be outstanding, suffering only five further defeats in the campaign to just edge out the Chicago Bulls' feat with a 73-9 record.

Curry and Kerr received the MVP and coach of the year award respectively as the Warriors began their attempt to win the title for the second year on the spin. After easing past the Rockets and the Trail Blazers, the Warriors went into their clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder with confidence.

However, the Thunder raced into a 3-1 lead and appeared to be ending their incredible season, only for Curry and Thompson to find another gear to win the final three games of the series to send them into a Finals rematch with the Cavs.

Golden State saw a reverse of their fortunes in the Conference Final as it was them who powered into a 3-1 lead, putting themselves on the verge of creating a dynasty. LeBron and Kyrie Irving stunned the Warriors’ potent attack with a miraculous comeback to secure their side’s first title, leaving Kerr’s men dumbfounded.

Warriors Still Dominant

The Warriors’ world will have been rocked by their defeat, and much has been made of their so-called “choke,” with comparisons made to the 2007 New England Patriots, who saw immortality snatched away from them in the Super Bowl.

The Patriots dominated the NFL that season like the Warriors did the NBA, and like Bill Belichick’s team Golden State are well positioned for another crack at the title. One thing that could hinder them is a Tom Brady-like injury to Curry, as the Patriots quarterback missed the following season after tearing his ACL in game one.

However, the biggest sign that they will continue their dominance is the huge deal they have used to secure the signature of 2014 MVP Durant from the Thunder.

They are now in position to better their 73-9 record of last term, such is the talent of Durant. Placing him alongside Curry, Green and Thompson is enough to send a shiver down the spine of every franchise in the league.