by Andrew on Tue May 23, 2023 2:56 pm
The Nuggets did it! Tremendous second half effort. LeBron looked gassed down the stretch, but he got his numbers in the first half, so the talking heads will be all "What else could he do?" And, to be fair, that big first half did set them up to get a big win and avoid the sweep, but the Nuggets were too good. Very impressive, and a well-earned sweep. All four former ABA teams that survived the merger have now made it to the Finals!
Boston looks done, to state the obvious. The league and a lot of fans might not like the idea of a Denver/Miami Finals, but I love it. Sure, Lakers vs. Celtics has historical significance (and hey, there's a ready-made reference for us basketball gamers as well), but I think it's cool to see new and different teams and players clashing for the championship. As for historical significance, again, the Nuggets are the last former ABA club to reach the Finals and could become the second out of four to win it all, or Jimmy Butler wins his first ring leading an underdog Heat team to glory; they'd be the lowest seed to achieve such a feat. Both teams are entertaining to watch with legitimate stars, and it could be a competitive series. As much as I hate gatekeeping, I do feel that any true NBA/basketball fan should be able to find something to enjoy about an unorthodox and unexpected matchup like Denver vs. Miami.
This is of course assuming that the Celtics don't pull off a miracle. Contrary to ESPN's odds however, I don't think that's happening.