Javier Sarmiento of New York City writes: “Lots of things happened last season, things that were major and unprecedented.”
Wow, what an amazing season!
To begin with, Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City in order to play for the Golden State Warriors, signing a two year deal worth $60 million. His decision was met with major backlash and criticism by many, especially since the move came just months after the Thunder blew a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals to the 73-win Warriors. Despite all those who rooted against him, Durant flourished throughout the Regular Season, ending up as an NBA Champion and Finals MVP.
Courtesy related games
Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder also had a fantastic regular season, averaging a triple double. This hasn’t been done since the 1961-’62 season, when point guard Oscar Robertson averaged 30.5 PPG, 12.5 RPG. and 11.4 APG. Westbrook was also able to bring the otherwise lackluster Thunder all the way to the playoffs, losing the first round.
Despite the playoff loss Westbrook did not leave this season empty handed, winning the MVP trophy–and rightfully so.
Joining Russell in the MVP race this season was James Harden of the Houston Rockets, who nearly averaged a triple double for the regular season himself (29.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 11.2 APG). Harden also led the rockets to the the playoffs, losing to the Spurs in the second round.
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers also had a career season, posting 27.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 6.0 APG. Despite his third consecutive All-star snub, Lillard was able to will his team into the playoffs, even when people said they wouldn’t repeat the same success they had last year.
Dwayne Wade returned to his hometown of Chicago, playing along side Jimmy Butler. He led them to the playoffs where they lost to the Celtics in 6 games.
Isaiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics had a breakout season, being named an All-Star for the second straight time and averaging 29 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 6.0 APG. He led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 7 years, playing on a heavy heart due to the tragic death of his sister, Chyna Thomas.
Courtesy CSNNE.com
Lastly, Lebron James went to his 8th straight NBA Finals, which is unheard of. Unfortunately for him, he could not walk away with another Finals trophy, despite him averaging a triple double for the Final series. The Warriors had the better team overall–it’s not doubt about that for sure.
After such an exciting season, it will definitely be interesting to see what happens next year!
