The 40 year wait is finally over. After years of hardship, struggle and countless losing seasons, the Golden State Warriors are finally back on top as NBA champions. The season came without much struggle; 67 wins, a franchise record, with the league MVP, Stephen Curry leading the way. They overcame so much, but at the same time it all seemed to come so easy.
The celebration started after a 105-97 win in game 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Once the confetti had fallen and the champagne sprayed in the faces of the newly crowned champs, they finally had a moment to reflect on the accomplishment. Head Coach Steve Kerr, shirt drenched from the celebratory tradition, came to the post-game podium for his media session to talk about the locker room was like after the game.
“It was chaos, pure joy,” Kerr said, “It had been 12 years since I had been there, my last year with the [San Antonio] Spurs. I almost forgot just how grueling the stretch is. Two straight months of emotional stress and physical stress and just the roller coaster ride that you’re on.
“There is a lot of pent up energy and relief, more than anything, in that locker room.”
Immediately after the game, Andre Iguodala, who took a reduced roll this season coming off the bench, was named Finals MVP. There is perhaps no greater recognition for his sacrifice this season, and after the game he talked about why he trusted Kerr, who made the decision at the beginning of the year.
“He got five rings,” Iguodala said while wearing ski goggles to protect his eyes from the champagne, “If that’s what it’s really about then you got to step up to the plate and do what it takes for the team. Great idea, great plan. Then he was brilliant and he switched it up in the Finals, and we won three straight games in a row.”
Surrounded by a crowd of reporters and photographers, Curry tried to explain his emotions as best as he could.
“This is for the whole Bay Area, all of Dub Nation, all of the supporters,” he said in the locker room, “The last 40 years. This is for you. Man, I can’t put it in to words but when we get back and have this parade, it’s going to be a party
“From the start of the season until the last whistle, this is a total team effort.”
(Photo: @letsgowarriors Instagram account via NBAE/Getty)
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