NBA Finals 2017: 5 most memorable moments

Jun 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr speaks at a press conference before game two of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Welcome back, Coach Kerr

These NBA Finals between the Warriors and Cavaliers featured a lot of star matchups. Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving. Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Draymond Green and Kevin Love. The underrated matchup — that had a huge influence on the outcome — was between Tyronn Lue and Steve Kerr.

Unfortunately, coming into this series, Steve Kerr had been unable to coach the team from the bench due to lingering illnesses from an offseason back surgery a year ago. The Warriors turned to Mike Brown — who the Cavaliers still have on their payroll — to lead them into the NBA Finals.

After a Game 1 victory, it was being reported that Coach Kerr was ready to make his return for Game 2. As the news was being released, the over/under in Las Vegas for the number of broken clipboards was going up.

Just as it had been reported, Kerr made his resilient return to the bench, in his usual tie-less look to the roar of Warriors’ fans in Oracle. As fans of the game, we want to watch the two best teams in the NBA go head-to-head at full strength. Steve Kerr’s leadership, in-game adjustments and calm demeanor were all missed on the sideline.

The NBA Finals just wouldn’t have been the same if Kerr wasn’t on the sideline, pleading with officials after bad calls or rallying his troops to move the ball on offense. LeBron James showed his respect by walking over to Kerr and acknowledging his return right before tip-off.

The Warriors likely would have won with Mike Brown in the head role, but it just wouldn’t have been the same. It was good to see Coach Kerr back on the sidelines where he belongs.

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