With a 104-94 win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals over the Boston Celtics, the Golden State Warriors are one win away from a world championship.
It would be their fourth championship in eight years, which has people in the Bay Area talking dynasty.
The Warriors have certainly been the NBA’s premier franchise for the last seven or eight years behind superstar Stephen Curry, sharpshooter Klay Thompson, Swiss Army knife and defensive ace Draymond Green, and head coach Steve Kerr.
Some had their doubts for years, but yes, they’re on the verge of achieving dynastic status with one more win in the next two contests.
If the Golden State Warriors win the NBA Championship ..
6 NBA Finals appearances
4 NBA Championships
8 yearsThat would be the best dynasty since Michael Jordan and the Bulls.
And there’s still plenty of time for more
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) May 24, 2022
The Warriors Have Persevered To Become A Model For The Rest Of The NBA
Several years ago, when Curry, Thompson, and Green were very young, the Warriors were a good team, but not a great team.
Management wasn’t exactly happy with such a team, and they dismissed then-head coach Mark Jackson in favor of Kerr, who unlocked the true potential of the squad, especially on the offensive end.
The Warriors won their first title of the era in 2015, but some dismissed it as dumb luck, especially since Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving was injured for most of the championship series.
Golden State won a record 73 wins the next season, only to lose Game 7 of the Finals to the Cavs, but it then went out and got Kevin Durant.
With Durant leading them to back-to-back rings immediately, people were talking about the Warriors perhaps being one of the greatest teams ever.
But then, everything went down the toilet.
Durant left the team, and both Curry and Thompson missed considerable time with major injuries.
Critics said the Warriors were done contending for titles, but general manager Bob Myers found a way to turn lemons into lemonade.
He accumulated and developed young talent, and coming into this season, suddenly the Warriors were on the mend.
With Thompson returning in January, they gradually started to look like something resembling their old selves, and they have seemingly gotten better as the postseason has moved along.
Golden State Is Completing The Checklist Of Items Needed To Be Considered A Dynasty
It is generally believed that to become a dynasty, especially in the NBA, a team not only needs to win several championships within several years but win at least two of them in a row.
Golden State has done that.
It also helps when the core of the team keeps winning and contending over the years despite changes to its supporting cast while overcoming injuries, tough playoff losses, and other challenges.
Golden State has done that.
Ever since Kerr took over as coach, the team has reached the Finals every single year it has been healthy – that’s six championship series appearances in a row.
The only other NBA team that has done anything of the sort was the Bill Russell-led Celtics in the 1960s – back when the league had a fraction of the teams it has now.
Golden era of the @warriors
still.Core players Steph, Klay, Draymond, all in their 30s.
Future core, same GSW dynasty?
Wiggins, 27, Poole, 22, Wiseman, 21, Moody, 19 and Kuminga, 19.
🏀This could go on a while🏀
— Bertis Downs (@BertisDowns4th) June 14, 2022
These Warriors may not be better than other dynastic teams, such as the Showtime Lakers or the Michael Jordan-powered Chicago Bulls, but they are on the verge of entering a special rarified air.
NEXT: Warriors Writer Reminds Fans To Thank The Timberwolves