An NBA Finals matchup between reigning MVP Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors and four-time MVP LeBron James's Cleveland Cavaliers would be a highly anticipated affair, made more compelling by the agonizing wait fans may have to endure.
Should the Warriors dispatch the Houston Rockets in Wednesday's Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, there would be a seven-day layoff between the end of the Conference Finals and the beginning of the NBA Finals.
That would be the longest such shared layoff between the semifinals and finals in league history, according to ESPN Stats.
The Cavs, who will enter Game 1 of the finals on eight days' rest after sweeping the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks in the East Final, nearly matched the NBA record for a conference champion's layoff before the finals. The San Antonio Spurs enjoyed nine days off before opening the 2013 finals against James's Miami Heat.
Both contestants have never each had at least one week off, however.
Cleveland seemingly stands to benefit most from the layoff, as James has been dealing with a bothersome right knee and general wear and tear, while Kyrie Irving is working his way back from left knee tendinitis that sidelined him for Games 2 and 3 of the East Final.
Having said that, Curry may very well need a break himself after taking a frightening tumble in Monday's Game 4 loss in Houston.
