Heat vs. Thunder NBA Finals Preview

     LeBron. KD. Wade. Westbrook. Bosh. Harden.  This year's installment of the NBA Finals isn't lacking any star power.  The Thunder, the new kids on the block, owners of the best record for the majority of the regular season, and benefactors of maybe the loudest home crowd in all the NBA, don't seem to be fazed by the prospect of facing 3-time MVP Lebron James and his Miami "Heatles".  The road traveled for these two teams to this point couldn't be more different.  Miami trudged through a weak Eastern Conference, defeating the Knicks, Pacers, and Celtics.  Neither team really threatened Miami (although the Celtics series went the full 7 games), while the Thunder dispatched the defending world champion Dallas Mavericks, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, and a red hot San Antonio Spurs team.  Even more impressive was the fact that the Thunder took 4 straight from San Antonio after they had reeled off 20 straight victories.

     Despite their path to the Finals, both these teams are pretty evenly matched.  LeBron is playing arguably the best playoff stretch of basketball in his career (you know how I hate giving him his due), and Kevin Durant is showing the world that at the ripe old age of 23, no stage is too big for him.  The superstars will treat the fans to some spectacular moments, but this series will be won or lost by the role players.  Here's how I see the match ups breaking down.

     LeBron vs. KD.  Winners of the last four league MVP awards, all eyes will be on these two guys.  They're both going to explode for monster games, but the defining moment might come when one of these two guys makes the big DEFENSIVE play.  LeBron can guard every position on the floor, so expect him to check just about everyone at some point in this series, especially if the Heat are struggling collectively defensively.  For that reason alone, much to the chagrin of Clevelanders (especially me), advantage LeBron.

     Wade vs. Westbrook.  The other marquee matchup pits two of the best against each other.  While Westbrook is young, he brings a lot of energy to the game, and is a dynamic scorer.  He likes to run...a lot, and as much as Miami likes to run, this could pose a big problem for them.  Miami is a veteran team, and they definitely can't afford to get into a track meet with OKC, even with 2 of the best transition finishers in the game.  The big test for Westbrook is going to be his decision making during the "big" moments.  He's had a habit of trying to upstage KD by taking too many shots, and it's resulted in bad offensive possessions.  He's not a true point guard by trade.  He's a scorer.  Wade has looked and played fragile this post season.  He's been invisible for long stretches during games, offering little support to LeBron.  While there has been some speculation as to whether Wade isn't hiding some type of injury, he'll need to be huge, along with with LeBron, if the Heat hope to win the title.  Advantage Westbrook.

     Bosh vs. Harden.  While these two guys won't be matched up against each other, their performances will play a huge role in how this series is decided.  Miami gets a fresh Chris Bosh back after he missed a good chunk of the East Semis and East Finals due to an abdominal injury.  Harden has displayed the ability to hit huge shots in big spots during games this postseason.  It will be interesting to watch how these two work themselves into their game, and just how effective both will be.  Push.


     Ibaka/Perkins/Fisher vs. Haslem/Anthony/Chalmers.  Another key matchup to watch has more to do with the first two names in each set here, than the point guards involved.  With plenty of slashers on display, the paint and the offensive glass will be two very critical areas, and whoever wins those battles, WILL win the series.  It's that important.  Serge Ibaka has to be respected.  He blocks so many shots, that offensive players have no choice but to try and lure him outside the paint.  Still, the Thunder are one of the longest teams in the league, and they will no doubt try to clog the paint and turn Wade and LeBron into jump shooters.  This is a dangerous scenario for Miami.  Erik Spoelstra will have to get creative in calling plays to get his stars the ball on the move.  Foul trouble will tip the scales heavily to one side.  If I'm Miami, I attack the bigs, and hope for whistles to go your way.  Advantage Ibaka/Perkins/Fisher.


     Coach Brooks vs. Coach Spo.  One of the biggest mismatches in this series will occur right here.  Spo has struggled at times to get creative with his offensive play calling, and his team goes through lapses where they just don't look confident, and a lot of players are just standing around.  It sometimes looks like Spo struggles to command the huddle during timeouts.  Guys look disengaged, and he's already had one spat with Wade in these playoffs.  Scott Brooks is one of the better coaches in the league today, and is very creative with his offensive sets.  In order for his team to have a chance, Erik Spoelstra is going to have to coach his butt off.  Literally.  Advantage Brooks.


     This series will be entertaining for any basketball fan.  You've got the two best players in the league, facing off for a shot at the Larry O'Brien trophy.  The Thunder will have the home court, which does provide a small advantage.  Miami has shown the ability to survive when times are desperate.  LeBron will have to have another great series AND get some big games from Wade and Bosh for Miami to legitimately win this thing.  The Thunder have been battle tested throughout these playoffs, while Miami has been pushed, but really haven't been in big trouble.  With all that being said, I'll take the Thunder to win this years NBA Finals in 7 games.  Enjoy.

TR