Fansided

NBA Schedule 2017-18: 5 games with the most revenge potential

By Philip Rossman-Reich

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 06: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Thunder 93-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 06: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Thunder 93-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pause on the court during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Dec. 25: Cleveland Cavaliers @ Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors may have a tough time finding motivation. They overpowered the league last year on their way to their second title in three years. That whole run was something of a revenge season after they blew a 3-1 series lead in the 2016 NBA Finals.

With that championship recaptured and a superstar team that has no signs of breaking down anytime soon, they are the prohibitive favorites to win the title again. It would be insane to pick against them right now, barring injury.

So what could motivate Golden State? Could they try again for the all-time wins record — going 74-8 and winning the title this time? That seems unlikely. Everyone all but admitted that run drained them.

There is one thing that can drive the Warriors. And one game specifically that might perk the Warriors up into full destruction mode early in the season.

Last Christmas, the Golden State Warriors visited the Cleveland Cavaliers with revenge in mind. And the Cavaliers and Warriors put on a classic game with playoff intensity on Christmas Day.

The ending to that game probably still eats at the Warriors. Kyrie Irving again hit a game-winning shot. And Kevin Durant slipped (was fouled?) on the final play, giving the Cavaliers a win. And maybe the league hope that the Warriors indeed were mortal.

Hint: They were not.

Any LeBron James-led team will always have a chance. And the Warriors will end up being one of his career’s defining rivalries. That is a game he always gets up for. His quest to get into conversations with Michael Jordan and the greatest in the NBA, will come up against his inability to defeat the Warriors consistently.

An angry LeBron James is an entertaining LeBron James. He knows the weight of these games. Just as the Warriors do.

And this will be one of the games where the Warriors actually have something to prove.

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