We get Pacers - Thunder in the NBA Finals. While I'm sure ABC execs are not excited about having two small market teams in the Finals, I am. We get two great teams and great players in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton. OKC was the class of the league the entire season. Their defense and the play of MVP SGA were overwhelming for teams. While Denver took them to seven games, the Thunder only took nine games to dismiss the Grizzlies and Timberwolves. The Pacers were 20-9 after the All-Star break and took out the Cavs, Bucks and Knicks in the playoffs. They shouldn't be overlooked, and Tyrese Haliburton is the real deal having some amazing games in the playoffs. I do think OKC wins this series. Maybe 4-2. I understand it could even be 4-1 but I have more confidence in Indiana.
Who am I rooting for? Indiana. This only their second NBA Finals and they've never won an NBA championship. OKC has won a championship as the SuperSonics in the '78-79 season. I also think their window for competing for a championship is longer than the Pacers. No matter who wins I think it is a win for fans. These small market teams built their teams through good front office moves in the draft, free agency and the trade market. There are lots of fun players outside of the stars. They are both deep. We should celebrate these teams. We are getting some "old school" basketball in the playoffs, so it'll be interesting to see how much they let them play. Enjoy!
Hoping for a fun series. I also say OKC in 6 but good on Indy for taking Game 1
ReplyDeleteWhat an ending to game 1. Hopefully we get more of that.
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