In 2010, the young, rambunctious Oklahoma City Thunder went six games before bowing out in the first-round against the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers.
Last season they made it to the Western Conference Finals where once again came up short against Dallas, who went on to claim their first NBA title.
This season, the Thunder ran through the gauntlet of the Mavericks, Lakers and Spurs en route to their first Western Conference crown and trip to the NBA Finals. All three teams have won 10 of the last 13 NBA titles. They find themselves four wins away from their first NBA championship since moving to the Sooner State.
For most of the club, the NBA Finals is a new experience and it will be tested during the series. However, the Thunder have 5-time champion Derek Fisher, Kendrick Perkins (was on 2008 Celtics championship team) and Nazr Mohammed (won a title with San Antonio) to give words of wisdom on what it means to be in the NBA Finals.
Kevin Durant and the Thunder have an opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the league that they are here to stay.
Miami has a shot at redemption after falling to Dallas in the 2011 NBA Finals by making good on their promise via the fireworks parade when the Big 3 were announced prior to the 2010-2011 season. The Heat overcame a Chris Bosh injury in the East Semis vs Indiana and rallied from a 3-2 deficit versus Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals to claim their second consecutive Eastern Conference title.
It will be the fifth time since 1967 that the NBA scoring champion and MVP square off in the NBA Finals.
The series will be about match-ups.
Durant vs Lebron: Heat coach Erik Spoelstra will have to make sure Lebron doesn't waste a ton of energy guarding the 3-time scoring champ. Conversely, Durant will have to make King James work for his points on defense and score at will when it matters most.
Sefolosha vs Wade: Thunder coach Scott Brooks can use the defensive-oriented guard on D. Wade or on LeBron at times. His length can cause problems for the Heat when they try to pass in the interior.
Bench production: The Thunder have a huge advantage in this matchup. They have veteran Derek Fisher, who can provide quality minutes on the floor and make clutch shots when needed. They also have one of the smartest defensive big men in Nick Collison. He can provide the Thunder with defensive help in the paint and force James and Wade to make contested shots. Conversely, Miami's bench is very inconsistent, including Mike Miller, who isn't at 100%.
The Thunder must keep James and Wade off the free-throw line and play defense without fouling. They have to make the tandem take contested jump shots.
I project the Oklahoma City Thunder will win the NBA Finals in six games over Miami.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
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