Warriors vs. Cavs: Who Wins the NBA Finals Style Matchup?

Who would be the NBA champion if the Cavs and Warriors were chosen based on their starting five's respective style?

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Some of the best athletes in the entire world are on display, pouring their heart and soul on the floor to prove that they are indeed the most dominant team in the National Basketball Association. But that shit doesn’t matter because we are a fickle, materialistic audience who only cares which players swag out the most, right?

NBA style has evolved so much over the years, often becoming a main focus of the game. The pre- and post-game outfits are constantly documented, leaving us to judge our favorite players’ (and their stylists’) wardrobe choices on any given night, from Game 1 of the season to (if they’re lucky enough) Game 7 of the NBA Finals. While the Golden State Warriors continue to beat the breaks off of the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 2-0 lead in the 2016 NBA Finals, we can’t help but wonder what the outcome may be if the winning team were chosen by their starting five’s respective style. 

Kyrie Irving vs. Steph Curry

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J.R. Smith vs. Klay Thompson

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Position: Shooting Guard

J.R. Smith is the definition of "get you a man who can do both." Sometimes he looks like your cousin Day Day who doesn’t have a job, yet is still somehow flashing racks on Instagram. And sometimes he looks like Prince Akeem from Coming to America.

Smith matches up very well against Klay Thompson, because—there's no way around it—he is a basic, from his polo shirt and straight fit denim, to his shoe deal with a brand you've never heard of. There’s nothing wrong with that, it just isn’t going to get you any NBA Style Finals accolades, is all. Guess that’s what happens when your parents run your bank account.

Winner: J.R. Smith by a landslide of D’USSE.

LeBron James vs. Harrison Barnes

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Position: Small Forward

LeBron James has kind of been the ringleader for the new wave of traditional NBA style for a few years now. He’s out here looking like a cool father figure, and there aren’t many his size who can cover the spectrum better, from ultra-casual to formal. NBA Style MVP?

There is still a sizable amount of dudes who refuse to show up to a game unless they're in a full-on suit. It's the way of the old-heads, and Harrison Barnes is a new old-head. His suits generally fit correctly, which is respectable for his size. He’s not going to go all crazy with it, though he may give you a “shnazzy” color. That’s what the youth say these days, right? But, unfortunately, when you go up against Lebron 1-on-1, you generally get beat.

Winner: LeBron James

Kevin Love vs. Draymond Green

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Tristan Thompson vs. Andrew Bogut

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Position: ​Center

Tristan Thompson is obviously the most advanced it comes to style. His label choices are impeccable, and, for 6'9", his clothes generally fit perfectly. He may be one of the main dudes who introduced the luxury streetwear look so effortlessly. 

It may not have mattered who Andrew Bogust was going up against; his stye is just...I don't even know, man.

Winner: Tristan Thompson due to a Bogut forfeit.

Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers

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