For the seventh year in a row, a new NBA team will soon be hailed as the NBA Champion. The Celtics have been dethroned, and their successor will hail from New York, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City, or Minnesota. Who ‘ya got?
Brunson, the straw that stirs the drink in NY (photo, ESPN)
Eastern Conference Finals: New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers (“Old rivals, new battles — history meets the present” ): The Knicks-Pacers rivalry isn’t new, although the rivalry rested for a long period–so much so that new NBA fans barely recognize it– and it has now resurfaced with excitement. The long gap has only made the rivalry more thrilling as both teams were among the hottest in this year’s playoffs. Led by young stars Jalen Brunson for the Knicks and Tyrese Haliburton for the Pacers, both players have something to prove in their young careers. While the story highlights the franchises’ rivalry, the individual matchup of the stars and role players is also something to watch. The Knicks are looking to redeem their identity, while the Pacers aim to prove they are a legit contender in the East. This is an exciting matchup. The Pacers won the regular-season series against the Knicks 3 games to 2, but this is the playoffs, and we all know that anything can happen here. Indeed, this will be a great series to watch.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (photo courtesy Athlon Sports)
Western Conference Finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (“Two rising forces in search of their identity and dynasty “): While the OKC and Wolves rivalry is more of a regular-season story, both teams boast arguably the two most talented young stars in the NBA today: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards. Both teams underachieved in the previous season and are now looking to redeem themselves, with their eyes on the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Both teams rely heavily on defense and their stars for scoring outbursts. They tied their regular-season series at 2-2, and both have reliable role players who will play a pivotal role. We can expect a balanced matchup, with well-thought-out game plans for both teams as they prepare for this playoff series.
The conference finals will start in a few days, giving fans another treat and ensuring a new NBA team will take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
