7 reasons we want Cavaliers vs. Thunder in 2016 NBA Finals
By John Buhler
1. Both teams are peaking at the right time.
This cannot be stressed enough: both the Thunder and the Cavaliers are playing the best basketball of any two teams left in the 2016 NBA Playoffs. Cleveland has solidified their front court rotation and have perfected their own version of pace and space. So many threes.
Oklahoma City has put out an impressive eight-man rotation that is immensely flexible, with the ability to go small or use length to their advantage. Durant and Westbrook are playing as efficient as they have ever been. Role players like Andre Roberson, Randy Foye, and Dion Waiters are feeding off the good vibes coming from the Thunder’s improved play.
While Cleveland and Oklahoma City are essentially gelling at the halfway point in the Conference Finals, that cannot be said for either Golden State or Toronto. Curry has been hurt, Green seems frustrated, and maybe the pressure of winning 73 regular season games has taken a toll on the Warriors? Toronto hasn’t played efficiently in the back court all postseason and the injury to center Jonas Valanciunas has limited their finite ceiling.
It is around this time where championship teams start to reveal themselves. Toronto isn’t there and probably won’t get there. Golden State can still win it all, but needs to honestly assess their issues immediately.
As of now, Cleveland and Oklahoma City are playing their best basketball, which is certainly good enough to win an NBA Championship. With the NBA continuing to rise in popularity, a best-of-seven series between these two powers going at least six games will be huge for the league going forward.
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