Welcome to the NBA Playoffs, where the chaos is at a fever pitch and the fans are constantly blaming the officials instead of the things they didn’t execute properly. Before we get to the final 2 teams lets go over the mourning of the dead.
Charlotte Hornets (The Predictable Outcome): More and more the Hornets are going from a team with outstanding young talent to being another edition of being good but not good enough. The Hawks were a tough foe yes but Charlotte just looked lost like last year. LaMelo Ball was the only source of offense in this game as the rest of the team didn’t show up. I know they are going to say that they will be contenders if they are healthy but I have one request. Get an Elite Center. That is the one position that the Hornets have been lacking since they came back into existence. Let me guess they are going to throw everything at DeAndre Ayton in an attempt to get them over the top. Sounds like MJ doesn’t it?
Cleveland Cavaliers (Typical Luck on Lake Erie): Even after exceeding all expectations of being a basement dweller in the East you have to admit a hard truth. The Cavs were snakebitten as soon as All Star Weekend ended. Losing Jarret Allen for much of the stretch run hurt, but the injuries to Colin Sexton and Rajan Rondo earlier in the year also came back to haunt them. They had 2 cracks to make it past the play-in. In the 1st try they were embarrassed by the Nets and their old PA Announcer. In the 2nd try they blew a 15 point lead at home against Trae Young and the Hawks. Even if Lauri Markkanen had the game of his life there was nothing else Cleveland could do to contain Ice Trae and his boys. I won’t go too hard because they are a couple of years ahead of the schedule but they’ll be back. However I don’t think the Bucks or Bulls want you to be just as good as they are. Just saying.
San Antonio Spurs (Crossroad Time): Well at least you made the play-in and made us laugh at the gongshow in LA. At the end of the day, the Spurs just didn’t have enough to pull off the upset. The Pelicans were always one step ahead of them. Even if Dejounte Murray played lights out there was one issue. CJ McCollum was just as elite. He was on a mission all night and he also had much more help. San Antonio is in an interesting situation. Popovich will be back but who knows how long they can keep up with just making it to the play-in before they have to rebuild. All I can say is thank god Pop is not going to the Lakers. He doesn’t deserve that circus.
Los Angeles Clippers (¡Hay Corona!): The Clippers have to be cursed. That’s the only way I can describe this. Yes Kawhi missed the entire season, and Paul George was also out of the lineup for a while as well. It’s amazing that they even made it to this point considering how many lineup changes they made. However it just wasn’t enough. Against Minnesota in the 7v8 game they just didn’t do a good enough effort at the end of the game against one of the hottest teams in the league. But against New Orleans oh do I have bad news. PG13 suffered Corona, and without him it was a death sentence. Another painful ending to a season with high hopes. I know people will say that the Clips have a bright future with the new arena coming but how much of a factor will Leonard be? If he isn’t the same player that he once was. YIKES!
Atlanta Hawks (Hammer(ed) Time): Trust Trae Young and the Hawks they said, they are ready for another Cinderella Run they said. Well this time the magic had run out. Once Game 1 happened it was clear that Miami was the better team. Losing Clint Capela was huge for Atlanta and without him they couldn’t defend like they did last year. The funny thing is that the Heat didn’t even take advantage of their lack of size. The Hawks had no answers for Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson all series long. (Good to see those 2 overcoming that rough 1st Round last year) Also do you guys remember PJ Tucker, well he went back to Milwaukee form and also played a major role. Atlanta is in an interesting situation, do they keep the players that they have and hope for a deep run like last year, or do they go big in the offseason for another superstar alongside Trae Young. Even if 2 of their teams won championships the Atlanta stereotype is back in session. DID I EVER TELL YOU THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY!?
Toronto Raptors (No Joe Carter or Kawhi to be found): What to say about a team that exceeded expectations and kept their window of contention alive. Not much. To me this series wasn’t determined by injuries to Scottie Barnes, and Gary Trent Jr. Toronto just wasn’t ready to keep up with the Sixers despite wins in Games 4 and 5. The killing blow in this series was not Joel Embiid although he did hit a buzzer beater that was payback for Kawhi in 2019. (The Raps could have used someone like him in this series) The real problems were Tyrese Maxey and Danny Green. Remember that name, Raptors fans, yes he was a key contributor to their championship team in 2019 but this time he haunted your dreams when it mattered most. This was a brutal way to end the season but the last thing Toronto should do is panic. They have a young core starting to emerge, if they can reach their full potential in the future who knows what they can do. I have a feeling they’ll be back.
Chicago Bulls (“What do you call a cow on the floor? Ground Beef!” -Giannis): I never thought anyone would come close to Paul Pierce declaring the Bucks as finished after just 1 game 3 years ago. Well this year he has some company. This thinking was a result of Milwaukee turning the ball over a combined 37 times in the 1st 2 games and losing Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis to injury. (Portis came back… EXCEPT HE HAD BIFOCALS ON!) Chicago you thought you were so cute for claiming that you would win in 5 after your fans and your Big 3 took over Fiserv Forum in Game 2. Here is the problem with that, all it did was wake up a sleeping giant in Giannis who continued to do his best Aaron Rodgers impersonation of dominating a team from the Windy City. (He and Thanasis even convinced the greatest national reporter in Bucks History to start her own YouTube Channel too, TOTAL SAVAGES!) Bulls fans remember how you guys were upset about Grayson Allen after he broke Alex Caruso’s wrist in January? He outscored DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine in the 2 games at the United Center. It’s Bryn Forbes against the Heat last year all over again. Don’t give me excuses about Lavine getting COVID or Caruso getting hurt again, the Bucks were winning that series anyways despite Middleton not playing the final 3 games. The Bulls yes are a good team who exceeded expectations but they proved that they aren’t ready for the bigtime. I wonder what Reinsdorf and the front office will do to add onto this up and coming team? By the way, have fun trying to pay Lavine, and Vucevic this offseason while you’re on the golf course! OH WAIT!
Brooklyn Nets (Nash, Marks, and Sedra’s Greatest Gongshow): (Ding Dong the Witch is Dead playing) “We want Boston! CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP! We want Boston!” Oh you want Boston, Bandwagon World! WELL YOU’RE GONNA GET BOSTON ALRIGHT! All of it in your face at rapid speed. There’s humiliation and then there’s what the Celtics did to them. The 2nd Half of Game 2 represented this entire series. Boston dismantled the so-called greatest offense in American Team Sports History. KD and Kyrie could do nothing against that vaunted defense throughout those 4 losses. Robert Williams didn’t even need to play in this series, Brooklyn was dominated as soon as Jayson Tatum hit that buzzer beater to end Game 1. It didn’t end there, even Barclays Center was consumed with Celitcs fans in Games 3 and 4. To be fair I’m completely fine with this iteration of the Nets not winning a championship let alone making a Conference Finals. All I see is a bunch of crybabies on the team and bandwagon fans who think there is nothing in the world that can stop them. For goodness sake they even said a year ago that they would have won the title if it weren’t for injuries and KD’s toe. Last I checked it was blowing a 2-0 lead and getting out coached the rest of the series is what did you in. Even worse they have a ton of free agents hitting the market this year including Kyrie Irving. If they lose him and Seth Curry they’re dead on arrival. I beg you, please keep that overrated coach you have, it’s fun to see this roster underachieve expectations every year. Now we can officially say that ESPN made their worst NBA Finals predictions ever. Stephen A, Greeny, Kellerman, etc had the Nets and Lakers in the Finals AGAIN! What a waste of energy! (Enjoy those Ben Simmons, and Joe Harris contracts)
New Orleans Pelicans (At least you made it a series): So it wasn’t the beatdown we all expected. The Pelicans are a team that lost the so-called face of the franchise for the entire season yet still made the playoffs thanks to the talent remaining and the rest of the West tripping over themselves near the bottom. Although I’ll give them credit for keeping it close. The Suns did make an example of them in Games 5 and 6, but there is hope going forward. Now the question is what will they do with Zion. Will he play for them next year? If he does, they’re a dark horse contender. If not, it’s spinning the hamster wheel yet again. I know was the unanimous #1 pick in the 2019 Draft at the time, but the decision to take him over Ja Morant may have been a mistake. There still is plenty of time to change that narrative, it’s on the rest of the team to do that exact thing.
Utah Jazz (What the Hell was that?): A wise man once said this during the 1990s. Never trust the Utah Jazz. No matter how good they are or the improvements on the roster they always find ways to let their fans down. This year’s edition was the result of being beaten up by a Mavericks team missing Luka Doncic for the 1st 3 games. The sad part for Jazz fans is that much of the damage Dallas made was in their own building. (Which normally is one of the harder places to play in the league) They allowed Jalen Brunson and Reggie Bullock to burn them from 3 endlessly. The question I have about Utah is what they will do going forward. Yes Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are both under contract but many are saying that they should blow it up. This is Danny Ainge we are talking about. If he’s doing anything monumental it’s going all in on Zach Lavine. They’re right there but they need one more piece to try and get them over the top. I don’t know where you can find that.
Denver Nuggets (Kneel before Lethal Weapon 3): When a team loses their 2nd and 3rd best players for much of the season it should lead to no playoffs right. This is where Nikola Jokic again carries the Nuggets on his back into the playoffs. That legendary season of his meant nothing as Denver was completely outclassed by a Warriors team regaining their health and legs. Speaking of the Joker he got another flagrant foul which eventually cost them the game. They still would have lost the series but their fans can always make excuses over calls like those. The thing that Nuggets fans forget about is that they had no answers for Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney. I know many are saying that Mike Malone isn’t the right coach for this team but you could have had Pat Riley from 1987 and it wouldn’t have made a difference. The last thing Denver should do is panic but if Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr are healthy next year they could make some noise in the West. Get Gold Blooded Mile High City, back to the drawing board you go.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Typical Minneapolis): The last thing my family needed was a team owned by Alex Rodriguez making a deep playoff run. Luckily someone listened to my request. That team just happened to be the pretty boys of the Western Conference in the Grizzlies. Yes Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony Towns are game changing talents. But the difference in this series was Ja Morant and the depth around him. Plus this series gave us a vintage Minnesota moment. The Timberwolves had a 25 point lead in the 2nd Quarter of Game 3. Memphis came back and not only won the game but changed the momentum of the series. They also blew another huge lead at home to lose the series and Game 6. Hey Wolves, do you want to win this series? THEN DON’T LET JA MORANT DO THE GRIDDY IN FRONT OF YOUR FANS BOTH DURING AND AFTER THE GAME! Although I shouldn’t go too hard on them because their window is just getting underway, they’ll be back but just it’ll be hard to compete in a hard conference. That’s the price you have to pay in this league.
Philadelphia 76ers (TRADITION! Tradition!): CONGRATULATIONS YOU’RE TEAM STILL CAN’T MAKE IT PAST THE 2ND ROUND! UUUUUUUGH! This time you brought your insufferable fans hopes up by erasing an 0-2 deficit only to go full Philly in Games 5 and 6. This was the all in year, all the pieces were lining up for the Sixers to win their first title since 1983. Then they realize the same things that doomed them in the past came back to haunt them. Joel Embiid was not 100%, they lack 2nd and 3rd options, (Although Tyrese Maxey is a stud) they have a whipping boy on the roster who in this case is James Harden, and they still don’t have the right coach to guide the ship. (Have fun paying Doc Rivers for 3 more years) Do you guys remember when you paid Ben Simmons the big bucks instead of Jimmy Butler? Well that decision has aged poorly. He was unstoppable and not even Embiid could match him in the games that really mattered. To be fair, I have no idea what Philadelphia should do. If they keep James Harden they are paying 3 players a combined 128 million for 3 years. Those 3 contracts could set the team back years if they don’t add quality depth. (That includes Embiid and Tobias Harris) Welcome to being trapped, Philly!
Milwaukee Bucks (Lisa Salters = MKE version of Scott Foster): This felt like the Ravens losing to the Steelers in the AFC Championship in 2008, and 2010 all over again. Sometimes I just have to wonder how this happened to play out. Or in this case claiming that the old memes of the Bucks are back but certainly not what they once were. There’s nothing to be upset about. The better team won. To be fair Boston should have closed this series out much sooner than they did. The only reason why this series even went to Game 7 is because of Giannis. Even if they blew a 14 point lead at home in Game 5, the Celtics weren’t going to let a team missing their go-to scorer and 2 of their better bench players beat them. Once Middleton and Ibaka went down against the Bulls it was going to be an uphill climb against the hottest team in basketball but I’ll give them credit for trying. (The Bucks PA Announcer, and in-game arena hosts tested positive for COVID during the series too) The only moves I’d consider making this offseason is dumping George Hill, Wes Matthews, and Serge Ibaka for more veteran depth pieces who aren’t liabilities. (I won’t blame Bud, he did what he could yet the lack of depth due to injury came back to bite them) Even if this was a tough ending especially with how Game 7 ended, the Bucks should be back. As long as Giannis keeps improving his game, and they stay healthy I have hope for the future. I will say that any team that has to overcome a massive shooting in their city hours after a bad loss, it’s not gonna end well. Just saying. (Please don’t tell me last year was a deal with the devil)
Phoenix Suns (2018 Nashville Predators): (Warriors fans laughing background) we don’t have any words, and we know you don’t want to hear them. we understand your anger, your frustration, your sadness. everything you’re feeling, we get it. (Once CP3 turned 37, his legs and skills fell off) this isn’t the ending we imagined, and certainly not the one we wanted. thank you for being there the entire time. (How do you score 27 points in the 1st Half of Game 7, and you made Jason Kidd look like a Hall of Fame coach. PATHETIC!) PAUSE. (This franchise is cursed isn’t it?)
Memphis Grizzlies (The next victim of Game 6 Klay): We have discovered the solution to beating a team with young and exciting players, a team containing just that plus championship experience. Ja Morant was balling in this series. He near single handedly put Memphis a shot away from going up 2-0. Nothing could stop him it seemed. CRACK! And then he suffered a bone bruise from drowning in a Poole. Memphis fans can make excuses all they want but let’s be real. Besides Game 5 once they lost Morant it seemed as if Golden State was doing whatever they wanted. This was a close series but one man was the X Factor. Klay Thompson, his heroics in Games 1 and 6 were the difference of the entire series. (“Game 6 Klay” -Everyone in the Bay Area) The Grizzlies despite this loss proved a lot of people wrong this year. They’re still very early into their championship window, and they’ll definitely be back, it’s just too bad they ran into a much better team. Anyways enjoy the golf course this summer.
Miami Heat (Who’s Sleeping Now HeatTwitter?): All season Miami was hit by massive amounts of injuries yet every time they kept coming back. However in the playoffs the injury gods were cruel to them. Kyle Lowry was not 100% throughout the playoffs, both Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson missed games in the Conference Finals, and Jimmy Butler was playing on a bad knee for the rest of the series. Not only that but Miami lost its greatest strength in this series. Throughout the season, the Heat had the best home record in the East, against the Celtics it was not a factor. Even with home court in Game 7, Boston was able to overcome the Whiteout despite nearly blowing a 14 point lead. I know the common reaction right now is that Miami needs another star to get them to a title. I disagree, you know what they really need. They just need to stay healthy. It cost them in 2020 against the Lakers and it happened here too. Poor Jimmy Buckets, not even his insane Games 6 and 7 couldn’t overcome the Lucky Charm machine.
Dallas Mavericks (The Miracles are Over): I could have told you this when he was coaching in Milwaukee. You don’t win titles with Jason Kidd. But he did exceed expectations this year, I’ll give them that. (How long until he demands power though?) For a team that hadn’t won a playoff series in a decade to nearly make the Finals without Tim Hardaway Jr was a huge boost for the future of the organization. They even knocked off the juggernaut of Phoenix in a Game 7 in Arizona, but then they just went flat. Their style of playing wasn’t sustainable. Plus they ran into a demigod, his name was Steph Curry. No matter what Dallas threw at him, he was just one step ahead of them. Even if Kidd still has his critics based on past power struggles the future is bright for the Mavs. As long as Luka continues to rise as a player, they should have a chance to get to the Finals. I don’t know if Golden State wants you in it though. PAUSE
This postseason like last year was very unpredictable. We had high quality matchups across the board and drama was a plenty. Now it’s Finals time, and what is the main attraction of the grand finale of NBA75?
Golden State Warriors: (Enter Sandman playing) For those that don’t know this, yes I’m a massive Bucks fan, but the Warriors were the ones that got me into the NBA when I was 11 years old. During these last 9 years it has been a joy to cover these guys both closely and from a distance. Their impact not only on today’s NBA but how players are viewed coming into the league both in high school and college is something to behold. They have been the cutting edge of the league ever since Steve Kerr was hired in 2014. This season was unpredictable to many in the basketball landscape. With Klay Thompson coming off 2 massive knee surgeries, a complete makeover of depth players, and playing in a stacked Western Conference there was reason to be concerned. There was their ESPN Reporter Nick Friedell getting poached by the Nets before the season, (his replacement happened to be the sister of the former face of Bucks Media though, Class A Organization) plus many were wondering if the Chase Center was just as daunting as Oracle Arena. Lets just say Golden State turned back the clock to their glory years even if they were hit by injuries all season. Come playoff time not only were they healthy, they had a massive chip on their shoulders. Could they make it back to the Finals without KD? Oh they answered that question in convincing fashion. In the 1st Round they knocked off a Nuggets team that was being carried by Nikola Jokic in 5 games. Then they used their 3 elite scorers to near single handedly get them past an exciting Grizzlies team in the 2nd Round. And finally they exposed the Cinderella Story of the postseason in the Mavericks with a dominating showing of experience and cohesion. The Warriors may not be as stacked as they have been in years prior but if there is one thing they know how to do it’s develop draft picks and depth pieces into key players. However most of the main weapons are those from their championship teams of 2015, 2017, and 2018. Stephen Curry is once again leading the charge and this year he has not only become the best 3 point shooter in NBA History, he has added another dimension in his game. This year when healthy he has had the highest defensive rating of his career. (“He’s an elite 2 way player and it shows.” Warriors Reporter Anthony Slater) There is one thing he wants more than anything, a Finals MVP Award. And this could be his chance to get it. To his side once again is the always dangerous Klay Thompson. There were questions on whether he could return to his once great form coming off those knee surgeries. Not only did he answer those questions, he answered them convincingly. In each of their closeout games this postseason he has been a wrecking machine from both the 3 point line, and on defense. The scary thing is that Curry and Thompson aren’t really known as the Splash Brothers anymore although it’s still used. They have now become Lethal Weapon 3 thanks to the emergence of Jordan Poole. (Thank you Stephen A for that nickname) Just like many on this roster he has been developed from within and has enjoyed a career year with several outstanding moments. His personality both on and off the court is legendary. Although those 3 have seen limited action together thanks to lineup changes to aid the defense. Speaking of their defense it has been anchored by 2 brick walls that also played major roles in their championship years. Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. Dray despite his character issues and consistency to get in foul trouble is still the emotional leader in that locker room. And it shows with how they play. (Their record when he is in the lineup this year is better than anyone in the league in such games) Looney on the other hand has enjoyed a spectacular postseason. Against the Mavs in particular he was all over the place whether scoring or rebounding. And those 5 aren’t all. There’s Andrew Wiggins a former #1 pick that was considered a bust in Minnesota after years of underachieving. Since coming to the Warriors he has become the All Star wing player they have been missing since Durant left. Jonathan Kuminga is another one of those youngsters from the draft capital that they got from Brooklyn and the T-Wolves that has emerged off their bench. Otto Porter, despite getting hurt in Game 3 against Dallas has returned to his productive form that he had in Washington. The rest of their depth includes Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damion Lee, top draft pick Moses Moody, and Nemanja Njelica. And here’s the insane part of their success during these playoffs. The Warriors are doing this without 3 OF THEIR TOP BENCH PLAYERS! James Wiseman the #2 pick in the 2020 Draft who when he gets back from a massive knee injury is another serious weapon for their offense, Andre Iguodala who like Draymond Green is one of the leaders in the locker room despite age getting at his abilities. And Gary Payton II who like Poole has enjoyed a breakout season and has produced in bunches. This shows you why Steve Kerr is one of the top coaches of the last 20 years. It doesn’t matter who they have, as long as they have the right pieces on the floor they have a shot at winning it all. This comes to show you why their “Strength in Numbers” motto is so effective. Anyone can have a big night. Even if many basketball fans outside of the Bay Area don’t want to see them win it all again, I would love to see them do it again. Not just because they are still one of my favorite teams in all of sports, but because of how they have overcome 2 years with massive turnover. However there is only one thing that can stop this no longer superteam. A squad whose success over the history of this great league needs no introduction.
Boston Celtics: (Renegade playing) If I thought the Bengals making the Super Bowl was bad, I have to witness the Bucks most hated rival in the NBA Finals just 4 months later. It sucks, I know. To me this is the equivalent of having to watch the Steelers in the Super Bowl. (That’s why I’m playing Renegade in the background during this segment) The most successful franchise of the Finals era, with the most Hall of Famers and probably the biggest fanbase in the league. Those 2 teams have a lot in common, don’t they? (As well as being my 2 favorite teams greatest rivals) In some cases the Celtics this year rival the 2008 Steelers. Overcoming a brutal start, a changing of their identity, a couple of key moves to improve, and overcoming a massive gauntlet of opponents to get to the top. Boston this year was in an unpredictable situation. Early in the season, Celtics were hovering around 500 and were 10th in the East. There were rumors of them breaking up the core back in January. If you were to tell me that this team would not only turn it around but make the Finals I would have laughed you out the window. This postseason they were put to the fire by the media right from the get go. In the 1st Round they were projected to lose to KD, Kyrie, and the Brooklyn Nets. Not only did they beat them, they swept them convincingly thanks to elite coaching, and letting the game come to them. Next they got the defending champs in the Bucks in a classic matchup. Despite blowing a 14 point lead in Game 5 at home, as well as Giannis putting up 40 point games at ease, Boston rallied to win the next 2 in dominating fashion. (“5 STRAIGHT GAME 7’S AGAINST BOSTON!” -Bucks fans) In the ECF same story, getting stunned on their home court in a must win game, and then going into a hostile environment and overcoming the odds. The Celtics have always had talent that can’t be denied. But this year the difference is they not only have talent, but mental toughness. Most of the players on this squad are either players they acquired in the Pierce-Garnett Trade, or guys they developed over the past few years. Let’s start with the main prize of the 2013 blockbuster trade with Brooklyn in Jayson Tatum. This man is putting together a playoff run that Larry Bird and Paul Pierce themselves would be proud of. This postseason he has gone toe-to-toe with Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jimmy Butler and won. This man evolved his game from an iso heavy player to one of the best 2 way players in the game. Even if Tatum has been the focus he may not be their #1 option on a daily basis. That could go to Jaylen Brown, another 2-way star. He’s been up and down at the free throw line, but like Tatum he has been a difference maker when the games start to finish. That 1-2 punch allows others on the roster to play with more confidence. One of those guys is the always intense Marcus Smart. Like Tatum and Brown he was also acquired in Pierce and Garnett Trade (Thanks Billy King), and has been an X Factor when he’s on the court. This year he became the first guard since Gary Payton to win Defensive Player of the Year. He may not be a true PG, but with the way he is playing you can’t argue with it. Just like the Tatum and Brown debate for who their top scoring option is, Smart may not even be their best defender. Robert Williams could claim that honor. Even if he has been injured for much of the postseason, his impact in the painted era in each game is tremendous. Against a SmallBall team like Golden State he should have no issues guarding down low. Their depth this season has produced in bunches especially in key moments. The main focus in that category is Al Horford, many thought he was finished after the last 2 years in Philly and OKC. Now in his 2nd stint in BeanTown he has not resurrected his career, but taken his game to new heights. (The series against both the Nets and Bucks are evidence) Grant Williams like Horford has been a major boost when it comes to defense and the 3 pointer. And finally Derrick White, their major midseason pickup who has been an excellent top option off the bench. Can we also include Payton Pritchard and Daniel Theis, I think we can. I have been impressed with Ime Udoka. This man basically changed the Celtics play style from being an iso heavy offensive minded team to one of the best defensive teams in NBA History. The way he has been able to outcoach future Hall Famers like Mike Budenholzer, and Eric Spolestra is fantastic for a rookie coach. Even though he isn’t the coach anymore, Brad Stevens as well as former GM Danny Ainge both have massive fingerprints on this roster. After half a decade of trying to build, the Celtics are finally getting their chance to claim the one missing piece over this current regime. It sucks that it’s a Boston team doing this since they have won more championships than anyone over the past 20 years but you have to acknowledge how they’ve done it. PAUSE
Yes this Finals matchup is a battle of 2 of the most arrogant franchises but the way these teams got to the Finals is the way you’re supposed to win. It’s not about attracting superstars to your glamorous city in order to get a championship anymore. It’s about coaching, team chemistry, player development, outstanding front offices, defense, and timely buckets. Both the Warriors and Celtics are masters at doing these things. These aren’t superteams, these are squads that have been constructed with the likes of home grown talent, veteran leadership, and committing to putting a good team on the court. Yes these are 2 big media markets but you have to understand that they make clever decisions that pay off. The storylines in this series aren’t as massive as last years were but they’re some that need to be mentioned. Golden State is trying to prove that they don’t need a superteam to win it all. Ime Udoka is trying to become the 4th coach in the last 7 years to win a title in his rookie season. The Warriors have not lost a postseason game at the Chase Center EVER. Steph Curry is trying to win his 1st Finals MVP, The Celtics are trying to send out the most beloved reporter in franchise history in Jackie McMullen into retirement as a World Champion. And most importantly Boston is trying to regain the title of most successful franchise in the NBA. (Circus Music playing) I know what the common reaction in this series is going to be: “Everyone is saying whoever wins America loses.” To me that’s a lie. Do you want to know who the real losers of this matchup are? KD and Kyrie. (You can add Lakers fans and Billy King in there too) The fact that both Golden State and Boston made it to the Finals let alone the Conference Finals without them before Brooklyn has is hilarious. No matter who wins this series both teams will have more series victories this year than the Nets have playoff wins since the 2 left their respective teams. (Plus last year the Nets had to watch 3 former reporters plus their All Time Leading Scorer win a title with the Bucks. LOL!) Even worse, if the Celtics win the title, the Pierce-Garnett Trade is going to be perhaps the most lopsided trade in NBA History. Why? Because that trade not only held the Nets back, but once their window closed they couldn’t tank because Boston owned those picks. (Those picks became Tatum, Brown, and Smart, plus the others were shipped off to Atlanta for Al Horford in 2015) Olivier Sedra and LeBron must be crying in the background somewhere. It’s so funny that the 2 teams ESPN almost unanimously picked to go to the Finals before the season began not only have to watch their rivals in the Finals but this year both of them didn’t even win a game in the playoffs or miss the postseason entirely. Here is the lesson, mothership. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Because if you do you will likely be upset. Anyways it’s the Finals matchup of NYC and LA’s worst nightmares. One of these insufferable fanbases will regain their superiority complex if they win. TIME FOR A PREDICTION!
Prediction: As much as I want the Warriors to win, this is a very bad matchup for them. Boston swept the regular season series in convincing fashion. And Golden State is weak in the paint. As much as I hate to admit this, I’m picking the Celtics to win in 6, my well regarded deal with the devil last postseason adds another chapter as I have to suffer despite my recommitment to Steph and his boys while watching another chief rival in their league’s championship round. What’s next on this deal of punishment for me, the Cleveland Browns? YUCK! (That or the New York Rangers. If both things happen I will literally LOSE IT!)
Bragging Rights Sports 