NBA Conference Finals Begin

Don’t expect any surprises as the NBA Conference Finals begin.

My experience is form is the norm and there’s a big reason why.

It’s best-of-seven which means the cream rises to the top. Unless there’s an injury to a major performer, class wins out. Not always, but virtually all of the time.
I’m amused that even in the one-and-done NCAA tournament, the top teams usually prevail. The top seeds from reach regional find a way to make it to the Final Four.

Yes, Villanova back then, and Villanova this season might not have been the prohibitive favorite, but they had solid credentials all year. And while there have been surprises, the big ones who earn their way into the charmed circle of the Final Four, don’t seem to grab the brass ring. Butler is a prime example.

Speaking of injuries, I remember when I covered the Finals in 1989. It shaped up as a tight series. The Lakers prevailed in seven games the previous season, and this one appeared to be a similar battle.
But BOTH Laker starting guards, Magic Johnson and Byron Scott were crippled with hamstring pulls and LA had no chance. Detroit won in four straight. Then the Bad Boys captured their second in a row in 1990.

So here’s my thought. How can the Golden State Warriors, losers of only 9 games all season, suddenly drop nearly half of that number, and fall to OKC? Now, if Steph Curry were still on the sidelines, it would be a different story.  But he’s not. He’s out there and he’s the greatest show in the league.

Imagine saying that when Lebron James is still performing! Who knew?

Lebron’s Cavs have not lost a playoff game to this point. They’re 8-0. They might not get to 12-0, but they’ll win four games before the Raptors do. Probably in quick fashion.

Durant and Westbrook are a potent duo for the Thunder against the Warriors, but I’m looking at a 5-game series.

And when we get to the Finals, I’m looking at 5 games as well.

Don’t even ask which team wins that one.