NBA Finals Preview: 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Miss This Series - Noah Weber's Blog

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Noah Weber's Blog

NBA Finals Preview: 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Miss This Series

Posted on June 11, 2012 at 08:40 PM.

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(PHOTO: chasing23.com)

The 2012 NBA Finals are all set to tipoff Tuesday night, as the reigning MVP LeBron James gets ready to lead his Miami Heat team against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In case you weren't already planning to watch this series closely, here are three reasons why I think you should:

1. Lebron James vs. Kevin Durant

Rarely do two players the caliber of James and Durant go head to head in a championship series.

For years these two men have battled for the league scoring title, MVP consideration, and their first championship ring. Now they have the opportunity to finally matchup face to face, and determine once and for all who the next greatest player in the NBA truly is.

While Durant has edged out LeBron for the scoring title the last three years, James is certainly the more well-rounded player. LeBron is averaging almost 7 assists per game over the course of his career, compared to Durant�s 3. LeBron has also pulled in over 7 boards per game during his 9 seasons in the league, while Durant is slightly under that figure. Nevertheless, both men have legitimate claims to being the most important players on their respective championship teams.

If there is one thing that sets the two apart it is their defense. LeBron is regularly a first team All-Defensive selection, and has challenged for the Defensive Player of the Year award on several occasions. Durant has yet to achieve such recognition for his efforts on the defensive side of the ball. It could be LeBron�s defensive edge that helps give his team the advantage in the series.

If there is ONE reason to watch this finals closely, it is to see these two incredible players showcase their talents on the biggest stage. This is the best the NBA has to offer, and I personally do not expect either man to disappoint this year.

2. Athleticism

The Heat and the Thunder might be the two most athletic teams in the NBA.

Both squads have been known to compile entire highlight reels worth of sensational plays on a nightly basis. Whether it�s Russell Westbrook flying through the lane to rise up for a thunderous dunk, LeBron James capping off an incredible defensive effort with a coast to coast finish at the other end of the floor, or Serge Ibaka rising up for a devastating shot block, both teams have the personnel to absolutely dazzle fans from tipoff to the final buzzer.

What will be interesting is to see which team can dictate the tempo of the game. Although both teams can thrive in a shootout, I see a game that is heavily defined by fastbreaks to distinctly favor the Heat. Quite simply, LeBron James alone is too powerful in the open floor for Oklahoma City to really have a consistent answer. Throw in Dwyane Wade�s remarkable finishing ability, and the Heat as a team�s ability to make the extra pass in transition, and I think a shootout is going to favor Miami.

By the same token, I think Oklahoma City has the edge if the pace is slowed down. Just as LeBron is the most unstoppable player in the league in transition, Kevin Durant is possibly the most dangerous in the half court. No matter where he has the ball, Durant is liable to shoot and score. Since both teams have impressive defenses, it�s going to be interesting to see who generates more turnovers, capitalizes on fastbreak points, and controls the pace of the game to their advantage.

3. The future is now

This series will feature some of the best young talent the NBA has to offer. Period.

Aside from James, Durant, and Wade, with whom you are already quite familiar I am sure, the series also features 23 year-old Russell Westbrook, 22 year-old Serge Ibaka, and 22 year-old James Harden, all for the Thunder. All three players have emerged as elite talents at their respective positions, especially Westbrook. When you consider that the series not only features the best players in the league NOW, but also players who are likely to dominate the game for many years to come, you start to realize while this year�s Finals is must see TV.

Regardless of how you personally feel about either team or any particular player (LeBron haters, I�m talking to you), you have to recognize that this series is extremely good for the NBA. There is little doubt that Miami and Oklahoma City are the two best teams in the league, and are featuring some of the best players in the league. The outcome of this series could lay the groundwork for the next great dynasty, the next great rivalry, or both. Furthermore, the incredible talent and athleticism of both teams is inevitably going to lead to some close, explosive, and riveting individual contests. If you haven�t been in the habit of watching the NBA Finals closely, this is certainly the year to start.

As for my prediction?

Heat in 7.

I think it would be a shame if the series came down to anything less.

Who do you think will win this year�s NBA Finals?