2014 NBA Finals: An intriguing match-up

It is finally here. Time for the warriors to shine. Time to put their lives on the line.

The NBA Finals – A 7-game series where the best two teams face off against one another. These two teams have made it so far after battling against 28 other teams in the NBA from November last year to May this year.

And not surprisingly, the teams are the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs, again.

These two teams took on each other in the last year’s NBA Finals in a thrilling series, which went to 7 games.

The Miami Heat finally came out on top (thanks to Ray Allen’s miraculous 3-pointer in Game 6 which literally saved Miami’s season).

This year’s finals might prove to be just as dramatic or may be better.

On one hand, we have the Miami Heat who boast of the best basketball player on the planet right now, in LeBron James, ably supported by Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Ray Allen and the others.

On the other, we have the ever-consistent San Antonio Spurs who have the ageless wonder in Tim Duncan with his great supporting cast which includes Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and the rest.

Legacies are built in these finals.

LeBron James

We start with LeBron James, the biggest star in these finals, who has two titles to his name right now.

Each and every time he doesn't win an NBA title, his season is a failure. One title isn’t enough for him. Two isn’t. Maybe not even three. Not until he fulfills his goal of “not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7……”, a quote which he uttered immaturely after leaving Cleveland for Miami in July 2010.

He is in the process of making room for himself among the all-time greats. He is on a journey to reach Kobe Bryant’s 5 titles and Michael Jordan’s 6 titles.

There is a lot at stake for LeBron. He is the unquestioned leader and the key for the Heat to succeed.

However Dwayne Wade’s aggressiveness, Chris Bosh’s battle with the Spurs’ frontline, Ray Allen’s timely shooting, Coach Eric Spoelstra’s intelligent play-calling and substitutions are equally important for the Heat. But it all starts and ends with LeBron James’ brilliance.

Then we have the Big Fundamental, Tim Duncan. Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan are the two best players in the NBA after Michael Jordan retired.

There are some people who argue that Duncan is better than Bryant. That’s a debate for another day. Coming back to the point, Duncan already has 4 titles. Honestly, there is not much at stake for him in these finals. He is already among the pantheons of basketball.

But, he hasn’t won a title since 2007. This title would be much sweeter as he can end that title drought, and play his final years on a high note.

His relationship with Spurs coach Greg Popovich is so amazing that it can’t be put into words. These two legends have built a solid professional alliance since 1997. And it is unbelievable how Popovich manages his players’ minutes throughout the regular season, to keep his players fresh and active for the post season.

He is undoubtedly one of the greatest coaches in history, not just in basketball but in all of sports.

Even though Duncan’s leadership and Coach Popovich’s tactics are important, Tony Parker holds the key for the Spurs’ title hopes. His health could be a concern for the Spurs. Also throw in the young and athletic Kawhi Leonard as the trump card, who is slowly tasting stardom. And we never know when Danny Green gets hot from the 3-point land.

It is time for a rematch.

These two sides are once again at the biggest stage of championship basketball. So sit back and watch greatness unfold before your eyes.

Edited by Staff Editor