NBA Finals 2017: 5 reasons the Warriors repeat as champions
By Connor Learn
4. The Warriors get to build off of this season
There were periods of adversity in the Bay Area this season. Durant played isolation basketball too much at times. The practice time and repetition needed for them to play near their highest level as a unit took some time to build up. But these issues were worked through and corrected, and Golden State improved as the year went on as a result.
The Warriors silenced their few doubters during the end of the season. They won 31 of their final 33 games this season. The two losses include a record setting offensive performance by the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Finals and a late April loss to the Jazz in which Klay Thompson rested and their starters didn’t receive full minutes. Additionally, a good portion of their late season pillage of the NBA took place with Kevin Durant out with his knee injury. This team peaked late in the season, which bodes well for them heading into next year.
The composition of the rest of the Warriors roster next year is still to be decided. If there are major changes, there could be an adjustment period. But if there isn’t major roster overhaul and this squad can continue with the continuity that they established over the course of this season, then they should be at least as good next year. Chasing 73 wins again may not happen, but another season of Kevin Durant figuring out how to play best with this team could lead to great things.