Cavs claim 2016 NBA title thanks to Warriors' mistakes
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 10:03 AM
Last updated Jun 19, 2026
The Cleveland Cavaliers rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win the 2016 NBA championship against the Golden State Warriors. A pivotal Game 5 saw Warriors' Draymond Green suspended after a flagrant foul, impacting the series momentum. Klay Thompson's comments before the game fueled LeBron James, who responded with a strong performance. The series concluded with the Cavs winning their first championship, highlighted by crucial plays from James and Kyrie Irving. James averaged 37 points in the final three games.
- •Cavaliers trailed 3-1 before claiming the 2016 NBA title.
- •Draymond Green was suspended for Game 5, affecting the Warriors.
- •LeBron James scored 41 points in Game 5, leading the comeback.
- •Cavs won Game 7 against Warriors to secure the championship.
- •James averaged 37 points in the final three games of the series.
- 10:03 AMYahoo Sports — Cavs fans can thank Draymond Green, Klay Thompson for 2016 NBA title
"The Cleveland Cavs used a key suspension, player's words as motivation to return a 3-1 deficit to win the 2016 NBA championship.
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