Storyline’s abound in this year’s NBA Finals. Here are ten reasons why I think The Finals are must-see TV.
Despite my objections about the NBA, the NBA Playoffs this year have been one for the memory books.
Cleveland took the Eastern Conference Finals over Toronto, 4-2, winning the series in convincing fashion. Meanwhile, Golden State found themselves with a 3-1 series deficit to Kevin Durant and the Thunder. But Curry and the Warriors found a way to reach the NBA Finals–winning out and taking the series.
So turn off Grey’s Anatomy and tune in to this year’s NBA Finals. There are 10 reasons why this year’s NBA Finals are a must-see.
Courtesy: coliseum.com
#1- Warriors Have Home Court Advantage
Because they have a better record than the Cavs, the Warriors have the pleasure of playing host in this year’s NBA Finals. Over the past couple seasons Oracle Arena has become the equivalent to LSU’s “Death Valley” or Michigan’s “The Big House” in college football. Golden State boasts an unreal 48-3 home record. Winning at Oracle will prove to be a tall task for LeBron and the Cavs.
#2- Steve Kerr’s Chance to Become an NBA Immortal
The last time basketball fans saw a season this memorable was ’95-96 when Michael Jordan’s Bulls recorded a 72-10 regular season record and went on to bring home the championship. Steve Kerr was a player on that team. Now Kerr, head coach of a Warriors team, has a chance to repeat that feat on the bench. He’ll go down in NBA history if his Warriors win.
#3- The Pursuit of the Dream Season
While it has been a truly remarkable season in the Bay Area, the deal is yet to be sealed. Look at the 2001 Seattle Mariners. The Mariners had a MLB record of 116-46 in 2001, but the team didn’t make it to the World Series. eliminated by the Yankees in the ALCS. While the Warriors have made it to the Finals, a loss here will turn Golden State from the most epic team in NBA history to the team that “could have been.”
#4- LeBron Looking To Bring First NBA Title Ever to Cleveland
Courtesy; Bleacher Report
“I’ve decided to take my talents to…South Beach.” That’s the statement LeBron James made to the media back in 2010, bolting to Miami to join Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. The trio two MBA championships during four seasons together. Now LeBron’s back in Cleveland. His goal? Bring the city its first-ever championship.
#5- Stephen Curry
Without doubt, Curry is one of the best shooters to ever play the game—shooting an average of 44% from the high-rent district over his career. He’s close to (guess who?) his coach, Steve Kerr, on the all-time leaders’ list. Curry certainly wants to continue dominating. He’ll be the ‘main man’ to watch in this year’s Finals.
#6- LeBron vs. Steph
While Curry has the ability to shoot from downtown, LeBron is a freak of nature when it comes to overall athleticism. James has the strength and stamina to overpower the opposition. He takes it strong to the tin, blocks shots, gets steals, and sets up teammates with a ‘penetrate and kick.’ So who’s better, Steph or LeBron? This year’s Finals will help answer that question.
Courtesy: kreativesouls.com
#7- It Will Be a ‘Love Fest’
Kevin Love is a unique player. At 6-10 he’ss an excellent shooter on the perimeter, averaging about three, three-pointers a game this postseason. But the main thing about Love is his presence inside; he has grabbed an average of 9.6 rebounds a game this year. That presence is going to prove to be an Achilles’ heel for the Warriors. Love’s only competition on the interior is Andrew Bogut and Marreese Speights–and Love should have a field day with those two. Don’t be surprised if he performs spectacularly in the Finals.
#8- LeBron is playing as a Team Player
In the past LeBron has enjoyed isolations that have freed him up to dominate. While he’s still aggressive with the ball, LeBron is also passing the ball more to Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. If James continues to do that, then the trophy could be going to Cleveland.
#9- Klay Thompson
Steph gets a lot of the attention, but make no mistake about it: Klay Thompson is a force for Golden State. An unheralded product out of Washington State, Thompson has become a NBA star. He continues to light it up from downtown, shooting approximately 45% ‘tres puntos’ during this year’s playoffs. Thompson showed what he could do in Game 6 of the Western Finals against OKC. He knocked down 11 threes and scored 41 points. The MVP may be Curry, but Thompson must produce for the Warriors to win.
#10- Rematch of Last Year
The last, and most significant, reason to watch this year’s Finals is that it’s a rematch of last year Finals. After taking a 2-1 series lead last year, the Cavs dropped three in a row.
This year gives them an opportunity for revenge. Will they get it?
Naw! My pick: Golden State, 4-3.
