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NBA Finals 2017: 5 most memorable moments

By Akash Anavarathan

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
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 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates with guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates with guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kevin Durant raises his first Larry O’Brien Trophy

Let me see if I can do it as well as ESPN’s Mike Breen does. “The move to Golden State has been validated. Kevin Durant wins his first title and brings the title back to the Bay Area for the second time in three years.”

Alright, it’s not as good, but you get the point. This might have been the third time that the Warriors and Cavaliers were facing off, but all of the superstars on the court were already NBA Champions — except for one. Kevin Durant had one goal in mind when came to Oakland to join forces with the Warriors’ Big 3: win championships — not one, not two, not three.

The 7-footer validated his decision to relocate cities with his first NBA Championship. Durant took heat from the media and fans, as he joined the team that defeated him in the 2016 Playoffs. Durant didn’t care what anybody else thought because he knew in his heart it was the right move.

On June 12, his move and decision proved to be the correct decision. Durant will forever be an NBA Champion, a title that nobody can ever take away from him. He’ll no longer just be a scoring champion or regular season MVP, he’ll also be a champion.

Next: NBA Draft 2017: 5 best fits for Lonzo Ball

There’s always a separate respect for players with hardware. Charles Barkley and Karl Malone aren’t regarded in the same light as some of their other peers who won rings. Kevin Durant made a choice to chase rings and it was validated tonight.

Good for you Kevin Durant, chasing what you believe is most important to you. This picture will define the 2016-17 season and also the rest of Durant’s legacy. It’s a memorable moment that will be never forgotten.

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