The Cavaliers closed out the season on a high note, going 34–9 for a 53–29 regular season record and the Central Division title, the second best record in the Eastern Conference behind the Atlanta Hawks. James's return to the Cavaliers' lineup (following a 2-week layoff) on January 12 completed the turnaround. Smith and Iman Shumpert from the Knicks in exchange for draft picks while sending Dion Waiters to the Thunder. A number of trades turned the season around. Injuries to James and "chemistry issues," with James "still learning how to play with his new teammates and vice versa," were considered the primary reasons for the underwhelming start. The Cavaliers got off to a shockingly bad start that led to intense media scrutiny and caused many to question Blatt's job security, going 19–20 in their first 39 games, which included a stretch where they were 2–10 in 12 games, starting with a December 25 road loss to Miami. James, Love, and guard Kyrie Irving became known as the Big Three. As part of the deal, Cleveland dealt Wiggins and Anthony Bennett and received Love. Later on August 23, a three-team trade was completed involving the Cavaliers, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Philadelphia 76ers. During the 2014 NBA draft on June 26, 2014, Cleveland held the first overall pick and used it to select Andrew Wiggins. James then played for the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2014, leading the Heat to two NBA championships in 20. James previously played for Cleveland from 2003 to 2010, leading the Cavaliers to their only previous Finals appearance in 2007. The Cavaliers entered the 2014–15 season after firing Mike Brown and replacing him with David Blatt as head coach, signing free agent forward LeBron James, and trading for forward Kevin Love. Main article: 2014–15 Cleveland Cavaliers season This is the last NBA Finals to be played on a Thursday–Sunday–Tuesday scheme, with the schedule format being changed beginning the following Finals. James also became the first player in NBA Finals history to lead both teams in points, assists, and rebounds for the entire series. However, despite the loss of an injured Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving during most of the series, the Cavaliers, led by LeBron James (in his fifth consecutive Finals appearance, and sixth overall) managed to take a 2–1 series lead before the Warriors won the last three for their first title since 1975. The Warriors, led by the duo of Klay Thompson and 2014–15 MVP Stephen Curry, won the opening game at home in overtime. It was contested by the Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors and the Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers. The 2015 NBA Finals was the championship series of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) 2014–15 season and the conclusion of the season's playoffs played from began on June 4 to June 16, 2015. The wordmark of the NBA Finals (2003–2017)
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