When thinking of all the recent memorable moments in the NBA Finals, one of the best in recent memory has to be Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. The series was between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors had the greatest regular season of all time, finishing with 73 wins, 1 win more than the 1995 Chicago Bulls. Led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, this was one of the best teams in recent history. They took a 3-1 series lead in the NBA Finals against the Cavs, but Cleveland wouldn’t go away quietly. They forced a Game 7 and went on the road to try and capture a most unlikely title.
In the 4th quarter, one of the most remembered plays in recent history occurred. With under 2 minutes to go and the game tied at 89, Andre Iguodala went up for a layup on a fast break opportunity. LeBron James came out of nowhere for the block, and the loose ball was recovered by the Cavs. The Warriors never scored again. It is widely regarded to be one of the best defensive plays in NBA Finals history. When the Cavaliers came back and won the game, they made history as the first team ever to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals. Moments like this are fuel on the fire of the GOAT debate in the NBA. This is why we love sports. There weren’t many, if any, Cleveland fans who thought that they had a chance to come back against a historically good opponent, but that’s exactly what happened. This is a game and individual moment that no fan will ever forget.
We can only hope that the 2023 NBA Finals produces an equally iconic moment.