NBA FINALS - PART 1
Finally. It's time for the NBA Finals. Even tho it means the season is coming to an end, it's still my favorite part of the season. Well, I enjoy everything from the second round, cause it's usually good games. But now, it's the big dance. And for the second time, there's an 8th seed from the East going up against the 1st seed from the West. Last time is happened, was 1999 during the Lock Out year as my LJ led Knicks took on the Spurs. We still brag about that.
Since I'm a huge Carmelo Anthony fan (you can read more about that here) my heart will say Nuggets, but there's more to it. Jimmy Butler might be one of the most underrated stars of all time. What he's done this postseason is pretty remarkable. Remember, the Heat came in to the playoffs thru the Play-In Tournament. But I've said this the whole time, they are not your average 8th seed. But to beat three higher seeded teams, you have to win on the road. And that's where their greatness has shown. And even tho Caleb Martin got some votes for the Larry Bird Trophy, there's not a sane person who would say Jimmy isn't the real MVP. Also, my friend James Scott is his personal trainer, and I would sure love for them to enjoy their Big Face Coffee this summer with some champion swag to it.
But back to Denver. I do think that they are the better team. And usually in the NBA, the better team wins. And usually the best player in the Finals is the key. And the best player is Nikola Jokic. I think it's fittingly that Embiid won his first MVP award, as Jokic advanced to his first Finals appearance. Remember back in 1995 when Robinson was named the MVP in front of Hakeem, as he straight dominated him in the WCF to go for a back-to-back? This reminds me of that. Even tho they never faced each other in the playoffs (since they're in different conferences), it's still a statement by Jokic if the Nuggets goes on and win the title. Individual awards don't mean as much as the title. Just like Kobe in 2008. He was the MVP but lost to Boston in 6, came back next season and was a better team player, and led them to a 4-1 win over Orlando to secure his first ring of a back-to-back run.
But Jamal Murray. Man, he's a fucking problem. It's crazy how people sort of forgot how crazy good this man was in the playoffs last time he played. I guess that's how injuries works, they make you forget, until they do it again. How the West have to fit him in the All-Star Game next season, I don't know who to leave out, because he will be in it in 2024.
I do think Miami has the upper hand on the coaching spot, I think Spoelstra is one of the best ever and if you have the great Pat Riley as your mentor, I won't bet against you. Even tho he has lost three Finals (2011, 2014, 2020) he's battle tested.
Denver is coming off a long rest, while Miami had to fight Boston in 7 games. Not to compare the NBA and SBL, but that's how their Finals went. Borås had to wait almost two weeks after sweeping Umeå, and Norrköping beat Jämtland in 7. Some people claim the long rest took the momentum away from Borås, and Norrköping came in with their team with confidence since they proved they could win as a lower seeded team. But again, I'm not comparing these situation at all. But I wouldn't be surprised is Miami stole Game 1 tonight and Denver looks rusty. We will see, as Game 1 is just hours away. I'm ready for this, who you got?
Denver in 5.
Gear up for the Finals, check out our Finals Collection with great gear from different Championship squads.
If you're looking for Denver gear, look no further.
And if you're going for the underdogs, you find Heat gear here.