The Golden State Warriors have now taken two of three from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, and they may not be done yet. In fact, these two teams could meet again next year. Hey, “Rocky” didn’t stop at three.
It’s a once-in-a-generation team, and it’s a golden era to be a sports fan in the Bay Area. It’s a smorgasbord right now.
Since 2010: Two NBA titles, three World Series titles, a Super Bowl appearance, hosting a Super Bowl, a Stanley Cup finalist, and throwing a bone to golfers, a US Open at Olympic (plus two at Pebble Beach, 2010 and 2019).
Oh yeah, the SaberCats bowed out with a title. That’s personal. Nobody else would let me do play-by-play.
The Warriors not only capped off a season that will be remembered for its greatness, but did so on their home floor. Technically, the first time it has happened for a Bay Area team since 1974. And that was high-level stuff Monday night, with the stars of both sides almost unstoppable.
Through the tears of Steve Kerr, the joy of Steph Curry, and the validation of Kevin Durant, it was time to reflect on a memorable era.
How does this decade compare with other eras in Bay Area sports? Pretty damn favorably. The 60’s? The Warriors reached the Finals, the Giants came oh-so-close in 1962, the A’s arrived from Kansas City, the 49ers were so-so, and the Raiders lost Super Bowl II to the Green Bay Packers. The California Golden Seals were just baby seals.
The 70’s? The Raiders overcame frustration and won the Super Bowl in Pasadena (“Old Man Willie!!!!”), while the 49ers met frustration in the playoffs against the Cowboys. The California Golden Seals became the Cleveland Barons.
The A’s were a dynasty with three consecutive World Series titles, while the Giants only saw the postseason once. But hey, Johnnie Lee Lemaster!
The 80’s was a great decade for Duran Duran and Bay Area sports. The 49ers dynasty was born and extended into the 90’s. The A’s were great again, winning three straight pennants and beating the Giants in the Bay Bridge Series. The Giants also made the NLCS in 1987.
The Raiders won a Super Bowl for Oakland, but left, and won another one for Los Angeles. The NHL saw the Bay Area as a flyover region, until the very end of the decade. For the Warriors, Sleepy Floyd was Superman and Run TMC was just getting started.
The 90’s saw the rebirth of the NHL in the Bay Area with the Sharks, the arrival of Barry Bonds, more Super Bowl titles for the 49ers, as well as the return of the Raiders. Also, the birth of PSL’s and the money pit known as Mt. Davis.
The first decade of the 21st century saw the 49ers go into “Salary Cap Hell,” the Raiders trade coach Jon Gruden, lose a Super Bowl, and then become the Black Hole of the NFL. The Sharks became perennial contenders — but only contenders — while the Warriors were just the opposite.
The Giants lost a painful seven-game World Series to the Angels, and the A’s made it to the ALCS, but not the World Series. (The SaberCats were becoming the Patriots of the Arena Football League, by the way. Ok, I’ll stop.)
This decade? All told, five championships and three “almosts” in major sports. And we’re not done yet. The Warriors aren’t, anyway, before they move to San Francisco, the Raiders are on the ascent before they fly away again and the 49ers are clearing out the wreckage.
Drink it all in, fans. But pace yourself. There may be more champagne to come.