In the Warriors' conquest of the West, Steph showed his mean streak again. Don't be fooled by the smiles.
Oklahoma City put forth the best effort imaginable against the best regular season team in NBA history. Their reward is heartbreak, scorn and an uncertain future, but it doesn't have to be that way.
The Western Conference Finals were everything NBA basketball can be and more. We'll take seven more games next year, too.
The Thunder were on the brink of finally breaking through, and they couldn't finish the job. Now, they must pick up the pieces.
How has the NBA's 12th-best defense shut down the greatest offensive show in the modern NBA? By blending its old, aggressive style with a newer approach developed over the course of the season.
Being down 2-1 is not novel for these Warriors. Being down 2-1 against a team as good as the healthy Thunder -- and possibly facing a game without Draymond Green -- is something new.
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are finally both healthy, and OKC is hot at the right time. They can beat the Warriors.
Through all the ups and downs, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have forged a bond unlike any other in the league. How long will that continue?