NBA Finals 2007 preview

[by Tobias Seitz] - I made it! After 9 hours of pain (these economy seats are not made for people taller than 1.94 meter) I landed in Philadelphia. At least it was a direct flight from Munich and even all my bags made it. Now that I slept 10 hours I am able to write my first post about the Finals from the United States.

7/6/7 - the start of the NBA Finals 2007. We got LeBron on the one side, trying to leave his mark in history of the NBA and the Spurs on the other side that finally would be recognized by everybody. Well ... let's say maybe. So we got the NBA Finals - no more KObe Bryant wants to leave the Lakers, no more "Dirk sucks" signs and no more crying about the Mavericks not getting the chance to be NBA Champion. Just think about it: Dirk against LeBron in the NBA Finals ... no, won't happen. Let's be happy that we get to see the Cavaliers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers:
When I watched the last game of the Cavaliers I did not believe in a victory for the cavs until LeBron James made his 12th point. Even after his stunning performance with 48 points I did not believe in a Final between the Spurs and the Cavs. But sometimes you have to look at the facts and this time the fact is and was that the Cavaliers have been the better team. I did not believe in that before the series started. Nobody doubted that they can win against an injured Washington Wizards team and nobody was really surprised that Cleveland beat the New Jersey Nets. But it is hard to believe that team which is shooting bad from the floor, no role players (at this time) and a questionable coach will beat the Detroit Pistons this year. Or did the Pistons beat themselves? Whatever - I was wrong. Thank god.

The San Antonio Spurs:
Not just that I was wrong in the East - I was wrong in the West. Maybe I should stop making these predictions? Well, I was believing in Dirk and the Mavs and then at least in Steve Nash and his Phoenix Suns and I am sure I was not the only one. Everybody should have picked the Spurs from the beginning. Everybody was caught up with Dallas and Phoenix and forgot that the Spurs were the best team in the league after the All Star break in February. Have you noticed that I have not mentioned Tim Duncan at all so far? Yes, that is the explanation why everybody forgets about this team. It is not about one single person all these fans can identify with - It's about the team. Some guy is quoted: "There is no "I" in team. But there is an "I" in win." I think is was a guy from North Carolina who won six NBA Championship titles and was wearing LeBron James' number, right?

How will this series end?
As we found out - I am not good with predictions this year but I will still make my guess. If you do not want to know who will win the NBA Championship 2007 then stop reading now - for the rest here you go: The San Antonio Spurs will win the 2007 NBA Championship 4:2. with victories for the Cavs in game 3 and 5. In the end the Spurs will celebrate and the Cavs will still be happy that they made it that far. What about us? We have been entertained. Thank you Cleveland.

Tobias Seitz,
hoopnation.de