The Downfall of History: 73-9 Golden State Warriors

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The Downfall of History: 73-9 Golden State Warriors

 

The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors are undoubtedly one of the greatest, if not, the greatest team there has ever been. Their 73-9 regular season record surpassed the great 1995-96 Chicago Bulls for the most wins in NBA history. In 1996, fans felt the Chicago Bulls’ 72-10 record would live on forever. Well, it will… Kinda.

Here’s the kick. If you were to complete a full season (regular season and playoffs), would you rather compile a 73-9 record and no championship or a 72-10 record and an extra banner hanging from the rafters? That shouldn’t take long to answer.

Ahead 3-1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Golden State Warriors were just one victory away from officially stamping their name in the history books. Failing to win, and ultimately losing to Cleveland 4-3—by way of stellar performances from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving—the reigning champion’s legendary season will forever be remembered without a Larry O’Brien trophy. Next time you debate which team is the greatest, be sure to include Golden State’s failed championship run, it’ll end the discussion right at that moment.

The Golden State Warriors set tons of records with their unthinkable collapse after leading the 2016 NBA Finals series 3-1:

Golden State is the first team with 73 wins in the regular season to lose the NBA Finals. First team with a unanimous MVP to lose the NBA Finals. First team to lose the NBA Finals after leading 3-1. First team to comeback from 1-3 in the Conference Finals to lose with a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals. First team to win the first 24 games in a season then lose in the NBA Finals. First team to have as many losses in the regular season (9) and the playoffs (9).

Sure, Golden State’s record will stand for a very long time, but Michael Jordan enthusiasts have a winsome smile gleaming from their faces; the greatest player of all-time will once again stand apart from the rest.

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