Warriors playing for dynasty status in NBA Finals

Are two championships and two Finals losses in four years enough to be considered a dynasty?

The Warriors don’t want that to be the question in a couple weeks – because it’d apply equally to the Cavaliers. The thought of two dynasties existing so overlapping undermines the acceptance of both.

Golden State can stake its claim to that ultimate term of team success by winning the upcoming Finals.

The Warriors, who won titles in 2015 and 2017 and lost to Cleveland in the Finals between, could earn a rare feat – three titles and another Finals appearance in four years.

Only Magic Johnson’s Lakers (1985-88 with the Celtics winning in 1986) and Bill Russell’s Celtics (1957-66 with the St. Louis Hawks winning in 1958) have done it.

Joining that elite company would make the Warriors an unquestioned dynasty.

Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson are good and young enough that Golden State’s window isn’t closing anytime soon. The Warriors can attain dynasty status with accomplishments other than three titles and another Finals appearance in four years. Three titles and another two Finals appearances in five years would probably do the trick. Even three titles in six years might.

But Golden State obviously doesn’t want to leave its historic reputation to chance in future seasons.

The Warriors have an opportunity this year to seize their place among the greatest runs of all time.