Which players are facing the most pressure to excel during the 2016 NBA Finals? A number of Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors stars make the list.
![May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after committing a turnover against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after committing a turnover against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9f67d4bb26aea1cc97c2eb75597b636eb1ec671226e93a9fb9ea304a99f68bf5.jpg)
The 2016 NBA Finals is as grand an opportunity as it is daunting a stage. Success will lead to basketball immortality, and failure will result in the devastating reality that no one is guaranteed to return to such a to the Finals.
While all players face an overwhelming degree of pressure in the NBA Finals, not everyone is facing the same burden.
The goal is the same for every player on both rosters: win a championship. The Cleveland Cavaliers have never won the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and the Golden State Warriors are looking to make it two rings in a row.
The stories may not be identical for these two teams, but the hope remains the same.
For these stars, winning a championship isn’t just an aspiration; it’s an expectation. Thus, while it’s certainly commendable to reach the NBA Finals, the pursuit of immortality can only be achieved by winning.
The question is, which players are under the most pressure to thrive in the 2016 NBA Finals?
Next: Honorable Mention