LBJ vs Curry- This is the "sexy" headline that is going to be illustrated all over ESPN and every media outlet. The best in the world vs the MVP. Though this is what all people will be talking about, these 2 will most likely never be guarding each other or exchanging jab for jab. They couldn't have differing styles of play. Steph Curry is the purest shooter I have ever seen and if left open (even if hes not open) he will hit open shots ALL DAY! He has the handle to get by anyone and with his splash brother waiting in the corners, he's got the ability to drop dimes all day.Lebron is a point guard in a power forwards body. He sees the floor like Magic, has handles and power to get to the rim and can post up pretty much anyone who tries to guard him. His three point shooting is suspect and I would guess that Steve Kerr and company know this, and will sag off of him and make him make 3's to win his 3rd Championship.
The Warriors have an advantage in this series in that they can throw up to 4 different looks at Lebron to guard him. Klay Thompson, D. Green, Harrison Barns and Andre Iggy all could draw the task of defending "The King." All four have different strengths and abilities that are going to make it hard for Lebron to get into a rhythm. However, if anyone can find a way to make an impact, Lebron is that guy. He is going to have to get his others involved early and often. The guys like JR Smith, Iman Shumpert and the Dirty-Delly, having zero combined Finals experience, are going to have to gain confidence early in order to make a series-long impact. Tristan Thompson could FEAST on the smaller lineups that the Warriors put out there and will have a massive impact on the offensive glass. For the Cavs to win this series, Thompson is going to have to be the X factor and continue his strong play.
This is a very intriguing finals in that neither of the 2 teams have much Finals experience. We have 2 rookie head coaches, a league MVP making his first finals run and essentially everyone not named James (first or last name) on the Cavs having no finals experience. Yea Kendrick Perkins has some, but he will most likely not be taking off his warm-ups all series. To see the match-ups, adjustments and strategies that both teams implement will be telling to see how each team is going to play the other.Predition- My first gut thought was the Warriors would win in 5 games. After having a few days to consider everything, I wouldn't be surprised if the series went 6 or 7, but I still believe the Warriors are far deeper and more talented all around.
Surprise Finals MVP- Draymond Green.
Warriors in five is not going to happen. Cavs in 6...shump will do a good enough job to limit Curry to under 25 points every game and the Warriors wont be able to score enough points to match Cavs. You make a great point about Thompson being the X Factor. Everytime LBJ drives the question is going to be...Do I help off Thompson to support James or let James go. Screwed either way. Going to be a great series but James is playing the best basketball of his career. I don't see him making many 3 point shots but that wont matter he will still get it done.
ReplyDeleteI think Bogut is going to be a headache for Thompson. Who has Thompson(and LeBron for that matter) faced in the middle that has been that big? Horford is good but he doesn't have anywhere close to the rim protecting ability Bogut has. Thompson is going to find life a lot more difficult in this series.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else see LeBron putting himself on Steph? I think we will see a decent amount of that late in games. Steph isn't a guy who draws many fouls so LeBron on him will happen throughout the series and it will be awesome to watch.
I'm thinking GSW in 6 and Bogut's defense will be the X-Factor.
On a side note, anyone see this: http://deadspin.com/draymond-green-tweeted-some-mean-things-about-lebron-a-1708033326?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow