NBA Finals 2018 - Cavaliers Vs Warriors

It’s that time of year again, with the NBA Finals just around the corner. For the first time in 39 years, both the Eastern and Western Conference Finals went to 7 games, and now only two teams remain in the race to be the Champions of 2018 – Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Who will win? Let’s take a look at the key players from each team that are playing a pivotal roll in helping their team achieve Championship glory.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Steph Curry played one of the best games of his career in Game 7 of the Conference Finals to help the Warriors to a come from behind victory and secure themselves another Finals appearance. Curry finished with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists. Playing a total of 6 games in the Conference Finals, Curry finished with 140 points, 40 rebounds and 39 assists. Looking for their third title in four years, Curry will be eager to come out firing in Game 1 and set the Warriors up to the best possible start.

Image credit: @warriors

Last year’s Finals MVP, Kevin Durant has once again proved to be a key player in the pointy end of the season. Durant currently ranks fourth in the league for post-season scoring. Along with Curry, Durant played a crucial role in helping the Warriors get the win against the Rockets in Game 7, with 34 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. If Durant is able to continue this form in the Finals against the Cavaliers, the Warriors will be the team to beat.

Image credit: @warriors

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

LeBron James has had a stellar post-season, with seven 40-point games – the most since Allen Iverson back in 2001. With the Celtics leading the series 2-0, LeBron helped bring his side back into contention and earn a spot in the Finals, with the Cavs winning the series 4-3. In what is his 15th season, there seems to be no stopping him. In the post-season, LeBron is ranked number one for scoring, with 612 points to his name before the Finals series has even begun. In addition to this, he has had 166 rebounds and 158 assists. James is only the second player to every reach these numbers in NBA history and he will play a vital role for the Cavs in the finals.

Image credit: @natlyphoto

Prior to being concussed in the first quarter of Game 6, Kevin Love, was arguably the Cavs second best player. He was a solid contributor for the Cavaliers with 75 points, 14 assists and 55 rebounds in the five full games that he played against the Celtics. The Cavs managed to win Games 6 and 7, with Love now fighting for doctor’s approval to play Game 1 of the finals on Friday morning (AEST). 

Image credit: @kevinlove

It all comes down to this! Who do you think will be crowned the Champions of 2018?