2017 NBA Finals: Ranking most the 5 most important players on the Cavs and Warriors

May 14, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Kyle Anderson (1) during the second half in game one of the Western conference finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 22, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball past San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Steph Curry

Stephen Curry doesn’t carry the same aura into the NBA Finals as he did a season ago when he was the best player on a team that set the regular-season win total (73).

He’s averaged about one less 3-point attempt per game during the regular season, and his 41 percent 3-point shooting percentage was the worst of his career.

Can Curry survive as the Warriors safety valve in the first competitive series each of these teams will play in this year’s playoffs.

Durant is the focal point of their offense, and Curry has the role vacated by the departure of Harrison Barnes–as the last second safety valve ready to pop a 3-pointer.

Curry also enters this series with something to prove, because last season’s Finals didn’t end well. Remember when he threw his mouth guard out of frustration? And then there was that behind the back pass that went into the stands. That Warriors team didn’t face a lot of adversity, and when it did, Curry got the yips.

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