Draymond Green said Kevin Durant made a mistake by leaving the Warriors for the Nets.
Report: Kevin Durant, Warriors stars talking reunion — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Golden State Warriors 4 Boston Celtics 3
We have reached the NBA Finals, pitting the Golden State Warriors against the Boston Celtics. The Warriors eliminated Denver, Memphis, and Dallas in six, six, and five games, respectively. Meanwhile, the Celtics swept Brooklyn, before surviving seven games series with the defending champion, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami.
Boston turned its season around in January with a renewed commitment to first year coach Ime Udoka’s defensive philosophy. Indeed, the Celtics possess great length to bother shooters all over the floor and switch defensively better than any team in the NBA. , becoming, by far, the best defense in the league.
While I believe Boston’s defense will create problems for Golden State, I worry about the Warriors’ myriad of offensive weapons. While everyone is aware of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, rejuvenated Andrew Wiggins and youngster Jordan Poole give the Dubs two more options to fill the basket. Four potentially elite scorers are something the Celtics have yet to face in this deep run to the Finals.
In the end, in what will be a classic series, Golden State’s ability to swing the basketball to finally find an open shooter will be the difference.
Sometimes, the best adjustment is a playoff series is just to make your shots.
Mavericks 3s fall (finally), they handle Warriors in Game 4 to extend series — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Miami missed their first 14 shots, scored 11 points in the first quarter and 33 points in the first half.
Celtics turn for ECF blowout, beat Heat by 20 to even series 2-2 — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Smart had 24 points, 12 assists, and changed the flow of the game.
Smart returns, makes all the difference as Celtics rout Heat to even series — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Miami could use Smart’s physical defense and veteran ball handling savvy.
Report: Marcus Smart aiming to return for Game 2; Horford likely out — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Eastern Conference:
#2 Boston Celtics over #1 Miami Heat 4-2
The Miami Heat seem to always fly under the radar, don’t they? Even after cementing the top seed in the conference, the conversation seemed to revolve around the other contenders, such as the defending champion Bucks, or the 76ers, Nets, and this round’s opponent, the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics are certainly worthy of the attention, with their torrid pace from February on. Boston’s surge came on the back of its top ranked defense, a scheme that plays well in the postseason. Jayson Tatum is emerging as a superstar before our very eyes, while the C’s possess stars, Jaylon Brown, Marcus Smart, and Al Horford.
The Heat, meanwhile, possess one of the best players in the NBA in Jimmy Butler, who has gone through stretches of dominance in the playoffs before when he carried the Heat to the finals in 2020. Also on the roster are capable role players Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and the emerging Max Struss. Kyle Lowry is questionable to start the series due to his hamstring problems.
Expect games where both teams fail to reach triple digits, as both the Celtics and Heat have top notch defenses. Butler will once again carry the Heat, and may steal a game or two, however, Boston’s defense is one where they may be able to contain Butler enough to where Miami will need someone else to step up. Tatum, on the other hand, has a stronger supporting cast on his side and will lead the Celtics back to the finals.
Western Conference
#3 Golden State Warriors 4 #4 Dallas Mavericks 3
Well, the Dallas Mavericks have are attention now, don’t they? That was a dominant and statement win on the road in Game 7 over the 64-win Phoenix Suns. And here’s the kicker: the Mavs will be underdogs once again in this series.
Dallas, of course, has its one superstar in Luka Doncic. While it is preferred to have more than one scoring option, I have to wonder which of the Warriors will draw the assignment of guarding Doncic. If someone is able to give him fits (unlikely), it will be up to folks like Spencer Dinwiddie (30 points in Game 7 at Phoenix) or Jalen Brunson.
Golden State obviously has more scoring punch in Steph Curry, Kyle Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and youngster Jordan Poole. Dallas’ wings must get out and distract the Warriors’ shooting outside to slow down the 3-point threat.
I’m having trouble picking against the Mavericks in this series, however, when I look at Golden State’s scoring options, I see no other choice but to pick the Warriors. Look for Doncic to be Superman, but fall just short of the finals.
Doc Rivers stepped onto the court and called timeout before Bam Adebayo even finished his pick-six dunk.
In Game 6, Heat and 76ers show they’re on different levels — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
The Grizzlies’ Taylor Jenkins was second in the voting, the Heat’s Eric Spoelstra came in third.
It’s official: Suns’ Monty Williams named NBA Coach of the Year — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Bam Adebayo threw a beautiful looping alley-oop pass to Jimmy Butler, whose cut to the rim was freed by a perfectly timed Tyler Herro backscreen.
High-scoring Heat rout 76ers in Game 2, take 2-0 series lead — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Whipped Owl 