Houston
NBA fans couldn't wait until the end of the regular season. We couldn't wait until the end of the playoffs. Heck, we even didn't mind the Boston Celtics getting the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. We all knew that what will take place tonight is what we expected when Kevin Durant took his talents to Oakland. The two best teams in the league will face one another for the third consecutive time in the NBA Finals.
You want star power? There are enough stars on both teams that equal the number of stars that make up the Big Dipper. You want some hatred? Plenty of that to around. You want to see a true rivalry take shape? Well, it's happening and we haven't seen the likes of this kind since the Lakers-Celtics 80's tilts. In 2015, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2 to win their first NBA title since the Rick Barry days. But some question the validity of the Warriors title because both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were injured. LeBron James did his best to make the series last six games. An amazing feat considering the his best teammate was Matthew Dellavedova.
"Cleveland! This is for you!"
The famous words spoken by King James after a thrilling game 7 victory in Oakland, claiming the Cavs first ever title and Cleveland's first champion since the 1964 Browns. Even though the Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit, some still put a question mark on their championship. What if Warriors all-everything forward Draymond Green wasn't suspended for game 5? What if then-Golden State center Andrew Bogut didn't injure his knee in game 6 that kept him out of game 7? What if Steph Curry wasn't playing with his own knee injury?
Like Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin likes to say, "No excuses, no explanations!"
Both teams come into this series rested and relatively healthy. Their combined 24-1 playoff record is the best ever between two teams facing off in the NBA Finals. Even with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr not on the sidelines, this series has all the makings of a classic.
Enough with the analysts breaking down film. Enough with the players interviews. Let's get this party started.
photos courtesy cavsnation, nba.com