This is a dream-scenario NBA Finals and one that will be talked about for years to come. Per The Flap's very bitter request, I will try to be as unbiased as possible. Make no mistake, I am rooting for the Warriors to win the Finals, the Bay Area has suffered long enough without an NBA championship. However, this will not sway my own personal basketball opinion/IQ and this is how I break down the match-up/team with an UNBIASED opinion. At the end of the day, it's Steph vs Lebron, plain and simple. Both superstars carry their teams so let's break down the other important factors to remember.
Cleveland Cavaliers: People make the mistake of thinking that the East was weak this season and the Cavs coasted to the Finals with easy post-season match-ups. This is actually an extremely well-balanced team that is in the middle of it's stride and growing better every game. The Bulls just axed Thibs, but the roster is loaded with talent. The Bulls came into Oracle earlier in the year and were one of only 3 teams to leave with a win. The Hawks just had their best season in franchise history and also beat the Warriors earlier in this year. The Cavs completely dismantled both of these teams. We all know or can guess what Lebron is going to do in terms of dominating the game, but here's are the players the Warriors have to look out for.
Kyrie Irving: The All-Star has been fighting injuries all post-season but has provided scoring/energy sparks when on the floor. Can't let him get hot or he could be the X-factor of the series capable of a Dwayne Wade-like performance.
Timofy Mosgov: Relentless 7-footer. Very similar game to Bogut's but I give him a slight scoring ability edge where Bogut has the edge on the defensive side. Makes his free throws and runs the floor well.
JR Smith: Seems like JR's punk-NY Knicks days are over and he has completely changed since being traded to the Cavs. His consistency has been there all post-season as a knock-down shooter/scorer and his defense has been above average as well. Look to see if Draymond Green can rattle his cage, which Smith is prone to being weak/sensitive to.
Tristan Thompson: A player the Warriors have to block-out. Thompson is a rebounding machine and the motor down low for the Cavs. Proved his value and then some so far this post-season.
Matthew Delavadova: The Saint Mary's grad has been a fantastic surprise for Cleveland. His numbers are not flashy but he does all of the dirty work on defense and has stepped-up when Kyrie is hurt or getting a rest. Capable 3pt shooter and will feel at home playing in Oracle.
Coach Blatt: Kerr is better than Blatt, plain and simple. The last time two rookie head coaches faced off in the Finals was the very FIRST NBA Finals. Pretty much just up to Blatt to keep doing whatever he is or isn't doing because obviously, it's working.
What the Warriors must do to win the title: Defensively, the Dubs have to block out and win the rebounding battle. Second chance points/opportunities only slow the pace down and put the ball back into Lebron's hands. Lebron will do his thing almost every game but the Warriors can't let one of the other Cavs have a great series. Harden fizzled out the last series, the Grizzles had no scoring fire-power and Anthony Davis was a one-man show. If the Warriors let the superstar do his thing but limit his supporting cast to regular/poor numbers, they will continue to be successful. Offensively, the Dubs have to limit the turnovers. and get open looks through ball movement. Curry/Thompson can of course get hot at any moment but the Cavs defense is stout. Keeping the pace and flow to the Warriors liking will be critical, and using their deep bench can provide that consistent punch. The Cavs have a short/less-talented bench compared to the Warriors, this will have to be in full display.
Prediction, Cavs in 7
Mijo! How could you?! You said you are rooting for the Warriors!? I am rooting for the Warriors but I just can't see them beating the Cavs. Here's why..
Lebron is PISSED: He has reached 5 straight NBA titles. No player (not magic/MJ/Bird), has ever accomplished this. The loss to the Spurs last season will only make him hungrier this year not to fail. He will unleash his full arsenal of gamesmanship, meaning drawing fouls, keeping the ball in his hands, shooting/scoring in bunches and getting at least two controversial calls to go his way. I think at least one Cavalier will step up or even win Finals MVP to help shoulder Lebron's load. The Warriors haven't dealt with 2 high volume scorers (Irving/James) all post-season and have looked gassed at times when needing a clutch shot while Curry is being mugged. Klay Thompson/Green will have their hands full with Lebron and will likely be battling foul trouble the entire time. Lastly, Lebron is one of the few players that actually feels comfortable at Oracle. He averages over 27ppg vs the Dubs and also did this last season..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI1GLB-byeQ
I fully expect/anticipate being completely wrong about this series and getting an endless lashing/ridiculing courtesy of The Flap. Either way, everybody wins because this is about to be one of the best, most memorable series in sports for a very long time. June 4th can't come soon enough!
By: El Mijo
FLAP EDITORS NOTE: THIS BLOG=2 TICKET PURCHASE.
Cleveland Cavaliers: People make the mistake of thinking that the East was weak this season and the Cavs coasted to the Finals with easy post-season match-ups. This is actually an extremely well-balanced team that is in the middle of it's stride and growing better every game. The Bulls just axed Thibs, but the roster is loaded with talent. The Bulls came into Oracle earlier in the year and were one of only 3 teams to leave with a win. The Hawks just had their best season in franchise history and also beat the Warriors earlier in this year. The Cavs completely dismantled both of these teams. We all know or can guess what Lebron is going to do in terms of dominating the game, but here's are the players the Warriors have to look out for.
Kyrie Irving: The All-Star has been fighting injuries all post-season but has provided scoring/energy sparks when on the floor. Can't let him get hot or he could be the X-factor of the series capable of a Dwayne Wade-like performance.
Timofy Mosgov: Relentless 7-footer. Very similar game to Bogut's but I give him a slight scoring ability edge where Bogut has the edge on the defensive side. Makes his free throws and runs the floor well.
JR Smith: Seems like JR's punk-NY Knicks days are over and he has completely changed since being traded to the Cavs. His consistency has been there all post-season as a knock-down shooter/scorer and his defense has been above average as well. Look to see if Draymond Green can rattle his cage, which Smith is prone to being weak/sensitive to.
Tristan Thompson: A player the Warriors have to block-out. Thompson is a rebounding machine and the motor down low for the Cavs. Proved his value and then some so far this post-season.
Matthew Delavadova: The Saint Mary's grad has been a fantastic surprise for Cleveland. His numbers are not flashy but he does all of the dirty work on defense and has stepped-up when Kyrie is hurt or getting a rest. Capable 3pt shooter and will feel at home playing in Oracle.
Coach Blatt: Kerr is better than Blatt, plain and simple. The last time two rookie head coaches faced off in the Finals was the very FIRST NBA Finals. Pretty much just up to Blatt to keep doing whatever he is or isn't doing because obviously, it's working.
What the Warriors must do to win the title: Defensively, the Dubs have to block out and win the rebounding battle. Second chance points/opportunities only slow the pace down and put the ball back into Lebron's hands. Lebron will do his thing almost every game but the Warriors can't let one of the other Cavs have a great series. Harden fizzled out the last series, the Grizzles had no scoring fire-power and Anthony Davis was a one-man show. If the Warriors let the superstar do his thing but limit his supporting cast to regular/poor numbers, they will continue to be successful. Offensively, the Dubs have to limit the turnovers. and get open looks through ball movement. Curry/Thompson can of course get hot at any moment but the Cavs defense is stout. Keeping the pace and flow to the Warriors liking will be critical, and using their deep bench can provide that consistent punch. The Cavs have a short/less-talented bench compared to the Warriors, this will have to be in full display.
Prediction, Cavs in 7
Mijo! How could you?! You said you are rooting for the Warriors!? I am rooting for the Warriors but I just can't see them beating the Cavs. Here's why..
Lebron is PISSED: He has reached 5 straight NBA titles. No player (not magic/MJ/Bird), has ever accomplished this. The loss to the Spurs last season will only make him hungrier this year not to fail. He will unleash his full arsenal of gamesmanship, meaning drawing fouls, keeping the ball in his hands, shooting/scoring in bunches and getting at least two controversial calls to go his way. I think at least one Cavalier will step up or even win Finals MVP to help shoulder Lebron's load. The Warriors haven't dealt with 2 high volume scorers (Irving/James) all post-season and have looked gassed at times when needing a clutch shot while Curry is being mugged. Klay Thompson/Green will have their hands full with Lebron and will likely be battling foul trouble the entire time. Lastly, Lebron is one of the few players that actually feels comfortable at Oracle. He averages over 27ppg vs the Dubs and also did this last season..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI1GLB-byeQ
I fully expect/anticipate being completely wrong about this series and getting an endless lashing/ridiculing courtesy of The Flap. Either way, everybody wins because this is about to be one of the best, most memorable series in sports for a very long time. June 4th can't come soon enough!
By: El Mijo
FLAP EDITORS NOTE: THIS BLOG=2 TICKET PURCHASE.