It's that time of year again; the time where the best NBA teams earn a trip to the playoffs. Their assignment: Win Or Go Home. Sounds pretty simple because you have one time to lose, and you're gone. A few nights ago, Miami closed out their playoff series 4-1 over Brooklyn, so they get a couple days rest before they do battle in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Indiana. Miami has already beaten up on Indiana on their way to their 2nd title last season, so Indiana is looking for retribution. Make no mistake about it, I'm riding with Miami because they've been on top for a while, and I don't see anyone standing in their way to a 3peat. The only teams I see giving Miami trouble are the Pacers and Spurs, two teams that made Miami earn their championship. Even then, Miami still came out victorious because Miami is battletested. I remember when Dwayne Wade first came to the Heat in '06, he and Shaq led the Heat to their first championship. Fast forward a few years later, Wade was instrumental in bringing Chris Bosh and Lebron James to S. Florida. LeBron James' decision to come to Miami was that he wanted to win a championship. He had no supporting cast in Cleveland, so Lebron did what's best for him, and look at him: 2 rings (on his way to a 3rd), tied his career high of 49 points, MVP, and a list of other accolades. Since Wade, Bosh and James have been with the Heat, Miami has made the playoffs each year.
When I think of the NBA Playoffs, I think of it as the cream of the crop. The league's best teams do battle in a playoff series. Some teams sweep their opponents 4-0, other teams go the distance. I look forward to watching the NBA playoffs every year because I know Miami is going to go all the way. Miami's toughest opponents will always be Indiana and San Antonio because those teams are very physical and have strong defensive & offensive schemes. This year, Miami's road to a 3peat will be relatively easy because look at their competition: They've swept Charlotte, and they've beaten Brooklyn 4-1. Miami has strong momentum facing Indiana in the Eastern Conference Finals. I'll also be watching the Spurs/Thunder series as well, so I can scout who Miami's opponent in the Finals is going to be.
