Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors
Although I was very shocked the Thunder beat the Spurs, the Thunder are playing their best basketball and have a legitimate chance to beat the Warriors. After giving up a dozen fourth quarter leads during the regular season, the Thunder were the complete opposite against the Spurs, closing out every game with great defense against the most potent offense in the NBA. Their series win was especially impressive after their Game 1 blowout vs San Antonio. After that game, I thought the Spurs were going to blow by the Thunder maybe losing a game in OKC, but then walk into the Western Conference Finals to face-off with the Warriors. Much like the Trailblazers, the Thunder were written off by just about everyone. Bill Simmons had one of most popular tweets after the game (Coach Simmons?) questioning Billy Donovan's coaching. To Bill's point, I think most people were questioning the Thunder and their effort. They bounced back after Game 1, by stealing Game 2, and the same after Game 3, with a Game 4 win. If the Thunder can steal one of two at Golden State, I think they can make this into a seven game series. I won't say they will win Game 7 at Oracle, but I think they belong in it. I am going to take the Warriors in 6, which means the Thunder will steal one, but also lose on their home court. There is just no way I can bet against a Warriors team with a decently health Curry, playing in all games.
Eastern Conference Finals
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Congrats to the Toronto Raptors on advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. It is such an accomplishment for that franchise. Unfortunately, they have to face the smoking hot, undefeated in this post-season, Cleveland Cavaliers on 1 day of rest. There is always the argument that they will keep the momentum from the last series and the Cavs will be rusty, but I think rest is very important, especially playing in back-to-back seven game series. The Raptors have played almost twice as many games as the Cavs (14-8). Besides the fatigue, the Cavs have been playing unstoppable with their 3 point shooting, which is never something a team should rely on, but if it works and wins games, then keep doing it. The Raptors offense is in no way able to keep up with the Cavs' offense, so their best bet is to grind them out and beat them up inside, because when the Cavs go "small" I think the Raptors are going to be in serious trouble of allowing big runs. 2-3 three pointers and an easy bucket in a row is all the Cavs need to open up the flood gates. Before the playoffs started I picked the Cavs over the Raptors in 6, but with how the playoffs have played out and how the Cavs have been playing, I'm taking Cleveland in 5 to advance to the NBA Finals again to face the Golden State Warriors.
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