NBA Playoffs 2017 vs 2018: Which Season Had the Most Dramatic Championship Run?

As I sit here rewatching highlights from the 2017 and 2018 NBA playoffs, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically different these back-to-back championship runs felt. Having followed basketball religiously for over two decades, I've developed a pretty good sense for what makes a postseason truly memorable versus merely championship-worthy. The 2017 Golden State Warriors' near-perfect 16-1 playoff record was statistically dominant in ways we may never see again, while the 2018 Cleveland Cavaliers' improbable journey to the Finals felt like something straight out of a Hollywood script. But which season truly delivered the most dramatic championship narrative? Let me walk you through why I believe one clearly outshone the other, even if the final outcomes might suggest otherwise.

The 2017 Warriors weren't just good—they were historically great, becoming the first team in NBA history to start the playoffs 15-0 before finally dropping one game in the Finals. Their average margin of victory throughout those playoffs was an absurd 13.5 points, and they swept three different opponents including the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Watching Kevin Durant seamlessly integrate into that already-stacked roster created a sense of inevitability that was both impressive and, frankly, a bit boring for neutral fans. I remember thinking during their series against the Cavaliers that we were witnessing basketball perfection, but perfection doesn't always translate to drama. Contrast that with the 2018 postseason where LeBron James essentially carried the Cavaliers on his back through seven grueling games against the Indiana Pacers in the first round, then another seven-game battle against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. His game-winning shots, particularly that ridiculous buzzer-beater against Toronto in the second round, created moments that had me jumping off my couch.

What fascinates me about comparing these two seasons is how they represent different kinds of drama. The 2017 playoffs had the drama of sheer dominance, watching a team potentially achieve perfection. The Warriors' only loss came in Game 4 of the Finals by 11 points, making their run feel like watching a masterclass rather than a competition. Meanwhile, the 2018 Cavaliers were the ultimate underdog story despite having LeBron James. Their roster was constantly in flux, they changed their lineup multiple times throughout the season, and they entered the playoffs with the second-worst defensive rating among all playoff teams. Yet they kept finding ways to win dramatic games, particularly in the Eastern Conference where they went 12-6 compared to their 0-4 sweep in the Finals against the Warriors. This reminds me of that golf statistic where a player finished 10 under par but only managed to tie for 29th place—sometimes exceptional individual performances get overshadowed by the context of competition. LeBron's 2018 playoff run where he averaged 34 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 9 assists was arguably the greatest individual postseason performance I've ever witnessed, yet his team still fell short in the Finals, much like that golfer who played brilliantly but didn't crack the top rankings.

The financial and career implications for players in these high-stakes environments can't be overlooked either. While NBA superstars earn significantly more, the pressure to perform when it matters most affects athletes across sports. Consider that LPGA example where a golfer finished 278, 10 under par, but only tied for 29th place, earning $15,426 while facing uncertainty about her tour status for the following season. This parallel resonates with role players in the NBA playoffs—think about J.R. Smith's Game 1 blunder in the 2018 Finals or Kevin Love's defensive struggles throughout both postseasons. Their performances, while sometimes brilliant, faced intense scrutiny that could impact their careers and earnings, similar to how that golfer's solid performance didn't guarantee future opportunities. The margin between hero and scapegoat in championship runs is incredibly thin, and that underlying tension contributes significantly to the drama we experience as fans.

When I really break it down, the 2018 playoffs delivered more sustained drama across multiple series and teams. The Houston Rockets pushing the Warriors to seven games in the Western Conference Finals, the Celtics' young core surprising everyone by nearly making the Finals, and LeBron's Herculean efforts created a postseason filled with unexpected twists. The 2017 playoffs, while showcasing basketball at its most efficient, lacked that sense of uncertainty that makes sports truly compelling. My personal preference will always lean toward the underdog stories and improbable comebacks rather than dominant displays, which is why I'd argue 2018 provided the more dramatic championship run despite the Warriors ultimately winning both times. The journey matters more than the destination in creating memorable sports moments, and 2018's path to the championship was filled with more compelling narratives, unexpected heroes, and genuine suspense that kept fans like me on the edge of our seats throughout.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-17 11:00