Why I Am Picking The Cavs In 6 Games
The NBA Finals officially begin tonight after a very long wait. The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers squaring off guarantees the NBA world that we will have fresh blood. For so many years, the Spurs, Heat, Lakers and a few others have hogged all the titles. So which of the two title thirsty teams will be holding the trophy after the series? My answer to that is the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Reading a lot of predictions on this series I realize that I am definitely in the minority on this pick. I understand the reason to pick the Warriors. They have an incredible home court, great shooting, a deep roster, very good defense and have been the team to beat all season.
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I am leaning towards the Cavaliers for several reasons. Since the Cavs acquired Shumpert, Mozgov, and JR Smith they have been as good as the Warriors in the win/loss department. The second half of the season both teams went 32-9. The Cavs romped through the playoffs with sweeps of the Celtics and Hawks and dropped only 2 games to the Bulls. This team has faced a lot of adversity and handled it beautifully. The team endured coaching change rumors early on, injuries to Varejao, Love and Kyrie Irving, and made it to the Finals maybe a year ahead of schedule.
Getting there was no fluke though. Golden State was elite on both ends of the court in the regular season, and that has continued into the postseason. However, Cleveland has statistically been better by notching the best offensive and defensive ratings in the playoffs. The Warriors gift at the long ball can't be matched, or can it? The Cavaliers have been a close 2nd to GSW from beyond the 3 point line. All that is with LeBron struggling from downtown. If he hits the 3 ball then look out.
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That gets me to the elephant in the room, LeBron James. Perhaps the only advantage that the Cavaliers can certifiably bank on in this series is LeBron James. He's been incredibly good in the playoffs, even as he struggles to score efficiently. If he can frustrate the Warriors defense, muscle Harrison Barnes, and get Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala into foul trouble, the Cavaliers have a chance. It's a major challenge, but he is LeBron James. LeBron also did just say that he feels he is playing the best basketball of his career.
I am not a total believer in saying a team wants it more, but LeBron went to Cleveland to be in this exact position. He has played in the finals as an underdog and as a favorite and won and lost in both scenarios. I think he relishes most people not believing in him and the Cavs. I will go with Believe-land in 6 games.
Until proven wrong. Enjoy the NBA Finals.
