NBA, Lebron James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder, James Harden, Miami Heat
Now that the Heat have taken care of the Celtics, it's on to the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. For starters, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will have to step up their hipster game if they want to compete with legendary fashionista Russell Westbrook.The Heat are known for their Big 3 of James, Wade and Chris Bosh, and rightfully so. They're all amazing players, and they've showed it, particularly in Game 7 against the Celtics. Bosh, Wade and James were the only Heat players to score in the 4th quarter, showing that they can combine for greatness against a solid defensive team.
Let's not overlook the Thunder, however. Their Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Westbrook and James Harden provides some difficult matchups as well.
Most pundits will focus on the matchup between James and Durant. You can't really blame them, since those were the top two in the MVP voting this year, and are widely considered the two best players in the game right now.
That having been said, keep in mind that guys like Shane Battier and Thabo Sefolosha will be chipping in big-time to guard the other team's MVP candidate and help their team's superstar stay fresh.Durant and James can seemingly score at will, as they each showed in their respective conference championship series. Battier and Sefolosha are a couple of the best defensive players in the league, and it will be interesting to see how they play a role in wearing down their opponent.
The key to this series will be the ability to balance out performances from each of the "Big 3" for each team. While each team has players who can individually take over a game, this is the time for all of the stars to shine almost equally, and that's what it's going to take to get the 4 more wins needed to raise the championship trophy.
My prediction: Thunder in 7.
I think it's going to go down to the wire, but I think the Thunder are a little younger and a little healthier, and that's what's going to push them over the edge.
What do you think will happen in this year's NBA Finals?
6/11/12 | kobe_lova | 52017 respect
Now, that I no longer have to even hope for Lebron's team (I thank them though), GO OKC!
6/10/12 | GeorgeMon | 132 respect
"James and wade will have to step up their hipster game if they want to compete with legendary fashionista russel Westbrook" hahaha hilarious. I don't think the Heat have much of a chance, Thunder in 5.