And the Foul

NBA Finals Preview

The Battle of the Big 3's

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Intro - When I was a wee lad, my brother used to take me up to the community park to "ball out". Basically, this meant me standing at the top of the key and heaving with all my might to get that pumpkin up to the rim. We would spend about an hour there while he encouraged me and rewarded my single daily triumph with an ice cold coke. A few years later, I graduated to playing one on one with some of my friend's older brothers. This was a tragedy. Giving 150% of my effort just to be rejected at the rim and tossed around the court like Raggedy Andy, I would endure a comedic display of decimation on a daily basis. Myself and four of my BFFs taking the court against the equivalent of the MONSTARS from Space Jam. Their words for us after the game? "One of these days you guys will own this court." 

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In 2007, Lebron James and his four best friends (Gooden, Gibson, Ilgauskas and Pavlovic..... seriously?) walked onto the court in the NBA Finals against the high and mighty Spurs. To put it lightly, it was a comedic display of decimation. In a short and sweet four game sweep, Tim Duncan and Co. put on a clinic against the 2nd seeded Cavaliers. When the confetti streamed from the rafters in San Antonio after their game four victory, Duncan had just a few words for Mr. James: "In a few years this league will belong to you." 

Well, here we are. A few years have passed and the league now does belong to Lebron James. Lebron has established himself as the best player in the league for a few years now, and he finally got his coveted ring in 2012. Now, James finds himself back on the podium in 2013 with another shot at increasing his resume. How fitting it is that he would face the Big Fundamental in what could be his last hoorah as an NBA star. 

So what do we expect? 

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Spurs - This Spurs team is unbelievable. Anchored by Duncan, Parker, and Magnificent Manu, they have miraculously never lowered the bar of greatness. Popovich, one of the greatest basketball minds of his era and the best coach in the league (try me), has this Spurs team working like a well-oiled machine. Which is good because without some WD-40, this old classic would surely be squeaking and wheezing. Or would they? 

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Tony Parker (31) is playing the best basketball of his career, averaging 23 points and 7.2 assists per game. Parker promised Duncan he would win him one more ring. It's looking like he doesn't like breaking a promise. Duncan (37) is averaging 18 and 9 while consistently stifling the best power forwards in the league with his reach and defensive toughness. He will most likely be matched up against Udonis Haslem at the PF. Enough said. 

Coming off an unprecedented 10 days off, the Spurs were able to go on vacation, play 10 rounds of golf and still have plenty of time to prepare for Miami. Of course, knowing Popovich, there hasn't been in a moment in the last 10 days when he has taken a break or allowed his guys a break for that matter. This team may have a bit of rust but they will be much more mentally and tactically prepared for the Finals than Miami ever could be.  

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Heat - Remember back when Bosh and James moved to South Beach? Remember that embarrassing party that was held where they jumped around stage and talked about how they would win 6 straight? Well, after a tragic loss in 2011, Miami took their first step in that direction. Here's step number 2. Problem? Last year Lebron had the help of Bosh and Wade in his journey to the crown. This season, Wade and Bosh have a better chance of being admitted into an assisted living center than they do helping Lebron to the title. Wade is frail. That being said he still plays a pivotal role in this series. Even with a bum knee, Wade must score 15 a game for the Heat to succeed. 

Just as in years past, Miami's deficiencies come under the basket. Bosh is a formidable offensive talent but a lousy defender. Fortunately for the Heat, Chris Andersen has found a glimmer of youth underneath his chameleon skin. Andersen's rebounding prowess basket protection will be critical to Miami's success in key moments throughout this series. 

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As far as Lebron is concerned, expect him to be an absolute force. The question is not will he score 20 a game, but will Leonard have what it takes to keep him under 30 a game. Love him or hate him, Lebron is an unstoppable force who enacts his will on any opponent. San Antonio will be no different. 

Prediction - So who has the upper hand? This is the million-dollar question. Honestly, I don't think either team has the upper hand. This series will be a game time decision, if you will. Lebron will dominate. The question is whether or not Wade has enough juice left to contribute and whether or not Bosh can find a spark. Like in Game 7 against Indiana, I believe Wade will contribute. But a knee-to-knee collision could eliminate his effectiveness at any moment during the series. 

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For San Antonio, I believe the onus lies on the shoulders of Manu Ginobili. Manu has the ability to transform any game he enters. His break-neck mentality can be contagious and is absolutely critical for the Spurs success. 

So the big brother is getting older and the younger brother has come of age. Lebron stands in front of Tim Duncan tonight and tells him this is the time that the league changes hands. Easy Lebron. Duncan said a few years, but the due date has been pushed back. What he should have said is several years. 

An old but rested Spurs team steals Game 2 in Miami and caps a dream career for Mr. Duncan. I might be crazy but I'm going with my gut on this one. This series will be SPECTACULAR. But with a hobbled Wade, I don't think Lebron can put the team on his back long enough to win 4 games against this never quit Spurs team. The real Big 3 (Parker, Duncan and Ginobili) shows the younger brother once more that this league is not ready to change hands. 

Spurs in 6