The Golden State Warriors clarified that they did not turn down the traditional White House visit, contrary to earlier reports. Hours after The Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 129-120, in Game 5 to capture their 2nd NBA title in the last three years, reports surfaced that they voted to decline the expected White House invitation.
However, the Warriors' organization denied the reports in a statement, saying “we have not received an invitation to the White House." The team said it will make those decisions when and if necessary. When they won the championship in 2015, the Warriors visited the White House during President Barack Obama’s term.
Warriors’ team owner Joe Lacob also addressed the report in a television interview, saying the White House visit “is something we’ll worry about at the time. That’s a long time from now,” he added. One member of the Warriors -- veteran forward David West -- said he will probably decline the opportunity. West has openly expressed his disapproval of President Donald Trump in recent interviews. Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr is also a critic of Trump.
Warriors invited by Rep. Pelosi to visit Washington
With or without the White House invite, the Warriors will visit Washington after they were invited by California Rep. Nancy Pelosi, whose district includes the San Francisco Bay Area. “The Warriors leadership is inspiring.
I'd be honored to welcome the team to the U.S. Capitol,” Pelosi said on Twitter.
Kevin Durant carries Warriors to NBA title
Kevin Durant scored 39 points while Steph Curry added 34 as the Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 129-120 in Game 5 to bag the title. Durant made history by becoming the first player to score at least 30 points in five straight Finals game, earning him the 2017 Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award.
Andre Iguodala added 20 points off the bench, while Klay Thompson finished with 11 on 4-for-13 shooting. Power Forward Draymond Green notched a double-double with 10 points and 12 boards, with five assists and two steals.
LeBron James finished with 41 points on 19-for-30 shooting and came just two assists short of another triple-double, with 13 boards and eight dimes.
He became the first player to average a triple-double in the Finals, finishing with 33.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists in the series. With the loss to the Warriors, James is now 3-5 in the NBA Finals. James said the Cavaliers will not be deterred by the loss, saying that they will bounce back more determined next season.
