Conference Finals Recap, NBA Finals Preview, and BSB(R) Tournament Update

The NBA Finals start tonight! We didn’t have to wait long–the Heat ousted the C’s on Monday–although the Nuggets did have to wait long, having finished off the Lakers back on May 22nd. Anyway, before we dive into the Conference Finals and preview the Finals, let’s take a look at the BSB(R) table.

Tanc wins. Goddamnit, Tanc. It’s bad enough that he whoops my ass in squash. But to seal the deal before the NBA Finals have even begun? Without even predicting the Heat to represent the East or having the correct winner of the NBA Finals? That’s no fun, dude. PERMANENT BSB(R) BAN. If the Nuggets win, I may have to make GEG an honorary co-champion.

In all seriousness, well done to Tancredi–it feels good to crown a new champion. And whether it’s Jimmy or Jokic, we’ll be saying the same thing in a couple weeks when the Finals have come to a close. On that note, it’s time to review what happened in the Conference Finals.

Conference Finals Recap

Celtics vs. Heat: This series was destined to be, and the Heat were destined to win. I don’t typically believe in fate, but certain things make me question that position. Jason Terry’s Larry O’Brien Trophy tattoo before their championship season in 2010-2011. Me working as John Wall’s social media presence. And now, the Heat defeating the Celtics in Game 7 after Jimmy Butler, proclaiming a year ago following their Game 7 loss in the ECF, “Next year, we will have enough, and we’re gonna be right be right back in this same situation and we’re gonna get it done.” Does it get any better than that?

The Heat raced off to a shocking a 3-0 series lead, including winning the first two games on the road in Boston. Those first two games included Butler-led, soul-snatching second half comebacks. Game 3 was a blowout win for the Heat, and as we all know, no team has won a series after going down 3-0. But Boston also seemed poised to be the first: they were a strong 2-seed and defending conference champs playing an 8-seed, who was nearly was bounced out of the play-in. And sure enough, the C’s made a run at it. They dominated Games 4 and 5 and then squeaked out a thrilling Game 6 victory after Derrick White’s improbable, game-winning tip-in.

The stage was set for a historic Game 7–the Celtics would either complete the first comeback from trailing 3-0, or the Heat would become the 2nd 8-seed to make the Finals. Tatum turned his ankle in the first minute, Caleb Martin become Michael Jordan, Jaylen Brown forgot how to dribble, and Jimmy Butler was Jimmy Butler. It was an embarrassing exit for the Celtics, who now have major questions for their offseason, such as whether to supermax Jaylen Brown, retain Joe Mazzulla, and whether to shake up a roster that has had considerable overall success the past two seasons.

• G.O.A.T: Jimmy Butler. Himmy Butler. Jimmy Buckets. Playoff Jimmy. Whatever you call him, the man is a monster and deserves more recognition as one the great players of his era.
• Goat: Jaylen Brown. Right after becoming All-NBA and becoming supermax eligible, he was exposed in the playoffs–his handle, playmaking, and ability to get easy looks were all lacking. Brown can still improve, and perhaps he’ll come back better than ever.

Nuggets vs. Lakers: What is there to discuss? The Nuggets swept the Lakers. The games were often tense and close throughout, but the two best players in the series belonged to the Nuggets: Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Jokic was stymied down the stretch early on; notably, in Game 1, the Lakers used Rui to guard Jokic while AD helped off the ball. But Jokic adjusted and more or less torched the Lakers all series, comfortably averaging a 28-15-12 triple double, while playing good defense on Anthony Davis. Murray was just as good at 33-6-5 on 50-40-90 shooting. The Lakers won the free throw battle, as they did all season long against opponents, but they couldn’t put the ball in the basket or keep Jokic off the glass. And to be fair, the Lakers are pretty helpless when Jokic is hitting these kinds of shots.

• G.O.A.T: Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. I’m as big of a Jokic fan as anyone, but Murray was just as good this series, including down the stretch in critical moments.
• Goat: D’Angelo Russell. 38.2 TS%. 6-2-3 averages. Russell was supposed to be on the season-changing trade deadline acquisitions for the Lakers. And I guess he did change their season…for the worse! (I’m sorry D-Lo, I don’t mean to do you dirty, but I think the Lakers would have been better off giving Russell’s minutes to Darvin Ham).

NBA Finals Preview

Zach Lowe wrote a wonderful NBA Finals preview here, for those who want a more in depth analysis. I’m a simpleton, though, so I’ll highlight the basic things I’ll be looking out for:

• How will the Heat stop Jokic? They don’t have the size–Bam isn’t big enough to guard Jokic on his own, and the stats show that Jokic has had his way with Bam in their past. They are known for a stifling zone, but Jokic is the ultimate zone-buster. Personally, I think the Heat’s only chance is to relentlessly double Jokic–picking his pocket from behind when he’s surveying the floor, help-side defenders taking charges, and making other players hit shots. Butler and Martin should be particularly adept at blindside steals, which would also fuel the Heat’s transition game.
• Can Jimmy and Bam get Jokic into foul trouble? Both are good at drawing fouls, and given that the Nuggets are so Jokic-dependent, this could be a sneakily effective strategy to slow down the Nuggets and get easy points.
• Similarly, can the Heat manufacture easier looks? The Heat have been surviving on minimal paint penetration and difficult shots from the likes of Vincent, Butler, Martin and others. The Nuggets are subpar paint protectors, meaning the Heat should aim to get more looks at the rim. A returning Tyler Herro should help with that.
• Will Jimmy Butler and Jamal Murray continue their LeBron James and Steph Curry impressions? Both of them have been otherworldly playoff performers–both this season and in seasons past. Butler has risen to the occasion in the Finals before–he was sublime in the 2020 Finals loss to the Lakers. Murray hasn’t been here, but he’s shown no sign of slowing down.