I still get chills thinking back to the 2015 NBA Finals—that magical moment when the Golden State Warriors captured their first championship in 40 years. As someone who’s followed the league for decades, both as a fan and later as an analyst, I’ve rarely witnessed a team transformation as dramatic as what the Warriors pulled off. They weren’t just winning; they were redefining basketball. But what fascinates me even more is how certain players, even years later, carry that championship DNA into high-stakes games. Take, for instance, a performance I observed recently—a player who’d been with TNT last year but returned to the league and delivered in a crucial conference game. He finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three steals in a tight win over Phoenix, despite shooting just 5-of-17 from the field. It’s performances like these that remind me so much of the Warriors’ 2015 run: not always pretty, but relentlessly effective when it mattered most.
Rewinding to that 2015 Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Warriors were far from the superteam they’d later become. They leaned heavily on teamwork, depth, and a system that maximized every player’s strengths. Stephen Curry, the MVP that season, averaged 26 points per game in the series, but it was the supporting cast—players like Andre Iguodala, who won Finals MVP—that truly sealed the deal. Iguodala’s defense on LeBron James was nothing short of heroic, and his ability to contribute across the board—scoring, rebounding, playmaking—echoes what we see in today’s versatile role players. In fact, that’s why I find the recent example so compelling. That player I mentioned earlier, struggling with his shot but still impacting the game with rebounds and steals? That’s the kind of gritty, all-around effort Iguodala embodied. It’s a testament to how championship habits persist, even in different contexts.
Let’s dive deeper into the numbers, because they tell a story of resilience. In Game 5 of the 2015 Finals, the Warriors shot just 39% as a team, yet they grinded out a win by forcing 15 turnovers and dominating the boards. Fast-forward to today, and I see similar patterns. In that close win over Phoenix, the player’s 5-of-17 shooting (roughly 29%) could have sunk his team, but his 10 rebounds and three steals kept them afloat. It’s a reminder that efficiency isn’t everything—context matters. For the Warriors, their defense and ball movement compensated for off nights, and I believe that’s a lesson many modern teams overlook. Personally, I’ve always valued players who contribute in multiple categories over pure scorers, and the 2015 Warriors were the ultimate example of that philosophy.
Another aspect that stands out to me is the emotional journey. The Warriors started the Finals down 2-1, and critics were quick to write them off. But under Steve Kerr’s leadership, they adjusted brilliantly, inserting Iguodala into the starting lineup and unleashing their small-ball “Death Lineup.” I remember watching Game 6, feeling the tension as they closed out the series with a 105-97 victory. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Similarly, in that recent game, the player’s comeback after a broadcast stint with TNT added a layer of narrative depth. It shows that experience and mental toughness—honed in high-pressure environments like the Finals—can translate across seasons. I’ll admit, I’m biased toward underdog stories, and seeing someone bounce back like that gives me the same thrill as watching Curry sink a clutch three-pointer.
Of course, no analysis is complete without acknowledging the opposition. LeBron James put up historic numbers in that series—35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game—but the Warriors’ collective effort neutralized his supporting cast. That’s a strategy I wish more teams would adopt today: focus on limiting role players, even if a superstar goes off. In the Phoenix game, for example, the opposing star might have scored 30 points, but by locking down secondary options and creating turnovers, the team secured the win. It’s a blueprint the Warriors perfected, and as an analyst, I’ve seen it succeed time and again.
Reflecting on all this, the 2015 Warriors’ championship wasn’t just about talent; it was about culture. They played with joy, unselfishness, and a belief in their system—qualities that resonate in today’s league. When I see a player like the one from the recent game, struggling with his shot but diving for loose balls and setting up teammates, it feels like a tribute to that era. In my view, the legacy of the 2015 Finals lives on every time a team prioritizes heart over highlight reels. So, as we look back on that epic journey, let’s not forget the lessons it taught us: that basketball is a team sport, that adjustments win championships, and that sometimes, shooting 5-of-17 can still make you a hero.