by: MiLo
Western Conference Finals
In the rematch of the 2012
Western Conference Finals San Antonio and OKC face each other with a similar
track record in this year’s playoff. Both teams finished the first round in 7
games and advanced to the Conference Finals. The last time they faced each
other, the Thunders beat the Spurs 4-2. However when San Antonio returned to
the conference finals, the Thunders were knocked out by Memphis who were
defeated by the Spurs to allow them to advance to the 2013 NBA Finals. Who will
represent the West in the Finals?
Tony Parker (left) and Russell Westbrook (right) battle it out
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MY PREDICTION: SAN ANTONIO
SPURS IN 6 GAMES
This series will be a good
showdown, which will be highlighted by a super duo in Kevin Durant and Russell
Westbrook and the amazing trio in Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan.
But I think this series will be more of a defensive matchup. Both teams have great offensive players and outstanding
defensive players, but I think the games will all come down to which team plays the better defense. Key defensive players in San Antonio and OKC are Kawhi Leonard
and Serge Ibaka respectively. Seeing that Serge will not be playing due to a
left calf injury, I think that the Spurs have an advantage that Tim Duncan will
definitely take advantage off. The
Thunder squad will definitely cope up in some games, but ultimately, I think
that the San Antonio Spurs will return to the NBA Finals in 6 games based on
their previous performance offensively and defensively and their experience in
the playoffs.
KEY PLAYERS FOR OKLAHOMA CITY
THUNDER: KENDRICK PERKINS AND NICK
COLLISON
With Serge Ibaka injured, OKC has
lost a key player in their defense, which could spell defeat for the Oklahoma
team. A possible way to avoid this is for ‘big men’ like Kendrick Perkins and
Nick Collison to fill in the gap left by Serge. Kevin Durant and Westbrook can
be trusted to play amazing ball and they have been for the past 2 rounds,
however, the defense has to be focused all the more in order to contain
players like Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard, and especially Tim Duncan. With Serge
gone, Tim will definitely attack the rim more, however, if OKC can neutralize
him and limit his movements, the Oklahoma City Thunder has a chance of advancing to the Finals.
Nick Collison (left) and Kendrick Perkins (right)
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KEY PLAYERS FOR SAN ANTONIO
SPURS: KAWHI LEONARD AND PATTY MILLS
With a great line up, Gregg
Popovich has a good chance in bringing his team back to the Finals. However,
there is still one major hiccup that can occur, and that could be caused by the reigning
MVP, Kevin Durant. Kevin can and will cause big problems for the Texas based
squad. The perfect man to take on the MVP is Kawhi Leonard. He is putting solid
numbers recently and has been a defensive asset when he joined the team. It
makes sense to put Kawhi against Kevin, and if Kawhi controls the MVP, then the
Spurs are headed to the Finals.
Another player who has to step up
is Patty Mills. With Tony Parker having a small injury, Patty has to be ready
to take Tony’s place. Tony has been playing well lately and his injury can
jeopardize the chances of the Finals hopes, unless Patty Mills becomes a go to
guy and a reliable man in the team. Taking all this into account, the major
goal is to control Kevin and Russell Westbrook, and I think with that being
done, the Spurs have a really good chance to make it to the Finals.
Patty Mills (left) and Kawhi Leonard (right)
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Eastern Conference Finals
Between the
two conference finals, I find this the most interesting to watch. This year’s
finals matchup is the third time Pacers and Heat are facing each other in the
playoffs for the past three years. With the Pacers improving every year. I can see this duel lasting for 7 games, no
less. I feel that both teams have equal chances in making the finals. Who will
make it to the championships and who will finish this season wishing they made
it?
Paul George (left) and Lebron James (right)
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MY
PREDICTION: INDIANA PACERS IN 7 GAMES
Majority of
the people probably think that Miami will return to Finals, but I would like to
think that it is Indiana’s turn in the Finals. Every year that the Pacers play,
I can see that there is significant improvement in their game. Their team has
become more dependent, their bench has gotten deeper, and the have players
playing major roles, which is why they’ll make it to the finals this year. I’m
not saying that Miami has no chance at all, but if they are going to beat
Indiana, the bench players need to bring their A-game.
KEY
PLAYERS FOR MIAMI HEAT: THE BENCH PLAYERS
What I
think Miami lacks, is a strong force coming from the bench. Ray Allen and
Norris Cole are the only ones who I think have an impact coming from the bench.
Lebron, D-Wade, and Bosh are a solid trio, not to mention being complimented by
good players in Mario Chalmers and Shane Battier, but the Heat really lack the
umph from the bench that could make it or break for this team. However, there
are times that starting five do more then enough, especially with there ‘Big
Three’, but it does not always occur. If they want a solid chance in returning
to the finals, the bench has got to step it up.
Ray Allen (left) and Norris Cole (right)
akwardsports.com
KEY
PLAYERS FOR INDIANA PACERS: LANCE STEPHENSON AND ROY HIBBERT
Lance has
made tremendous performance and has become a significant asset of the team.
However, with his history against Heat and D-Wade could put the Pacers chance
of winning in jeopardy. He needs to keep his cool and keep playing hard like he
has been doing since the first round. Another key player for this Conference
Finals is Roy Hibbert. His performance in the first and second round of the
playoffs was not great, and most of the time the big W was determined whether
or not Roy played well. He needs to be more focused and definitely more
consistent. I believe Indiana can win this series as long as the whole team is focused,
keep doing what they are doing and these key players do their jobs properly.
Roy Hibbert (left) and Lance Stephenson (right) get ready for the rebound
basketballschedule.net
Let me know what your predictions are and who think are the key players in each team!
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