Cavaliers Big Three

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Lore & Background

The era began when LeBron James returned to the team in 2014 after winning titles with Miami. Before his return, the Cavaliers had gone 97–215 over four seasons and missed the playoffs entirely. The addition of Kevin Love created a "Big Three" alongside Irving and James that instantly shifted the franchise's trajectory. This group made four straight NBA Finals appearances from 2015 to 2018, all against the Golden State Warriors. The defining moment came in 2016 when they faced a 3–1 deficit in the series. They became the first team in Finals history to come back from such a hole to win the championship. This victory marked the franchise's first NBA title and Cleveland's first major sports title since the 1964 Browns, officially ending the so-called "Cleveland sports curse."

In Their Own Story

The 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors provided the era's most dramatic turning point. After falling behind 3–1 in the series, the Cavaliers fought back to force a Game 7. The team secured their first NBA Championship by winning that final game, overcoming a deficit never before reversed in Finals history. This achievement was particularly significant as it came just four years after LeBron James left for Miami, a move that had sparked anger and a sense of betrayal in Cleveland. Following the title, the roster underwent major changes; in 2017–18, Kyrie Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas and other assets. The following offseason, James declined his player option and signed with the Lakers. Without him, the team struggled, recording only 19 wins over the next two seasons.

Reader's Guide

Fans looking back at this era should focus on the sheer rarity of the 2016 comeback against the Warriors. It stands as the first time in Finals history a team won after trailing 3–1. The core was built around LeBron James, who had been selected with the top overall pick in the 2003 draft, and Kyrie Irving, chosen first overall in 2011. Kevin Love joined via trade from Minnesota to complete the trio. While the group dominated the conference for four years, their time together ended due to significant roster overhauls. The departure of James in 2018 left a void that took several seasons to fill, with the team missing the playoffs until 2021 and then clinching a spot again in 2023 without him.

Did You Know?

• The Cavaliers became the first team in NBA Finals history to win a series after trailing 3–1 during their 2016 victory over Golden State.
• This 2016 title marked Cleveland's first major sports championship since the Browns won in 1964.
• LeBron James returned to the Cavaliers in 2014 after winning back-to-back titles with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013.
• The 'Big Three' era saw the Cavaliers make four consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2015 to 2018, all against the Warriors.