With the first round finally in the books, the real title contenders have begun to surface. Obviously teams like the Warriors, Cavs and Spurs will continue to be heavy favorites, but upstart teams with tons of talent like the Thunder and Heat could really give any heavy favorites a run for their money. This first round was one of the best in recent memory, with multiple Game 7's, clutch shots and major injuries. We can only hope the rest of the playoffs raises the bar even more.
Now, come June who will be hoisting that trophy after a long, arduous journey?
The heavily favorited Warriors sans Curry?
The aged, experienced Spurs?
Or does LeBron get his third ring?
Eastern Conference Finals: Cavaliers Over Heat in 6
As pure fans of basketball, we can only hope this playoff series happens. From a pure talent standpoint, I think the Heat can give the Cavs a little bit of a scare with LeBron flipping the switch into vintage playoff mode somewhere around Game 5. I expect he and D-Wade to put on a show and the Cavs to send Miami packing come Game 6. James heads to his sixth straight finals appearance by getting through his former team.
Western Conference Finals: Spurs over Warriors in 7
I never thought I would wholeheartedly root for the Spurs, but that just further proves my disdain for the Warriors and Curry himself. This could be a series of the record books, and basketball fans (and Warriors fans) better hope Curry is back in time from his knee injury, otherwise it could be a short series against the battle-tested Spurs. Look for Kawhi to show out and make the casual NBA fan recognize his true talent and greatness. The kid is something special. You know Timmy D. would love to get back to the finals again, he doesn't have many years left. What better way than taking out the defending champs. Look for Los Angeles and Kawhi to have dominant games, and Parker to sprinkle in rejuvenation games and hold Curry under 30 for the series.
NBA Finals: Cavaliers over Spurs in 7
LeBron won't let himself lose another final, and he won't lose to San Antonio again. If last year's finals were any indication, he can literally win a game by himself. Barring more freak injuries this year, he will have way more talent to work with, and Kyrie running the backcourt. This could end up being another "Heat v. Celtics LeBron" type series. If he would have had just anyone besides Matthew Dellavedova helping him last year, we may be talking about the Cavs repeating, so we can only hope he has a full squad come finals time this year. Regardless of which team may be better, Cavs or Spurs, I just don't think the competitor in James will let another team hang another "L" on his legacy — he is way too good of a player for that. Look for LeBron and company to bring Cleveland its much-anticipated championship comes June. Two more trophies to add to his legacy and a celebration for the ages in Cleveland.
Oh, and the best player on the team will win MVP (LeBron), not a role player who didn't do much of anything in the series but make a few timely shots.
Yes, I'm looking at you Iguodala.
