Conference Finals NBA 2017: Epic Battles and Game-Changing Moments You Need to Relive

I still get chills thinking about the 2017 NBA Conference Finals. As a lifelong basketball analyst who's witnessed countless playoff battles, there are certain moments that redefine what we think is possible in this sport. That year’s Eastern and Western Conference Finals weren’t just games—they were masterclasses in resilience, strategy, and raw talent clashing at the highest level. What fascinates me most, even now, is how certain plays from that postseason echo in unexpected places, like that incredible buzzer-beater I saw in an international game just last week. Watching Yu Hyeon-moon drill that cold-blooded trey with 25.8 seconds left to lead Korea University past the Fighting Maroons, 75-71, in Tokyo, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the nerve-wracking finishes we saw in 2017. It’s moments like these that remind me why basketball, at its core, is a global language of clutch performance and unshakable poise.

The Eastern Conference series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics was, in my opinion, one of the most lopsided yet dramatic matchups in recent memory. I remember thinking before Game 1 that the Celtics, despite their grit, were simply outmatched by LeBron James’ sheer dominance. And boy, was I right. LeBron averaged around 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists per game that series, numbers that still boggle my mind. But what stood out to me wasn’t just the stats—it was the way he controlled the tempo, almost like a conductor leading an orchestra. I’ve always believed that great players elevate their teams in the playoffs, and LeBron’s performance, especially in Game 5 where he dropped 35 points, was a testament to that. The Celtics fought hard, I’ll give them that, but facing a historical force like LeBron in his prime was like trying to stop a tsunami with a sandcastle. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about making a statement, and Cleveland did exactly that, sweeping the series 4-0 in a way that left no doubt about their Finals berth.

Over in the West, the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs gave us a series that started with heartbreak and ended in sheer dominance. I’ll never forget Game 1, where Kawhi Leonard’s injury shifted the entire dynamic. As someone who’s studied game film for years, I can tell you that moment was a turning point—not just for the series, but for the franchise’s future. The Spurs were leading by 23 points when Kawhi went down, and the collapse that followed was painful to watch. Golden State, with their firepower, capitalized on it like sharks smelling blood. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant were virtually unstoppable, combining for something like 58 points in Game 2 alone. I’ve always had a soft spot for underdog stories, so seeing the Spurs struggle without their star felt unfair, but it also highlighted how fragile playoff success can be. The Warriors swept the series 4-0, but if you ask me, it’s the “what if” around Kawhi’s health that still lingers. That’s the thing about basketball—one twist of fate can change everything, and in 2017, it arguably altered the championship landscape.

When I reflect on those Conference Finals, what strikes me is how they mirror clutch moments across the basketball world, like Yu Hyeon-moon’s trey in Tokyo. In both cases, it’s about players stepping up when the pressure is highest. LeBron’s dunks, Curry’s threes, and even that college game-winner—they all share a DNA of cold-blooded execution. As a fan, I lean toward appreciating the underdogs, but I can’t deny the artistry of superteams like the Warriors. Their ball movement, which involved over 300 passes per game in that series, was a thing of beauty. Yet, it’s the human element that grabs me. For instance, I still argue that if the Celtics had one more All-Star caliber player, they might’ve stolen a game, but that’s the beauty of sports debate. The 2017 Conference Finals weren’t just about stats; they were about legacy, and reliving them now, I’m reminded why I fell in love with this game—it’s unpredictable, emotional, and forever etched in memory.