2012 NBA Finals Preview

Welp tonight is the first night of the NBA finals between the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder. Let’s go over a couple of predictions and thoughts and stuff like that.

Both the Heat and Thunder beat veteran, future Hall of Famer’s containing teams in the Celtics and Spurs. NBA.com was waiting for this. Really, most fans were waiting for this. These finals may break viewership records. This could go down as one of the greatest Finals in history. And it could be as boring as a Bobcats vs Raptors game (sorry fans of those teams).

The Heat’s story has beaten down into a pulp. We all know it. LeBron James’ decision. 5, 6, 7 championships together. They already won their first championship before they played a game together (according to national media predictions). Are they better than the big three of MJ, Pippen, and Rodman? Then they went and lost to the Mavericks in the finals last year.

Here they are again. They’re facing a team that is probably better than last year’s Mavericks.  Dwyane Wade has struggled in the previous round. Chris Bosh is still recovering from his injury but is able to play games. James has been the only guy really carrying the team for the most part. He’ll need help.

The Thunder have two superstars that are no older than 23. For most of the roster, it’s their first trip to the finals. And yet, it seems like they should’ve been here last year. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are a lethal combo at least on the offensive end. And don’t forget James Harden, who is also a youngster like Durant and Westbrook.

I’m one of those people that refuse to ignore that this team is from Seattle and the building and foundation for this team started out as the Super Sonics. But, as known as the Thunder, this is their first trip to the finals. But, just as the Sixers used to be known as the Syracuse Nationals, and I combine the history as the two of them are the same, the Sonics and Thunder’s history should be combined. Just wanted to say that.

The big match-up is the Small Forward. James vs Durant. James is a better defender, while Durant is a better scorer. James seems to be more versatile in the way he gets his points. He’ll shoot over you, he’ll post you up, or he’ll just run by you with his powerful body. Durant is more of a shooter but he can get to the rim. At the end of the day, both players could hit 40 points whenever they wanted.

While those two players are the best on their teams, things may come down to which 3rd player can produce better. James Harden vs Chris Bosh may ultimately decide the series. More likely Bosh may be more valuable for his team.

The way I see it is that the Thunder are going to win. I’m throwing home court advantage out of the window. It’s going to game 7. While I’m leaning toward the Thunder, obviously both teams are evenly matched. There are many factors on both sides that could turn this series into something less exciting or more exciting.

You’ve read my thoughts and preview and stuff. But, my knowledge of both of the teams is less than others. Go to All U Can Heat and Thunderous Intentions for the best 2012 NBA Finals coverage here on FanSided. But I’ll be covering the finals too. The Finals are on ABC. Tonight, it starts at 9pm. Enjoy the series!