NBA Finals Preview

Overview

-The NBA Finals match up that NBA Fans and David Stern asked for, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be taking on the Miami Heat will battle it out, it what will likely be one of the most watched NBA Finals contests in history. The main storyline for this series will be good vs. evil. Kevin Durant, the young forward out of Texas who is beloved by scouts and fans. Durant isn't just loved for his talents on the court, but for his down to earth personality and that famous backpack everyone loves to see in Press Conferences. On the other side we have Lebron James who had the infamous "Decision" event which would change the course of his career and his legacy forever. It is everything the NBA could ask for, while fans across the globe will cheer their hearts out for this Thunder team hoping they can take down Lebron James. As for Miami, they have proven that they can handle the pressure and they will gladly take on the "villain" role as long as it will get them a ring. I can't wait for this series, so let's get into my Preview.

Starting Five:

                            Oklahoma City Thunder                                Miami Heat
                             PG:  Russell Westbrook                             PG: Mario Chalmers   
                             SG: Thabo Sefolosha                                 SG: Dwyane Wade
                             SF: Kevin Durant                                       SF: Lebron James
                             PF: Serge Ibaka                                          PF: Chris Bosh
                              C: Kendrick Perkins                                   C: Udonis Haslem



Matchup to Watch:

                  Kevin "Backpack" Durant     vs.    Lebron "The Decision"James

-This may not be a big shocker for Matchup to Watch, but it is the match up I am anxious to see, and represents the poster battle for hero vs. villain. Durant vs. James is going to be what everyone will have their eye on, despite the fact that they play very different games. Durant stands tall at 6'9 but has a very lanky frame, primarily using an outside shot to dominate his opponent. James on the other hand, is a physical specimen at 6'8 250, James is one of the best defenders in the game and loves to drive to the paint for the highlight dunk. It will put the 3 time MVP against the 3 time scoring champ, in a battle that may go down in history. Can Durant handle the physicality of James and prove that when it comes to play against bigger opponents he won't back down. Can Lebron finally bring his A game in all 4 Quarters, and lead this Miami team to a Championship. This series will be decided not only by what player contributes more, but who wants it more. For Durant this would be everything for him and the city of Oklahoma City. These fans have gone through ups and downs and a NBA Championship would mean everything to this city. As for Lebron, this really is about if he can finally come through, tear the monkey off his back and when it matters most go from "The Frozen One" to "The Chosen One". I can't wait until Tuesday, and I know you can't either.

X-Factor:

James Harden

-The NBA 6th Man of the Year will be a key to this series and the fates of both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat. Harden can do multiple things off the bench for Oklahoma City, if they are in need of scoring he is deadly from beyond the arc, but also can be the floor general late in the 4th Quarter. Harden was primarily used as a scorer in the regular season, but has stepped up in a big way in the playoffs with his ability to dish the ball out to the open man. Harden is the sole reason this Thunder team holds the advantage off the bench over the Heat, and will be a key to this series. While everyone will keep an eye on Durant and Westbrook, don't be surprised if late in games, it is "The Beard" who is hitting the big 3 to seal the game.

Series Prediction:

Game 1: Thunder 103 Miami 98

Game 2: Miami 104 Thunder 101

Game 3: Miami 104 Thunder 97

Game 4: Thunder 107 Miami 102

Game 5: Miami 97 Thunder 93

Game 6: Thunder 105 Miami 103

Game 7: Thunder 101 Miami 98

Analysis:
All eyes will be tuned in for this tries, and it will go down as one of the most memorable NBA Finals in Decades. The Oklahoma City Thunder take this series not just because of their ability to knock down the jump shot, but because of their big men inside the paint. Oklahoma City brines the defensive advantage in the paint with Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins manning the inside. Ibaka will take away the inside lanes whether it be Bosh, Wade, or Lebron you can be assured the Heat won't have an easy shot the entire series.  The tough shots will force Miami to play Oklahoma City style of basketball, which all revolves around jumpers. A team that relies upon the jump shot will finally win a ring, and they said it could never be done.

MVP: Kevin Durant

-The Oklahoma City Thunder are your 2012 NBA Champions. After a historic NBA Finals series that went all the way to the brink, it was Kevin Durant who carried his team to the franchises first Championship. Durant comes into the Finals on one mission, to bring the fans and his teammates to the top of the NBA world, and he has done that. At the age of 23, this will likely only be the beginning of a long run of NBA Finals appearances. This young Thunder team has the pieces in place to be a Dynasty and bring not 1, not 2, well you get the picture. As for the Miami Heat they fall short once again, but at no fault of Lebron James. This was just a team that was over matched in the end, and it cost them their chance at the title. 

              OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 2012 NBA Champions

After 4 years of hard work and dedication, Kevin Durant finally gets
his wish. A Championship banner will be hung in Chesapeake Energy Arena