World Champion Warriors Get Their Rings

It was a sellout crowd at Oracle Arena for opening night of the Warriors’ 2017–18 NBA season. As if meeting the new-look Houston Rockets was not enough, the crowd was treated to a long-awaited ring ceremony. It was a well-deserved celebration of Golden State's title. Fans were greeted with a 2017 Championship t-shirt and light-up bracelet so they could fully participate in the experience. A crowd of almost 20,000 came to witness Golden State officially receive their rings for a fifth franchise championship—and second in the past three years. 

Before Queen’s “We are the Champions” blared throughout a glowing arena with a standing crowd of overjoyed fans, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver congratulated and introduced the team. Each member of the Warriors received some impressive new hardware. Jason of Beverly Hills was the jeweler responsible for the design of this record-breaking ring. Each ring contains more diamonds than any other in the history of America’s four major sports. There are other incredible details carefully built into each one, like the 36 blue sapphires which represent home wins and the 83 diamonds on the top of the ring which represent the Warrior’s total wins during the regular and postseason combined. Each player has his name and jersey number on the side of his ring. 

The players also received a lot of love from the crowd, but none got more than Stephen Curry. The crowd chanted “MVP” when the team captain received his ring last. These fans clearly view Curry above all others, including reigning Finals MVP, Kevin Durant. Curry thanked Dubnation fans before the official 2017 NBA Championship banner dropped from the rafters. 

And, with that, the stage was officially set for tip-off against James Harden and the Rockets. Draymond Green went out in the second half with a knee injury and was missed in a big way. On a positive note, newcomer Nick Young was a scoring machine, hitting eight of nine from the field with six three-pointers. And Jordan Bell had a solid rookie debut as the second man off the bench. In 12 minutes, he scored eight points on 4 of 5 shooting. 

Despite an electric atmosphere and a lead that stretched to 17 points, the Warriors fell behind 122–121. Durant hit a last-second shot and the confetti started to fly, but the officials decided it came after the buzzer and waved off the shot.

Durant may have lost the game, but he did pick up his first ring. Overall, it was a special night. 

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images