With the dreamy matchup of Kevn Durant and LeBron James beginning on Tuesday, the NBA Finals this year prove to be orgasmic for NBA Heads from all over. Not only do we see the “Good” vs. “Evil” storyline again, but we see, arguably, the two best teams in the league. The OKC Thunder a team that has built their team from drafting and making smart decisions meeting the star-studded formed team in Miami.
2 teams, the #1 and #2 NBA players in the league, but only one winner.
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook vs. Mario Chalmers
Russell Westbrook is dynamic, a power house, and plays with a maddening intensity and is a key component to OKC’s offense. While Mario Chalmers is still learning how to find his niche when Wade and Bron are the offense.
Advantage: OKC Thunder
Shooting Guard: Thabo Sefolosha/James Harden vs Dwyane Wade
Thabo is a fantastic perimeter defender, but can also knock down big shots for OKC when the opportunity presents itself. James Harden, despite his flops, can take over the game offensively. He can shoot daggers from the perimeter and draw contact to get to the free throw line, James Harden can turn it on with the flick of the switch. While Dwyane Wade has seen some slumps in he playoffs, it seems he has found his game and while Harden-Sefolosha are a great defensive/offensive, but Dwyane Wade is one of the premier rim finishers in the league and can slash a defense like swiss cheese.
Advantage: Miami Heat
Small Forward: Kevin Durant v LeBron James
This is the matchup that is wetting appetites in seeing the #1 and #2 players in the league facing off. LeBron James can score in any way that you can imagine and virtually can guard any position. Kevin Durant is an efficient scorer. He has improved his passing game and his defense as well, but those things aren’t on LeBron’s level.
Adavantage: Miami Heat
Power Forward: Serge Ibaka vs Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh may have garnered plenty of slander,but he silenced his critics in Game 7 of the ECF, what he lacks defensively, he makes up on the offensive and can even knock down the three-pointer. On the other end of the spectrum, we see Serge Ibaka – who displays incredible athleticism — owning the defensive with his amazing shot blocking ability. On the backup front, we have Collison and Haslem, and while Haslem is a rebounding champion, the OKC have a slight edge.
Advantage: OKC Thunder
Center: Kendrick Perkins vs Joel Anthony
Perkins brings a toughness to OKC , can free up Serge Ibaka, while intimidating the opponent. Whatever his defense can do, his offense can not do. Depending if Chris Bosh starts, Joel Anthony or Haslem could be at the center position.
Advantage: I don’t have the heart to put OKC, so it’s a draw.
Coach: Brooks vs Spoelstra
Both have had their moments, but also both have led their teams to the NBA Finals. However, Coach Scott Brooks has shown more peaks of greatness than Spoelstra. Spoelstra seems to benefit from things falling into his lap, rather than making proper adjustments.
Advantage: Thunder
Prediction: No question about it, the Thunder is the best team in the NBA, they are an offensive Hercules, but also can defend with their long, athletic players. However, LeBron has shown tremendous focus and heart during the ECF’s. He may have finally learned that his mental toughness is needed in the NBA Finals and especially when taking out the greatest team in the league with OKC.
Heat in 7
Agreed with almost all of your post except I’m not too sure about ibaka having the advantage over bosh if bosh is healthy.ibaka is known for getting n foul trouble and while he has a decent jumper he has no back to the basket game..I’d take bosh over serge.