The picture is set, not what the NBA wanted, but the picture is set. The Nike puppet commercial has no more relevance, but all in all this will be a great NBA Finals. The Orlando Magic took care of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals in 6 games and are prepared to face the L.A. Lakers, who took care of the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals in 6 games.
I think this is going to be a hard fought series that will be going 7 games. All the stories are there- the L.A. Lakers are in the Finals for the 30th time in franchise history (League Record), and the Orlando Magic are in the Finals for only the 2nd time in franchise history. Kobe Bryant is looking for his forth ring and to silence the critics that he can’t win won without Shaq. Dwight Howard, looks to be Superman, and carry the Magic to the title.
If the Magic play the way they played against the Cavs, this series won’t be as easy for the Lakers as many people think. The Magic cause great match-up problems and they can shoot the lights out. But, can they continue to shoot at the ridiculous rate? Can Hedo, Alston, and Lewis continue to play on such a high level? Can they beat LA without Nelson (they beat LA twice in the regular season)? These are the questions that will start to be answered on Thursday, June 4th.
I do disagree with the NBA in one area, why is the format changed for the NBA Finals? In the other rounds it is 2-2-1-1-1 for home court, now it is 2-3-2. Why? I don’t understand- it can’t be for travel reasons because they play every-other day in the Conference Finals and there is no problem. It makes it more interesting with the last three games being 1-1-1. No carryover home-court momentum, game decided on the court, that’s what the Finals is all about. I may never understand why the change, but it is what it is.
So, the prediction?
Game 1- Lakers
Game 2- Magic
Game 3- Magic
Game 4- Lakers
Game 5- Magic
Game 6- Lakers
Game 7- Magic
MVP- Dwight “Superman” Howard
Yes, I am taking the underdog- Magic in 7. Feel free to comment on this article and/or to make your own predictions.
