On Monday, the Golden State Warriors accomplished what was expected by many: a four-game sweep of the San Antonio Spurs to clinch the Western Conference and earn their ticket to their third straight NBA Finals.
For the past two seasons, the Warriors have faced the same opponent -- the Cleveland Cavaliers -- in the Finals. The rise of each of these teams in their respective conferences over the past few years has led to whispers of a rivalry forming. If nothing else, it can't be denied that these are the two teams to beat in the NBA right now.
With the Cavaliers expected to win the Eastern Conference finals (despite a tremendous effort from the Boston Celtics in Game 3), the conversation has been heating up as to whether the Cavs will repeat or whether Golden State can reclaim the title.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob certainly has an opinion on the matter.
Even though the Cavaliers haven't earned their spot in the final yet, Lacob made it clear that he would prefer to play LeBron James & Co. in the Finals.
"I don't care who we play, but my preference is Cleveland. We have some unfinished business," Warriors co-owner... https://t.co/QOaBnuRsUJ
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) May 23, 2017
The "unfinished business" that Lacob alludes to suggests that he has bought into the idea that the Warriors and the Cavaliers have become legitimate rivals. Will Lacob and his team get a shot at redemption? The NBA community will know soon enough.
--Meaghan Latella
