The More Things Change, The More They Remain The Same…
One of the defining characteristics of a dynasty is its longevity. The longer the period of rule, the more impressive and worthy a dynasty is of that moniker. While some are quick to bestow that title upon themselves prematurely, the few that truly earn it don’t need to announce it. The public will do that for them.
In the second round of the playoffs, two of the NBA’s most recent, and arguably most legendary dynasties have met once again. On one side sit the Golden State Warriors who have ruled both the West, and the entire league for years. On more than one occasion, spectators have prematurely declared the dynasty dead, only to look on in horror as the Warriors seemingly clawed their way out of their graves and left several teams in their place on their way to yet another championship. It’s hard to remember a time before their archers blotted out the sun with their volleys, and it is equally difficult to imagine a basketball landscape without them. Especially when practically every team in the league is attempting to replicate their winning formula.
And on the other side of the hardwood stands a man who is a dynasty himself. LeBron James. A king who despite his search for a worthy heir to his crown, which may end up being one of his own sons, has continued to staunchly refuse the advances of Father Time himself. The Chosen One who arrived in the league as a clean-cut prodigy destined for greatness has had his mettle tested constantly over two decades. Yet for many years he seemed invulnerable on his quest for the crown. The young hero of Cleveland would briefly give in to his darker side, joining the Miami Heat and installing himself as the King of the NBA by force. Thus began the years I have coined ‘The Tyranny of King James.’ Time and time again, armies stepped forward only to be set back down under his oppressive regime. And though he did not live up to the lofty ambitions he had declared upon his arrival to Miami, by the time he left he had quite the treasure trove. He then returned to Cleveland, rebuilding the destroyed bridge between himself and the city. At this point in his career, some assumed he was reaching his end. The story suited as such, with LeBron voicing his desire to bring a championship to his home state. Now an older King, he found himself leading a band of young Cavaliers, some of which would one day challenge him for his crown themselves.
For four years, these two dynasties would clash. For four years they would go to war for dominion over the league. And for four years we could only watch in awe, albeit begrudgingly at times. While the Golden State Warriors would come out on top three of the four times they fought, the King’s dream would come true in historic fashion. Beating the behemoth when it felt they were most unstoppable. After their fourth meeting, LeBron left his home once more for the land of purple and gold. Once more it was assumed that the saga of King James had reached his final chapter. He had reached the age where even the most durable greats saw their light dim. Injuries and missed playoff seeds only furthered the thought that the King was in his twilight years.
Similarly, after their final battle against LeBron’s Cavaliers in 2018, some thought that the dynasty of Golden State would fade into dust. Kevin Durant had been injured and left. Klay Thompson had been left with an injury that would leave him on the sidelines for years. And for all of Stephen Curry’s greatness, no one man can truly do it alone. The injuries he sustained seem to be a poetic end of the cruelest variety. The Warriors fell out of playoff contention. They did however receive some excellent rookies in future drafts. It seemed almost poetic. Golden State’s dynasty may have been over, but it could rise from the ashes off the back of these young rookies.
But the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Fast forward to 2020, and the land of the Lakers would celebrate their 17th championship courtesy of LeBron James and heir apparent to the throne Anthony Davis. Despite his old age, King James would once again capture the title of Finals MVP. Fast forward another two years and the Golden State Warriors would hoist the coveted chalice of Larry ‘O Brien, and Stephen Curry would be dubbed Finals MVP. The similarities are obvious: two teams hoisting the ultimate prize, two leaders of their respective teams being named the best player out of the pack, and two dynasties that once again proved to be very much alive.
Last night saw the conclusion of their second skirmish in the best of 7 series. And despite the score being 1–1 with excellent showings from each side, I feel a pang of sadness. Not because the action on the hardwood has disappointed. Far from it. Rather, I’m sad because in my heart of hearts I know that this might well be the last time we are privileged to witness a clash of two titans that have defined the NBA for more than a decade, and whose legacies will leave lasting imprints on the game long after they retire. While I am not by any means declaring this is the end, the fact remains that age eventually catches up with all things. Men. Armies. Dynasties. In the end they all must bend the knee to the sands of time. With each passing year, the cracks in the armour widen. The battle scars pile up until they cover the body like paint covers a canvas. No matter how long and wonderful a story is, it eventually reaches its end.
Whether this is the end or not, I don’t know. This may well be a matchup we see for years upon years. Perhaps the Warriors Dynasty will continue to prevail. Perhaps LeBron will continue to outrun Father Time. Or perhaps this is indeed the last time we will ever see these two giants do battle for our viewing pleasure. Regardless of what the future holds, there is only one appropriate course of action: to watch on and cherish these moments. Because for as much as pundits will wax on endlessly about ‘the next superstar’ or ‘the new dynasty of the league,’ the facts remain simple and unchanged. Dynasties like these don’t come around very often. So clean off your swords and shields, Lakers! Refill your quivers and tighten your bowstrings, Warriors!
