2017 NBA Finals: Buckle up for Cavs-Warriors 3.0

Jill Martin
By Jill Martin, CNN
Updated 4:12 AM EDT, Sat June 10, 2017
The Golden State Warriors celebrate with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after winning Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 12. Golden State won 129-120 to collect its second title in three years.
The Golden State Warriors celebrate with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after winning Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 12. Golden State won 129-120 to collect its second title in three years.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Kevin Durant, center, celebrates at the end of Game 5. This was the first title for Durant, who signed with the Warriors before this season. He was named the Finals' Most Valuable Player.
Kevin Durant, center, celebrates at the end of Game 5. This was the first title for Durant, who signed with the Warriors before this season. He was named the Finals' Most Valuable Player.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Durant scored at least 31 points in all five games of the series. He finished Game 5 with a team-high 39 points, making 70% of his shots.
Durant scored at least 31 points in all five games of the series. He finished Game 5 with a team-high 39 points, making 70% of his shots.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Durant is mobbed by photographers after the final buzzer.
Durant is mobbed by photographers after the final buzzer.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Golden State players celebrate after the victory. This was the third straight season that the Warriors and the Cavaliers had met in the Finals. The Warriors won in 2015, and the Cavaliers won last year.
Golden State players celebrate after the victory. This was the third straight season that the Warriors and the Cavaliers had met in the Finals. The Warriors won in 2015, and the Cavaliers won last year.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Golden State teammates Draymond Green and Stephen Curry celebrate late in the fourth quarter.
Golden State teammates Draymond Green and Stephen Curry celebrate late in the fourth quarter.
Ben Margot/AP
Durant hugs Cleveland star LeBron James after the game. James averaged a triple-double in the Finals: 33.6 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. He has played in the Finals each of the last seven seasons, with his team winning three of them.
Durant hugs Cleveland star LeBron James after the game. James averaged a triple-double in the Finals: 33.6 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. He has played in the Finals each of the last seven seasons, with his team winning three of them.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Cleveland's Tristan Thompson goes face to face with Golden State's David West during a first-half scrum in Game 5. Both players received technical fouls.
Cleveland's Tristan Thompson goes face to face with Golden State's David West during a first-half scrum in Game 5. Both players received technical fouls.
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James loses the ball while being guarded by Shaun Livingston and Green in the first half.
James loses the ball while being guarded by Shaun Livingston and Green in the first half.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Green and James fall to the floor in the first half.
Green and James fall to the floor in the first half.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Klay Thompson falls over Tristan Thompson in the low post.
Klay Thompson falls over Tristan Thompson in the low post.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
Curry had 34 points and 10 assists in Game 5.
Curry had 34 points and 10 assists in Game 5.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Durant reacts to a Curry shot.
Durant reacts to a Curry shot.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Cleveland's Kyrie Irving gestures to the home crowd during Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday, June 9. Irving had a game-high 40 points, including seven 3-pointers, as the Cavaliers won 137-116. It was Cleveland's only win in the seven-game series.
Cleveland's Kyrie Irving gestures to the home crowd during Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday, June 9. Irving had a game-high 40 points, including seven 3-pointers, as the Cavaliers won 137-116. It was Cleveland's only win in the seven-game series.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
James dunks the ball during Game 4. The Cavaliers scored a Finals-record 86 points in the first half. They also made 24 3-pointers in the game, a Finals record and just one away from the all-time league record.
James dunks the ball during Game 4. The Cavaliers scored a Finals-record 86 points in the first half. They also made 24 3-pointers in the game, a Finals record and just one away from the all-time league record.
Jason Miller/Getty Images
Durant led the Warriors with 35 points in Game 4.
Durant led the Warriors with 35 points in Game 4.
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr reacts to a call in the third quarter of Game 4. It was the first loss of the postseason for the Warriors, who came into the game 15-0 and were looking to become the first NBA team to go undefeated in the playoffs.
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr reacts to a call in the third quarter of Game 4. It was the first loss of the postseason for the Warriors, who came into the game 15-0 and were looking to become the first NBA team to go undefeated in the playoffs.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Livingston lands on Cleveland guard Deron Williams during the second half of Game 4.
Livingston lands on Cleveland guard Deron Williams during the second half of Game 4.
Ron Schwane/AP
Cavaliers fans watch Game 4 outside Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Cavaliers fans watch Game 4 outside Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Angelo Merendino/Getty Images
Golden State players react on the bench late in Game 4.
Golden State players react on the bench late in Game 4.
Jason Miller/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Durant goes up for a dunk during Game 3 on Wednesday, June 7. Durant scored 38 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, as the Warriors won 118-113 in Cleveland.
Durant goes up for a dunk during Game 3 on Wednesday, June 7. Durant scored 38 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, as the Warriors won 118-113 in Cleveland.
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Irving drives to the basket during Game 3. He also had 38 points.
Irving drives to the basket during Game 3. He also had 38 points.
Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images
Klay Thompson dribbles around James in Game 3. Thompson scored 30 points in the game, making six of his 11 shots from behind the 3-point arc.
Klay Thompson dribbles around James in Game 3. Thompson scored 30 points in the game, making six of his 11 shots from behind the 3-point arc.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
James had another monster game for the Cavs -- 39 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.
James had another monster game for the Cavs -- 39 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.
Ronald Martinez/AP
Durant and Curry were a potent 1-2 punch for the Warriors all series.
Durant and Curry were a potent 1-2 punch for the Warriors all series.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Cleveland fans gather outside Quicken Loans Arena to watch Game 3. The Cavs led by six points with a little more than three minutes left, but the Warriors ended the game on an 11-0 run.
Cleveland fans gather outside Quicken Loans Arena to watch Game 3. The Cavs led by six points with a little more than three minutes left, but the Warriors ended the game on an 11-0 run.
Angelo Merendino/Getty Images
Durant rebounds the ball during Game 2, which Golden State won 132-113 on Sunday, June 4. Durant had a game-high 33 points to go with 13 rebounds, six assists and five blocks.
Durant rebounds the ball during Game 2, which Golden State won 132-113 on Sunday, June 4. Durant had a game-high 33 points to go with 13 rebounds, six assists and five blocks.
Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports
James takes the ball to the basket during Game 2. He scored 29 points and added 14 assists and 11 rebounds for a triple-double.
James takes the ball to the basket during Game 2. He scored 29 points and added 14 assists and 11 rebounds for a triple-double.
Ben Margot/AP
Curry goes up for a layup in Game 2. He also had a triple-double: 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
Curry goes up for a layup in Game 2. He also had a triple-double: 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Tristan Thompson is surrounded by Warriors in the paint.
Tristan Thompson is surrounded by Warriors in the paint.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Klay Thompson looks to pass the ball in Game 2.
Klay Thompson looks to pass the ball in Game 2.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Cleveland's Kevin Love goes up for a shot in Game 2. He scored 27 points.
Cleveland's Kevin Love goes up for a shot in Game 2. He scored 27 points.
Pool/Getty Images
Curry drives to the hoop against Richard Jefferson, left, and Irving.
Curry drives to the hoop against Richard Jefferson, left, and Irving.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Kerr stands for the national anthem before Game 2. He had just returned to the Warriors bench for the first time since April. He took a leave of absence because of complications from his 2015 back surgery.
Kerr stands for the national anthem before Game 2. He had just returned to the Warriors bench for the first time since April. He took a leave of absence because of complications from his 2015 back surgery.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
James goes up for a shot against Durant during the first game on Thursday, June 1. Durant scored a game-high 38 points for the Warriors, who opened the Finals with a dominating 113-91 victory.
James goes up for a shot against Durant during the first game on Thursday, June 1. Durant scored a game-high 38 points for the Warriors, who opened the Finals with a dominating 113-91 victory.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Curry drives the ball to the rim in Game 1. He was 6-for-11 on 3-pointers, and he finished the game with 28 points and 10 assists.
Curry drives the ball to the rim in Game 1. He was 6-for-11 on 3-pointers, and he finished the game with 28 points and 10 assists.
Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Oracle Arena was packed for Game 1.
Oracle Arena was packed for Game 1.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Klay Thompson guards Love in the first quarter of Game 1.
Klay Thompson guards Love in the first quarter of Game 1.
Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports
Singer Rihanna cheers from the sideline during Game 1. She was one of many celebrities there, but <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/02/entertainment/rihanna-nba-finals/index.html" target="_blank">she took most of the headlines.</a>
Singer Rihanna cheers from the sideline during Game 1. She was one of many celebrities there, but she took most of the headlines.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
James led the Cavaliers with 28 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in Game 1. But he also had a game-high eight turnovers.
James led the Cavaliers with 28 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in Game 1. But he also had a game-high eight turnovers.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Fans hold up signs for Curry during the second half of Game 1.
Fans hold up signs for Curry during the second half of Game 1.
Ben Margot/AP
NBA Finals: Warriors win second title in 3 years

Story highlights

Warriors lead this year's best-of-seven Finals series 3-1

CNN  — 

This NBA Finals rubber match between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers has been building up for a while.

In 2016, it looked like everything was going the Warriors’ way. The 2015 NBA champions won a record 73 regular-season games, and Stephen Curry was the first player to unanimously win the NBA MVP Award.

For the third straight season, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors meet in the NBA Finals. Who will be the difference in this much-anticipated rubber match? Both teams are stacked with talent. Here are the projected starting lineups, which include seven All-Stars.
For the third straight season, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors meet in the NBA Finals. Who will be the difference in this much-anticipated rubber match? Both teams are stacked with talent. Here are the projected starting lineups, which include seven All-Stars.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
<strong>LeBron James, Cleveland, forward</strong><br />Is "King James" the greatest of all time? Maybe he hasn't reached Michael Jordan's level just yet, but he's certainly entered the conversation. He put his hometown team on his back last year as the Cavs rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to win in a dramatic Game 7. It was his first title with Cleveland and the third of his career after winning two in Miami. Perhaps even more amazing is that he's been to seven straight NBA Finals. James led the Cavs in points, assists and steals this season.
LeBron James, Cleveland, forward
Is "King James" the greatest of all time? Maybe he hasn't reached Michael Jordan's level just yet, but he's certainly entered the conversation. He put his hometown team on his back last year as the Cavs rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to win in a dramatic Game 7. It was his first title with Cleveland and the third of his career after winning two in Miami. Perhaps even more amazing is that he's been to seven straight NBA Finals. James led the Cavs in points, assists and steals this season.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
<strong>Kevin Durant, Golden State, forward</strong><br />Durant is the newest face of this modern-day rivalry, as he signed with the Warriors in July after nearly a decade with Oklahoma City. He's been one of the league's marquee players for years, winning four scoring titles and a league MVP award, but he's still looking for his first championship. Some have criticized him for joining his former rivals to get that elusive title, but he says he has no regrets.
Kevin Durant, Golden State, forward
Durant is the newest face of this modern-day rivalry, as he signed with the Warriors in July after nearly a decade with Oklahoma City. He's been one of the league's marquee players for years, winning four scoring titles and a league MVP award, but he's still looking for his first championship. Some have criticized him for joining his former rivals to get that elusive title, but he says he has no regrets.
Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images
<strong>Kyrie Irving, Cleveland, guard</strong><br />A fractured kneecap knocked Irving out of the playoffs in 2015, so he missed the first time the Cavs and the Warriors faced off in the Finals. He returned in 2016 and played a crucial role, hitting this 3-pointer that lifted Cleveland to victory in the deciding Game 7. Irving, a four-time All-Star, is second on his team in points, assists and steals.
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland, guard
A fractured kneecap knocked Irving out of the playoffs in 2015, so he missed the first time the Cavs and the Warriors faced off in the Finals. He returned in 2016 and played a crucial role, hitting this 3-pointer that lifted Cleveland to victory in the deciding Game 7. Irving, a four-time All-Star, is second on his team in points, assists and steals.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
<strong>Stephen Curry, Golden State, guard</strong><br />Curry has been the face of the Warriors during their transition from league cellar-dweller to world champions. He was the league's MVP in 2015 and 2016, and even with the addition of Durant he remains Golden State's leading scorer. Many call him the best 3-point shooter in the game today -- some think he's the best ever. But Curry is more than just an outside threat. He can also get to the basket and defend. He led the NBA in steals last season.
Stephen Curry, Golden State, guard
Curry has been the face of the Warriors during their transition from league cellar-dweller to world champions. He was the league's MVP in 2015 and 2016, and even with the addition of Durant he remains Golden State's leading scorer. Many call him the best 3-point shooter in the game today -- some think he's the best ever. But Curry is more than just an outside threat. He can also get to the basket and defend. He led the NBA in steals last season.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
<strong>Kevin Love, Cleveland, forward</strong><br />Love is the third All-Star in Cleveland's starting lineup. He led the team in rebounds this season and finished eighth in the league in rebounds per game. He is also the team's third-leading scorer, capable of scoring around the rim or behind the 3-point arc.
Kevin Love, Cleveland, forward
Love is the third All-Star in Cleveland's starting lineup. He led the team in rebounds this season and finished eighth in the league in rebounds per game. He is also the team's third-leading scorer, capable of scoring around the rim or behind the 3-point arc.
Jason Miller/Getty Images
<strong>Draymond Green, Golden State, forward</strong><br />Green is one of the league's best defensive players, making two All-Star teams and leading the league in steals this season. He is the prototypical "glue guy" who does a little bit of everything, and he provides the team with a fiery, physical presence. But sometimes his emotions can work against him. He was suspended for Game 5 of last year's Finals after his fourth flagrant foul of the postseason. The Warriors lost that game as well as the next two.
Draymond Green, Golden State, forward
Green is one of the league's best defensive players, making two All-Star teams and leading the league in steals this season. He is the prototypical "glue guy" who does a little bit of everything, and he provides the team with a fiery, physical presence. But sometimes his emotions can work against him. He was suspended for Game 5 of last year's Finals after his fourth flagrant foul of the postseason. The Warriors lost that game as well as the next two.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
<strong>Tristan Thompson, Cleveland, center</strong><br />Thompson holds down the paint for the Cavs, giving them offensive rebounds and blocks. He is not expected to score like the rest of the starting lineup, but he can chip in there, too. He has been a dependable player for the Cavs, playing 447 consecutive games -- a franchise record -- until spraining his thumb earlier this season.
Tristan Thompson, Cleveland, center
Thompson holds down the paint for the Cavs, giving them offensive rebounds and blocks. He is not expected to score like the rest of the starting lineup, but he can chip in there, too. He has been a dependable player for the Cavs, playing 447 consecutive games -- a franchise record -- until spraining his thumb earlier this season.
Jason Miller/Getty Images
<strong>Klay Thompson, Golden State, guard</strong><br />Golden State's Thompson is a much different player than Cleveland's Thompson. While Tristan does his work inside, Klay's doing his on the perimeter. Klay won this year's 3-point shootout during NBA All-Star Weekend, and in 2014 he and fellow "Splash Brother" Stephen Curry combined for a league record in 3-pointers made. Thompson is a three-time NBA All-Star, and he was one of four Warriors on this year's All-Star team.
Klay Thompson, Golden State, guard
Golden State's Thompson is a much different player than Cleveland's Thompson. While Tristan does his work inside, Klay's doing his on the perimeter. Klay won this year's 3-point shootout during NBA All-Star Weekend, and in 2014 he and fellow "Splash Brother" Stephen Curry combined for a league record in 3-pointers made. Thompson is a three-time NBA All-Star, and he was one of four Warriors on this year's All-Star team.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
<strong>J.R. Smith, Cleveland, guard</strong><br />You never quite know what to expect from Smith, a mercurial shooting guard with a penchant for hitting clutch shots. He can heat up quickly, but he's also been prone to shooting slumps. He missed half the season with a fractured thumb.
J.R. Smith, Cleveland, guard
You never quite know what to expect from Smith, a mercurial shooting guard with a penchant for hitting clutch shots. He can heat up quickly, but he's also been prone to shooting slumps. He missed half the season with a fractured thumb.
Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
<strong>Zaza Pachulia, Golden State, center</strong><br />Pachulia, a journeyman playing on his fifth NBA team in 14 seasons, is the only Warriors starter who is not an All-Star. This is his Finals debut, having signed with Golden State during the offseason. He will share minutes with JaVale McGee at the center position.
Zaza Pachulia, Golden State, center
Pachulia, a journeyman playing on his fifth NBA team in 14 seasons, is the only Warriors starter who is not an All-Star. This is his Finals debut, having signed with Golden State during the offseason. He will share minutes with JaVale McGee at the center position.
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