January 3, 2025

The Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers is a matchup steeped in history, especially considering their battles during the 2010s, when both teams faced off in four consecutive NBA Finals from 2015 to 2018. These games, marked by intense competition and unforgettable moments, have produced some of the most thrilling plays in recent NBA history.

Here, we revisit some of the top plays from matchups between the Warriors and Cavaliers, analyzing key moments that have shaped the legacy of both franchises.

1. LeBron James’ Block on Andre Iguodala (2016 Finals – Game 7)

Perhaps the most iconic play in the history of the Warriors-Cavaliers rivalry, LeBron James’ block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals is etched into the memories of basketball fans worldwide. With the game tied at 89 and just under two minutes remaining, the Warriors were on the verge of taking the lead. Andre Iguodala had a clear path to the basket on a fast break, but LeBron, with incredible timing and athleticism, made a game-changing block.

This play symbolized LeBron’s relentless drive and commitment to winning, and it shifted the momentum in favor of the Cavaliers. Moments later, Kyrie Irving would hit the game-winning three-pointer, sealing Cleveland’s first-ever NBA championship.

2. Kyrie Irving’s Game-Winning Three (2016 Finals – Game 7)

The stage was set. Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, and with under a minute left, the Cavaliers were clinging to a slim 92-89 lead over the Warriors. After LeBron’s iconic block, Kyrie Irving had a chance to put the game out of reach.

With Stephen Curry defending him on the perimeter, Irving calmly dribbled to the top of the arc, creating just enough space for a contested three-pointer. The ball sailed through the air, and as it swished through the net, Irving’s shot gave Cleveland a 95-89 lead with 53 seconds remaining. That shot was not just a moment of brilliance but the dagger in the heart of the Warriors’ dynasty aspirations, securing the Cavs’ first-ever NBA title.

3. Draymond Green’s Block on LeBron James (2015 Finals – Game 3)

While LeBron James may be the hero of many of Cleveland’s memorable moments, Draymond Green was an unsung force for the Warriors in their Finals victories. In Game 3 of the 2015 Finals, with the series tied 1-1, LeBron James was charging to the basket on a fast break. As LeBron attempted to finish over Green, the Warriors forward made a spectacular block.

Green’s defensive play helped preserve the Warriors’ lead and was emblematic of his versatility on both ends of the floor. Although the Warriors would go on to win the Finals, this moment underscored the importance of Green’s defensive prowess in Golden State’s eventual success.

4. Stephen Curry’s 3-Point Barrage (2019 Regular Season – January 15)

One of the most electrifying moments of the 2019 regular season occurred when Stephen Curry went off for a historic 3-point performance against the Cavaliers. Curry exploded for 51 points, with a significant chunk of his scoring coming from beyond the arc. The Cavaliers simply couldn’t stop Curry, as he hit shot after shot from deep range, finishing with 11 made three-pointers.

This game showed just how dangerous Curry could be when he caught fire, and it was a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. It wasn’t just the volume of threes, but the variety—Curry hit contested shots, pull-ups, and deep 3-pointers, further cementing his status as the league’s most lethal offensive player.

5. Kevin Durant’s Dagger Three (2017 Finals – Game 3)

In the 2017 Finals, Kevin Durant’s arrival with the Warriors proved to be a seismic shift in the landscape of the NBA. In Game 3, with the Warriors leading the Cavaliers 106-102 and just under a minute left, Durant hit an incredibly clutch three-pointer over LeBron James. The shot was high-arcing, heavily contested, and from deep range, but Durant swished it home, essentially putting the game and the series out of reach for Cleveland.

Durant’s three not only gave the Warriors a commanding lead in the game but also highlighted the depth of their roster. With multiple players capable of hitting clutch shots, Golden State’s offense became nearly impossible to defend during this era.

6. LeBron James’ 51-Point Performance (2018 Finals – Game 1)

Although the Cavaliers were swept in the 2018 Finals, LeBron James’ individual performance in Game 1 remains one of the most impressive in NBA Finals history. James erupted for 51 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in an attempt to steal a win on the road in Oracle Arena.

His scoring was a masterclass in offense—whether it was driving to the basket with strength and finesse or knocking down long-range shots. Despite LeBron’s historic effort, the Cavaliers fell short, losing 124-114, but this game was a testament to his greatness, especially considering the lack of consistent support from his teammates.

7. Andre Iguodala’s Finals MVP Performance (2015 Finals)

In the 2015 Finals, the Warriors defeated the Cavaliers in six games, and while much of the attention went to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala’s Finals MVP performance was crucial to the Warriors’ success. One of the top plays in that series came during a pivotal moment when Iguodala made a key steal and transition basket in Game 4.

He was inserted into the starting lineup during the Finals to provide better defense against LeBron James, and he played a crucial role in slowing down the Cavs’ superstar. Iguodala’s defense, along with his timely offensive plays, were instrumental in Golden State’s first title in 40 years.

8. Stephen Curry’s Half-Court Shot (2018 Regular Season – January 16)

Stephen Curry’s ability to make incredible shots from all over the court has become a trademark of his game. In a 2018 regular-season game against the Cavaliers, Curry hit a deep half-court shot at the buzzer to end the first half.

This shot was a testament to Curry’s unmatched range and the growing evolution of the NBA as a 3-point shooting league. It wasn’t just a shot from a superstar—this play signaled the future of the game, where even players like Curry could extend the range beyond the traditional 3-point line.

9. Klay Thompson’s 37-Point Quarter (2015 Regular Season – January 23)

While this play didn’t occur in a Warriors-Cavaliers postseason game, Klay Thompson’s historic 37-point quarter against the Sacramento Kings is worth mentioning for the sheer explosiveness. Thompson’s scoring outburst included nine 3-pointers in that quarter, showcasing just how dangerous the Warriors’ “Splash Brothers” duo could be. Although this wasn’t against the Cavaliers, Klay’s scoring explosion served as a reminder of Golden State’s ability to overwhelm opponents with their three-point shooting prowess, a theme that would define their future Finals appearances.

10. Cleveland’s 2016 Game 5 Comeback (2016 Finals – Game 5)

The Cavaliers found themselves in a hole, trailing the Warriors 3-1 in the 2016 Finals. Game 5 at Oracle Arena was critical, and Cleveland delivered one of the most complete team performances in Finals history. With LeBron James leading the charge, the Cavs mounted a 120-90 blowout victory, a game in which LeBron had 41 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists.

The Cavs’ win shifted the momentum back to Cleveland’s side, and it was this win that set up the dramatic Game 7 and LeBron’s ultimate triumph over Golden State. This game remains one of the most memorable playoff performances in NBA history.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *