One down and, at least, 3 games to go for the NBA World Championship to be decided. The Golden State Warriors held strong in a come-from-behind overtime win on Friday night. MVP Stephen Curry led his team as did the best player in the league, the Cavaliers’ LeBron James.

In championship play, the best team wins. Mr. James doesn’t have the best team especially since his point guard, Kyrie Irving, is not 100% physically. To have a chance, the Cav’s need all his skill, talent and ability. That’s probably not going to happen.

The greatest physical specimen to ever run the NBA courts, Wilt Chamberlain, won one championship. Mostly this was due to the crew up in Boston led by Bill Russell who, guess what, had the best team. The person I consider to be the best basketball player ever, Oscar Robetrson, only one won championship and only after Mr. Russell departed from the scene (Michael Jordan fans, don’t get your panties in a twist).

Circumstances are different as the years go by. The Celtics won most of their championships is an eight team league. Tougher or easier? You choose. Players didn’t change teams as often, no salary caps, etc.

Most of you never saw some of the players I just mentioned. Travel was different. The Lakers were the only team in the West. More teams could mean diluting the talent as the league expanded or maybe the talent pool has grown along with the expanded league. You choose.

This point is clear; the best team wins because you are not asking a single player to carry the load. Two teams come to mind that might be the best examples. The Golden State Warriors forty years ago led by Rick Barry and the Seattle Supersonics with Lenny Wilkens. Two fine players, but what had them win is how they played together.

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