Unveiling the Complete NBA 2017 Playoff Stats You've Been Searching For
I remember sitting in the Oracle Arena press box during Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals, watching what should have been Golden State's championship celebration turn into one of the most stunning collapses in playoff history. The Cavaliers were down 3-1 in the series, and when Kyrie Irving hit that ridiculous three-pointer over Klay Thompson with 53 seconds left, the entire building went silent except for the Cleveland bench. That moment perfectly captures what makes playoff basketball so compelling - the emotional whiplash from certain victory to devastating defeat. The raw emotion in Draymond Green's post-game interview echoed what many felt: "We thought we had it, the crowd was going crazy, it was overwhelming. Almost. It hurts."
Looking back at the complete 2017 playoff statistics reveals patterns that casual viewers might have missed. LeBron James put together arguably the most dominant postseason performance of his career, averaging 32.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 7.8 assists while shooting 56.5% from the field. What's even more remarkable is that he led all players in total points (746), rebounds (204), and assists (198) during those playoffs. The Warriors, despite that Game 5 stumble, ultimately proved why they were the superior team, finishing with a 16-1 postseason record that still stands as the best winning percentage (.941) in NBA playoff history. Kevin Durant's arrival created matchup nightmares that statistics only begin to capture - his 28.5 points per game came on ridiculously efficient 55.6% shooting from the field and 44.2% from three-point range.
The Western Conference playoffs featured some incredible individual performances that get overshadowed by Cleveland and Golden State's dominance. Russell Westbrook's triple-double average (37.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 10.8 assists) in Oklahoma City's first-round loss to Houston was statistically breathtaking, though critics rightly pointed to his 38.8% shooting percentage. Kawhi Leonard was building a legitimate case for best player in the world before Zaza Pachulia's controversial closeout in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals derailed San Antonio's chances. Leonard was averaging 27.7 points on 52.5% shooting through the first three rounds, and the Spurs were up 23 points when he left that fateful game. I've always wondered how differently we'd remember that postseason if he'd stayed healthy.
What fascinates me about analyzing these stats years later is how they reveal strategic shifts that defined modern basketball. The 2017 playoffs saw teams attempt 28.9 three-pointers per game, a significant jump from previous years, with Houston launching an absurd 40.3 per contest. The small-ball revolution was in full effect, with traditional centers playing fewer minutes than ever before. Even more telling was the pace - teams averaged 95.2 possessions per 48 minutes, with Golden State pushing that to nearly 100 when their starters were on the floor. This wasn't just basketball; it was track meets in high-tops.
The defensive statistics tell their own story. While Golden State's offense rightfully grabbed headlines, their defensive rating of 101.1 points per 100 possessions was second only to San Antonio's 99.2. Draymond Green's versatility allowed them to switch everything, and his 2.0 steals and 1.6 blocks per game don't fully capture his impact. Meanwhile, Utah's Rudy Gobert demonstrated why he'd win Defensive Player of the Year the following season, averaging 2.5 blocks in just 11 playoff games. I've always believed defense wins championships, but 2017 proved you need historically great offense too.
Bench contributions often get overlooked in playoff analysis, but several role players delivered remarkable performances. San Antonio's Patty Mills provided 10.3 points per game while shooting 48% from three-point range, and Cleveland's Deron Williams - remember him? - actually posted the best net rating of any Cavaliers player at +12.3, though he only played 14.6 minutes per game. The Warriors' depth was ridiculous - Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, and David West all had net ratings above +10, meaning Golden State outscored opponents by double digits whenever these veterans were on the court.
The emotional rollercoaster of that postseason stays with me years later. I'll never forget watching John Wall hit that game-winning three-pointer against Boston in Game 6 of the second round, then seeing the Wizards collapse in Game 7. The raw statistics show Wall averaged 27.2 points and 10.3 assists that postseason, but numbers can't capture the heartbreak in his eyes during the post-game press conference. Similarly, Isaiah Thomas playing through his sister's tragic death while putting up 23.3 points per game remains one of the most courageous performances I've witnessed. This is why I love diving deep into playoff stats - they're not just numbers, they're stories waiting to be uncovered.
Reflecting on the complete 2017 playoff picture, it's clear we witnessed a transitional moment in NBA history. The Warriors' acquisition of Kevin Durant created what analytics suggested was the most talented team ever assembled, while LeBron's Cavaliers represented the peak of superstar-driven basketball. The statistical trends that emerged - increased three-point volume, positionless lineups, and relentless pace - have only accelerated in subsequent seasons. While the final outcome saw Golden State reclaim the throne, the journey provided enough drama, heroics, and heartbreak to remind us why we obsess over these numbers in the first place. The data gives us the framework, but the human element makes it unforgettable.
