It's finally down to four teams. Who's going to vie for this year's NBA trophy?
Dallas Mavericks (3) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (4)
The Mavs In: Would this be the moment for the Mavs to once again enter the Finals and redeem themselves? It seems that signs point towards a resounding 'yes.' After dismantling, in a series sweep, the disoriented defending champions, Dirk Nowitzki's gang seemed to be ready for anything. While the Lakers were able to defend the paint, they killed them with three-point shots, thanks largely to Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic. When others were locked down, Nowitzki and Jason Kidd kept their team afloat with timely plays. But facing a younger and more athletic team, can they still make a big push after this long period of rest?
The Thunder In: Defeating the pesky Grizzlies might have been a difficult task, but for Kevin Durant, it's just another day at his job. Despite a playoff-low 11 points in game 6, he came out to play in game 7 and hit the big shots to send Memphis packing. But then, the real concern would be Russell Westbrook, who seem to have been out of sync in terms of shooting. If he gets his spots (and shots) right, perhaps the Thunder could prove doubters wrong and eventually enter the Finals.
What Could Be: It is possible that both teams' defense could cancel each other, but Dallas boasts of a bench that could play like starters. Mavs in 6.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE
Chicago Bulls (1) vs. Miami Heat (2)
The Thunder In: Defeating the pesky Grizzlies might have been a difficult task, but for Kevin Durant, it's just another day at his job. Despite a playoff-low 11 points in game 6, he came out to play in game 7 and hit the big shots to send Memphis packing. But then, the real concern would be Russell Westbrook, who seem to have been out of sync in terms of shooting. If he gets his spots (and shots) right, perhaps the Thunder could prove doubters wrong and eventually enter the Finals.
What Could Be: It is possible that both teams' defense could cancel each other, but Dallas boasts of a bench that could play like starters. Mavs in 6.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE
Chicago Bulls (1) vs. Miami Heat (2)
The Bulls In: After tying the series against the Atlanta Hawks, newly crowned MVP Derrick Rose took the game in his hands as he cruised and took the Bulls to two straight wins to finally seal the deal. And with the rest of the Bulls playing at a competitive level, it seems that they cannot be stopped. Chicago's bigs, namely Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, with the help of Taj Gibson, took advantage and used their size and strength to dominate in the paint. One thing to consider in this series would be their capacity to sustain their dominance despite a trio that knows how to score inside.
The Heat In: They ousted the Celtics in a fashionable manner, and what more can NBA fans say of this season's Big Three? LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh made sure that the old Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce are already out of the picture. But then, the Bulls are way better than the Celtics, and thus they face a real challenge here.
What Could Be: Miami might be boasting with three big superstars, but nothing beats team defense, something that Rose and company are really good at. Bulls in 7.
The Heat In: They ousted the Celtics in a fashionable manner, and what more can NBA fans say of this season's Big Three? LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh made sure that the old Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce are already out of the picture. But then, the Bulls are way better than the Celtics, and thus they face a real challenge here.
What Could Be: Miami might be boasting with three big superstars, but nothing beats team defense, something that Rose and company are really good at. Bulls in 7.
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