Lost History: The Story of the 2007 Patriots and 2015 Warriors
Historic offenses; historic records; historic players.
Shattered dreams.
You won’t get over it.
The journey of the 2007 New England Patriots was eerily similar to this year’s Golden State Warriors. Both set new standards from the best records of all-time to the best offenses and scoring threats we have ever witnessed. The star athletes, Tom Brady and Stephen Curry, dominated their leagues, both earning the award of Most Valuable Player while on a mission to cement their legacies.
The franchises rolled through their regular seasons and took names. The Patriots had just been given punishment for the infamous Spygate incident and were in a fight against the world. On the other hand, the Warriors had just won their first title since 1975, riding high, but as their path seemed headed straight for a second consecutive title, the world turned on them. Much of society hates to see winners succeed and the Warriors had become a cocky, arrogant team that everybody was tired of. Even I, the diehard Patriots fan that has seen success and hatred, was actually rooting for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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The teams danced into the playoffs with a breeze, but complications soon followed. In their 2007 campaign, the Brady-Randy Moss connection that had hooked up for a record breaking 23 touchdowns during the regular season crumbled. The future Hall of Famer caught an abysmal seven receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown in three playoff games. The team had lost its element of intimidation; opposers began to believe that they could prevent history.
The Warriors continued to make history in the playoffs. With Curry hobbling through games and missing time, the team was still fortunate to be a part of the Western Conference Finals. We declared the Warriors dead following their 3-1 series deficit to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Sure, this team had one of the best rosters ever with Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and more, but the pesky Thunder were not going to let this one up. No way.
However, just like how the Patriots fought through Brady’s three interceptions in the AFC Championship Game, the Warriors dug deep and made history. They were heading to their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance.
In a flash, Golden State had taken control of the series with a 3-1 lead. No team had ever come back from a 3-1 series deficit in the finals, much less against a historic team like these Warriors. One more game and it would’ve been all over. They were even able to jump out with the lead without the plays and games from Curry that left us in awe, and the team would’ve solidified their argument as the best team ever.
The Patriots had been in a similar situation before. They were just 2:42 away from away from champagne and championship attire. Brady walked off the field with a four point lead and the New York Giants on their 17-yard line. Chalk up a win for mighty New England.
Then, all of a sudden, disaster for the franchises and the fans behind them struck. No, they couldn’t lose. This wasn’t how this was supposed to end. Both teams had made their cases as the best teams ever, however, no one would respect that without the ultimate goal achieved: the ring.
It all happened so quick for the Patriots. A David Tyree helmet catch that still makes my eyes bleed today. A video, an image, a memory that will never fade. So many missed chances that will haunt the team for eternity. For the Warriors, it was a slow and painful death. In Game 5, the duo of James and Kyrie Irving both scored 41 points in the Oracle. Game 6, James goes off for another 41 points, tying the series at three games a piece and setting up a do-or-die game against the 73-9 Warriors, a team that had already lost eight games in the playoffs. Finally, in an astounding Game 7, James’ block on Andre Iguodala and Irving’s three-point dagger in front of Curry represent just two of the historic moments from an utter collapse.
The collapses of the Patriots and the Warriors had also been performed in nearly the same fashion. New England, a team that scored the most points in history that regular season, faltered against the Giants, producing a measly 14 points. Golden State, a team full of three-point assassins and offensive playmakers, failed to score in the last 4:39 and ended their historic season in a historically bad fashion.
In a way, the “villains” against both of the teams were similar as well. Justin Tuck had one of the greatest games of his life in Super Bowl XLII. Tuck stirred up trouble for the undefeated Patriots play after play, recording two sacks and disrupting the entire flow of the Patriots offense. Similarly, James constantly proved his undeniable greatness through triple doubles, insane scoring, highlight plays, and wrecking havoc for the Warriors. Additionally, another comparison could be made between the likes of Plaxico Burress and Irving. While Irving was incredible throughout the series, even outplaying Curry, Burress had just two catches for 27 yards. However, the comparison comes from the moments they produced. Irving’s three-pointer with 53 seconds left sealed Golden State’s fate. Burress’ touchdown with 39 seconds left sealed New England’s fate. Sure, there was time left, but it just wasn’t their nights. History wasn’t on their sides.
It may be just one poor night, one poor game, and often, just one poor play. Doesn’t matter. Society loves to kick stars, players, and teams down whenever they can. The hate will continue for the Warriors just like it did for the Patriots. They just have to keep winning.
Honestly, the loss on February 3, 2008 is still painful despite the recent Super Bowl victory. That team and performance goes down as one of the biggest choke-jobs in the history of all sports. We understand the pain and suffering that Warriors fans may be going through.
It’s not “just a game.”
You won’t get over it.
Next: Musket Fire Roundtable Discussion 6/20
Unless your team proves themselves again.