Golden State Warriors beat Cleveland Cavaliers to win third NBA title in four years
Last Updated: 09/06/18 8:22am
The Golden State Warriors became the NBA's first back-to-back champions since 2013 by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Warriors completed their four victories in four games in the Finals to win their third title in four years, after they won 108-85 in Cleveland.
Stephen Curry scored 37 points, including 20 in the first half, during which the Warriors took a commanding lead to secure their victory.
"It was definitely the toughest," head coach Steven Kerr said in comparing the three championships.
"I remember sitting in this room three years ago; it seemed like a dream. This feels more like reality. I hope that doesn't sound arrogant. It's just that's the talent we have, and that's the experience we've gained.
"But it's a very different feeling. It's still euphoric, but three years ago was I can't believe this happened, and now I can definitely believe this happened. But it was hard."
Golden State have won all three against the Cavaliers with the final game finishing in Cleveland for the second time and with speculation LeBron James could leave Cleveland.
James, who left to a standing ovation, can opt out of his contract during this offseason.
Kerr added: "I just want to congratulate Cleveland on an amazing season. You know, I watched that team a lot during the year. We always keep our eye on them, of course, and there have been kind of three different versions of their team.
"The fact that they got here surprised me, actually, watching them during the regular season. It didn't look like they were going to have enough.
"But what [coach Tyronn Lue] did with his group and obviously what LeBron [James] does night after night is just incredible. They had an amazing run."
Kevin Durant was named Finals MVP for the second year in a row, becoming the sixth player to achieve this feat.
Durant supplemented Curry's big-scoring night with the first Finals triple-double of his career with 20 points, 12 rebounds and a postseason-career-high 10 assists.
It was Durant's 28th consecutive playoff game with 20 or more points.
