NBA Finals Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder

Introduction: Before the playoffs started, if you had to say two teams that most fans would want to see in the NBA finals from a “pure fan” standpoint, then most people would say they would want to see the Oklahoma City Thunder play the Miami Heat. I personally, am very excited for this series because all the best series I have seen in this year’s playoffs have had these two teams in them.

I am just going to go straight to it and say I think the Oklahoma Thunder should win this series. They are nearly unbeatable at home and have been able to stay in or win all of their road games. Kevin Durant is playing like the best player in the NBA and has been incredibly clutch in the 4^th quarter. Just two weeks ago when the Spurs were on their 20 game winning streak everyone thought they wouldn’t lose again this season. Somehow, the Thunder made that impressive veteran team look old and beat them pretty good in 4 straight games. I don’t think anyone besides the Thunder thought that was possible.

Of course we know that this Oklahoma City Thunder team isn’t just Kevin Durant. They have become a very, very deep team. Serge Ibaka has been money on the mid range game and on defense and James Harden has also proved he can hit the big shot as well. The Thunder will need a big series from both of these guys to be able to win. Russell Westbrook is also starting to play like a real point guard at times and if he continues that then they should able to thrive. On top of all of these guys they need Derek Fisher to continue to play well, and have solid defense from Thabo Sefolosha and Nick Collison. I am not going to go a particular player to watch because when all of these guys are playing like they did these last 4 games, then they are unbeatable. Durant, Westbrook, and Harden are capable of going off on any night.

Prediction: I am taking the Thunder to win in 6 which would be their first championship since 1979 when they were the Seattle Supersonics. I am predicting the Thunder will win game one and two at home and the Heat will win two of games three, four, and five in Miami and the Thunder will win one of them in a close one.  Then I ultimately think the Thunder will win it all in game 6 at home.

Note: Things will be interesting though if Dwayne Wade starts to play better for a full game instead of just a half and the Thunder should be a little worried about Chris Bosh starting to get back to form and Shane Battier starting to hit his shots more consistently.