The NBA finals match-up between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat promises to be one of the greatest we have ever seen.
I must confess that I did not not expect the Thunder to make it. Only six per-cent of teams two nil down in their position have progressed to the finals. To win four games in a row against a rampant Spurs including one on the road and one coming from 18 points down was a Herculean effort.
Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and James Harden are all superstars. However, it was the contributions from players like Collison, Ibaka, Cook and Sefolosha that made the difference in the series against the Spurs. Another factor that can not be underestimated was the late season acquisition of Derek Fisher.
He is a born winner and his locker room presence has been invaluable for this young team . Scott Brooks is a fantastic coach and his ability to make adjustments later in the series to stop the penetration of Spurs was brilliant. I believe that we are watching a good team develop into a championship dynasty before our very eyes.
The Miami Heat have already silenced some doubters. With their backs to the Wall against the Boston Celtics, Lebron James in games six and seven simply would not let them lose. He put the team on his back when it mattered. Chris Bosh was also an x-factor in game seven. His return from injury is key for the finals match-up.
Dwayne Wade, Mario Chalmers and Shane Battier all had solid series and the criticism the team continually cops seems to be bringing them together. Coach Spoelstra has also conducted himself very well in the face of adversity.
How much has he learnt from last years finals? Time will tell. The Boston Celtics exceeded expectations making the conference finals and the fact that it took the Heat seven games to despatch them may be a query on their form.
I think this promises to be one of the great finals series of all time. I am tipping the Thunder in 7 games because of home court advantage, greater depth and more scoring power across the board. Whoever wins the championship, the real winners will be us fans getting to watch two great teams go at it from Wednesday.
ThelmaWrites
Guest
Yup. agreed.
B.A Sports
Guest
I heard Bill Simmons say (after OKC and Boston) came back from 0-2 down to lead 3-2 that only 8 times in playoff history (since they went to seven game series in the early 80's) had the team who came back and won three in a row actually won the series. So if OKC win the first two, even if Miami win the next 3 (and i think OKC can get one in Miami), history is against them winning the series.
mushi
Guest
I think Wade owes James for that Celtics series. Wade needs a big performance
Allsports
Guest
I'm looking forward to this series. Seems to be a pretty even match-up on paper but I think it's Lebron's year this year. They looked very clinical in the last couple of games against Boston and I think they will take it into the Finals. In saying that, the Thunder played well beyond their years and I was very impressed in the way they broke down the more seasoned Spurs.
ThelmaWrites
Guest
I'd say OKC will win because of the talent in the team and the team work and understanding. But Miami has the will and the aggression, and they've been there. Last year, it may have been LeBron James and his lack of a fourth quarter that may have lost the Finals for Miami. This year, I think Dwyane Wade will be the key. I base this on gut instinct, which to others, may not account for much. What keeps coming to my mind is what Dwyane Wade did for the Dream Team at the Beijing Olympics Finals when Spain would not go away because of the agression of the Gasol brothers.
Taniwha
Guest
Home court a big factor to. OKC home court is most intimidating in whole league IMO. So going to take something special to steal one there for the Heat. I think game 2 will be their best chance to do so. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Cam Larkin
Roar Guru
I'm going to say OKC in 6. The Thunder has better defensive big men than Boston do and this will have an impact on the Miami bigs. The Heat need to ensure they dont have 4-5min patches where they don't score because OKC will destroy them. A great series coming up. @CamLarkin cameronlarkin.com
MrFusilliJerry
Roar Rookie
I can't wait for this series. Although I don't like San Antonio, I would have liked to have seen them get through so that Patty Mills could have a crack at a title. I can see this as being a very high scoring series with two incredible offences. I wouldn't go counting out Miami. If Bosh can put in a performance with like his 8-10 from the floor and 3-4 from behind the arch, I can see Miami really chance OKC. Prediction - Miami in 7