I don't think the Thunder are as bad of a matchup as people think. That series last year wasn't a rout, despite the final result. Harden didn't play well, so they basically had two stars as it was... and they were a 50/50 no call against LeBron on Durant from probably going up 2-0. Likewise, Game 4 went right down to the wire and was anyone's game in the final 3 minutes. It was a competitive series. I definitely think OKC is a worse team without Harden and I'm not picking against Miami... but it's not inconceivable that Westbrook could get hot and give the Thunder a real shot. Especially since this time they wouldn't be Finals newbies. If the Spurs are healthy, they might match up a little better with Miami... but I wouldn't sell OKC short. When Westbrook is on, they're the one team that has enough explosion and speed to put Miami's defense on its heels at times.
Losing the streak was the best thing that could've happened for the Heat... since then, they've been able to rest LeBron, Wade, Bosh, etc, and guys have gotten significant minutes after riding the bench all year (Miller, Lewis)... the Heat are now fully 11 deep and that's gonna be a huge problem for everyone else...
None of them have a strong killer instict. I think no one. Bucks.. sweep. Then probably the Nets. They might take a game or two because of their size but I don't think they are capable. I'm not sure the Pacers are getting out of rd 1 vs. the Bulls, I'm not sure what's going on, they are melting. So probably the Knicks in conference finals and I don't think you can beat the Heat 4 times with a bunch of 3s. They have too much defensive talent on the perimeter. So, Western conference. I'd give the Spurs a moderate chance, they have multiple good wing defenders and a balanced offensive system. But can they get to the Finals?
Weren't the cavs 2-0 on the spurs the year they were swept by them in the finals? Granted you're looking at a broader trend, just hard to tell anything it seems from regular season. Speaking of, how healthy would the spurs be by then, if they were to make it?
None. Repeat and hope the tax hit makes them break up or father time shoes up to the doorstep of some of their vets.
Frankly...no one...they look like they will repeat...too much talent...too much confidence...hard to beat a combo of those two...
Let me give you a breakdown. 4-0 vs bucks 4-1 vs hawks 4-2 vs NYBrooklyn/bulls/Boston 4-3 vs Knicks/pacers Knicks can surprise if everyone is healthy cause they can match small also. Melo actually playing defense and rebounding like a monster. Pacers need offense. If d rose comes backs and plays then they can surprise. Likely outcome- they lose to spurs or win it all.
Denver is the only team that can match Miami with a threat at every position to score, and a 3 point attack that will give them fits and force them out of their typical defensive scheme. Denver is big, athletic, and fast. Combine that with their scoring prowess and the defensive intensity you saw against us, they are a scary team. George Karl has literally built a more dangerous version of the seattle super sonic of years past. This team is a lot better than their record suggests. Right now I'd rate Miami as the number one team, and then Denver. SA - Denver will be a great series - I predict Denver wins 4-2. So will Denver - OKC (Denver wins 4-3), and Denver - Miami (Miami Wins in 7 games).
the only team that can beat the Heat is the Heat. the way they are going, if they play there game, they will win it all again! SMH
