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The Spurs still have the size, the athleticism, and the defensive versatility that troubled Oklahoma City throughout the season. But Game 3 exposed an uncomfortable reality: talent alone may not be enough when health becomes a factor. Bench depth becomes a big need.
Will the Oklahoma City Thunder be the first back-to-back champs since the 2018 Golden State Warriors? Or will there be a resurgence of the ‘Bad Boys’ swag of the Detroit Pistons? Will the generational brilliance of Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio finally overpower the league? All three teams are young, talented and threatening to stay on top of the heap for the next decade or so. These and more as our favorite league witnesses a tectonic shift in power.
I predict the Spurs will outlast the defending champions OKC Thunder in an epic Western Conference Finals. They will not only reach the Finals but go all the way, capturing the title. A 2024 Rookie of the Year, Wemby is changing not just the trajectory of shots, he is changing the game. Defensively, offensively, and even psychologically.
This year, the Oklahoma City Thunder are overwhelming favorites to win another title. The Denver Nuggets, led by the 3-time MVP NIkola Jokic, will be crowding out the Thunder, for the western pennant. In the East, the Cleveland Cavs should finally win it, if they remain healthy for the playoffs. Victor Wenbamyama will continue maturing with the San Antonio Spurs, while rookie Cooper Flagg gets us excited. Move over, Lebron. Watch out, Steph and Kevin. The next generation stars are here!
The Pacers were a long-shot to reach Game 7; with Tyrese hobbling off the court in Game 6, and the momentum clearly in favor of the Thunder juggernaut. But the Pacers dug deep, ‘circled their wagons’ to score a big win in their backs-against-the-wall duel in Game 6. Which turned out to be a big rout, a total beatdown. With the score now tied at 3-all, we are down to the last game of the season for the NBA.
Having reclaimed the homecourt advantage, with the momentum back with OKC, this now puts the Pacers in a very difficult situation. They will need to win 2 games, at least 1 in Thunder territory. And that should be doubly difficult now.
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