Well, we all saw this one coming. The playoffs have been horrible, but it doesn’t matter anymore because if we get a great series, it will all be worth it. These teams are great, dominating the rest of the NBA, but the storylines are also very intriguing.

 

The first thing that comes to mind is Lebron. While he doesn’t need too, if he ever wants to catch “the ghost in Chicago”, he needs to add more trophies to that collection that currently sits at three. Adding another ring would built to that ongoing legacy. But most, if not all of the pressure, is on the warriors, especially those two stars. “the warriors blew a 3-1 lead” has been written, talked, and mocked for a year. This is their chance to get revenge. But also, questions about Steph Curry and Kevin Durant and their legacies will be in discussion. Will Steph Curry bounce back after struggling in last years finals? Can he shake the “He can’t play defense” label. Can he be clutch? But the spotlight will be on Kevin Durant. He made a huge risk by joining a team that had won 73 wins and was a kyrie shot from being world champs. If they don’t win, questions would raise if he made them worse and he left a championship contender to form a super team. If they lose, just IMAGINE the backlash that he will feel. The storylines are endless.

As for the series, lets breakdown position by position matchups.

Kyrie Irivng vs Steph Curry: This is really close. Kyrie is a master with the ball and can score with ease at every level of the court. He is also the best finisher in the NBA. But I have to give it to Steph. Dribbling, Shooting, Finishing, Basketball IQ, court vision he has it all. Plus his value to the Warriors takes a backseat to no one outside of Lebron.

VERDICT: Steph Curry

JR Smith vs Klay Thompson: JR Smith has the ability to get as hot from Three (and as cold) as anyone in the NBA but so does Klay. He is a special shooter who has been struggling lately. But it doesn’t matter, Klay Definitely has the edge.

VERDICT: Klay Thompson

Lebron James vs Kevin Durant: Lebron is the best player on the planet. Durant is amazing and is a special talent, but Lebron is the Best.

VERDICT: Lebron James

Draymond Green vs Kevin Love: Kevin Love has been playing very well lately and is still a very good player. But this is clearly Draymond. He does everything for them and he is their leader. He does the dirty work on offense and is their anchor on defense.

VERDICT: Draymond Green

Tristan Thompson vs Zaza Pachulia: Thompson is clearly superior offensive rebounder, athlete, and finisher so he gets the advantage.

VERDICT: Tristan Thompson

 
OVERALL PREDICTION: When I think about this series, I see two great teams. It is really hard to pick against the Warriors. They have so many weapons, have 2 MVP’s and 3 great scorers and also have a DPOY in Draymond. They also have a deep bench including former finals MVP Andre Iguodola. With all that said I’m done picking against Lebron James, because if you do it never ends well.

VERDICT: Cavaliers defeat Warriors 4-3