The 2016 NBA Finals are remembered as arguably the best of the modern era. The series is fondly remembered as one of the best seasons in league history, which culminated with a 73-9 juggernaut blowing a 3-1 lead to a team they beat for their first Finals win the year before.
The teams were the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The architect behind the 3-1 comeback for the Cavs was coach Tyronn Lue and superstar LeBron James. NBA reporter Doris Burke revealed what Lue was asking of LeBron in their final huddle during the Game 7 win.
“2016 was just an incredible series. The swings, I remember being in the last shuffle and Tyronn Lue in Game 7 is just pleading for more from LeBron James. I’m like, ‘How much do you expect LeBron James to give you dude? He’s giving you everything.’ He was like, ‘Come on LeBron! Come on LeBron!’ I don’t remember what specifically he was asking for but that was just so great.”
James ultimately averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists that Finals run and finally brought a title back to Cleveland after abandoning that promise when he left the franchise in 2010 for the Miami Heat.
It solidified LeBron’s legacy as one of the greatest to ever touch the court and impacted the Warriors enough to recruit former MVP Kevin Durant to the team and kill the chances of the Cavs ever springing another upset upon them.
The 2016 Finals Will Never Be Forgotten
The action on the court during that Finals run was incredible, as both teams were scratching and clawing to the title. Ty Lue did a fantastic job of keeping his players motivated even after they fell down 3-1 in the series. In the years since he’s proven his worth not only as a man manager but also as a tactician.
The Warriors were humiliated as they failed to convert 73-9 into a championship, which led to Kevin Durant joining the team in his prime. They dominated the next two Finals, as the LeBron and Lue-led Cavs went 1-8 in the next two Finals against the Warriors before both coach and player left Cleveland for opposite locker rooms in LA.
The historical impact of those Finals on the generation’s greatest players like LeBron, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, and more will live long after them. At least until there’s a 74-8 team that blows a 3-0 lead in the Finals.
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