Bob Haynie: NBA Finals Prediction
The NBA Finals are upon us and it features the matchup I wanted all along.
It's the defending champion Miami Heat against the classy San Antonio Spurs. This was the battle I expected last season, but the OKC Thunder spoiled that when they bounced the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.
This is the third-straight season that Miami has made it to the championship round. The Spurs are returning to the Finals for the first time since 2007. That season, San Antonio swept the LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Heat won the Eastern Conference by surviving a tough seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers. The Spurs took the West by trouncing the Memphis Grizzlies in four-straight.
Miami is the favorite to repeat. Will they?
Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs: James was just a pup when the Spurs beat up his Cavs back in '07. Since that time, he has become the best player in the NBA. He is almost unstoppable on offense and will be a matchup nightmare for San Antonio. But James has been a one-man gang, as of late, as Miami's "Big Three" has not been that big.
Tony Parker has been killing it for the Spurs. Often overshadowed by Tim Duncan and even his coach, Gregg Popovich, Parker has long been one the top point guards in the NBA. He should have his way against Miami's PG's. The Spurs also have the size to make life tough for the Heat. The Pacers did a number on Miami in the paint.
Chris Bosh needs to have a presence. Duncan WILL have a presence.
Will Dwyane Wade or Manu Ginobili have a bigger series? Because of Wade's health, I'm going with Ginobili.
James says he doesn't play for his legacy. If he wants to be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan, however, he needs to start accumulating some rings.
Unfortunately, for him, he won't be adding one this year.
Spurs in 6.
