Domineering Warriors.
First off, let’s be clear about one thing: The Warriors’ victory over the Cavaliers the other day has absolutely no bearing at all in regard to their bid to claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June. For all the celebrating the 35-point trouncing elicited in the 19,516-strong Oracle Arena, it was, in the final analysis, a single outing midway through a long campaign. True, the way it unfolded was nothing short of perfect for the blue and gold; they got off to a scorching start and sustained their focus until the final buzzer, exposing the defending champions as overmatched at best. On the other hand, it’s precisely because they don’t have the hardware on their mantel that they would do well not to delve on the significance of their accomplishment.
Indeed, the Warriors understand the pitfalls of premature revelry. This time last year, they likewise schooled the Cavaliers; in fact, the 34-point drubbing compelled the latter to institute internal overhauls designed to keep pace with the evident front-runners. They then went on to post two National Basketball Association milestones; they became owners of both the best regular-season record and the worst Finals collapse in pro hoops history. So if there’s anything their bitter experience taught them, it’s that the finish is far more important than anything before it.
That said, the Warriors cannot but be pleased with how they competed against the Cavaliers, who hitherto seemed to have their number. Their travails have made them wiser, and their potential to contend consistently in the medium term have also made them more intimidating; one-time league Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant would not have joined them had they managed to defend their title. And, as they stamp their class anew, they appreciate the irony of their Finals failure setting up their future success.
In the aftermath of the Warriors’ triumph, vital cog Draymond Green professed his belief that they have a rivalry with the Cavaliers. In truth, they’re a cut above all and sundry. At their best, they have no equal, which is to say they need not go beyond their own backyard to find their most formidable foils. When they’re full of confidence, as they are these days, they don’t just win; they dominate.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Basic Energy Corp.
