NBA · Franchise founded 1970
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers waited 46 seasons for a championship. LeBron James, drafted first overall in 2003, carried them to the Finals in 2007, left in 2010 and came back in 2014 — and in 2016 Cleveland came back from 3–1 down against a 73-win Golden State team.
Turning points
2003
LeBron James is drafted first overall; he leaves in 2010 and returns in 2014.
2015–2018
Four straight Finals against Golden State.
2016
The first comeback from 3–1 down in Finals history, ending a 52-year drought for the city.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached the NBA Finals 5 times and won 1 championship, most recently in 2016. Turning points are checked against the sources listed on our content policy page.
Finals history
| Year | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Golden State Warriors | Lost |
| 2017 | Golden State Warriors | Lost |
| 2016 | Golden State Warriors | Won title |
| 2015 | Golden State Warriors | Lost |
| 2007 | San Antonio Spurs | Lost |