The NBA playoffs, how sweet they are. I’d be lying if I said this Finals series featuring the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics was not the best I have seen since the 2014 Miami vs San Antonio series. Each and every game in this series has been extremely entertaining, something the NBA has been lacking as of late these past couple of seasons in the playoffs.
Golden State managed to capture game 5, backed by a monster performance by Canadian star Andrew Wiggins. That is the great ability the Warriors possess; when one of their superstars is having an off-game, another player steps up and has a great game. This was the case in game 5. Curry got cold, so Wiggins got hot.
Many NBA analysts and pundits have the Warriors taking this game 6 and capturing their seventh NBA championship. When you look at it on paper this is the best conceivable conclusion. Golden State’s core already has three championships under their belt, they are stacked from the ground up in their lineup, and they have young emerging stars such as Jordan Poole, Gary Payton II, and Otto Porter Jr who can take over games at some points (mostly Poole).
So why don’t I think that this series is finishing tonight in Boston? Well, 2 reasons mainly. First, when the Celtics have had their backs against the wall these entire playoffs, Al Horford has had monster games, further proving that father time is on hold for Horford. So why wouldn’t he come and show out in this game, where the Celtics have their backs severely against the wall, as well? I just don’t see him standing back and doing nothing. I see him establishing some energy and physicality early in the game, and I see him finishing with 20+ points ( as well as a monster dunk).
Second, the ratings this series has garnered have surpassed last years by more than 20%. People want to see these two teams battle and are willing to spend their money to do it. The TD Garden and Oracle Arena have consistently sold out, and viewings of the games have achieved record-highs. Why wouldn’t the NBA want to push this series to a game 7? Do you know how dramatic a game 7 between these two teams would be? This would be must-watch TV. This would supersede anything playing on Sunday night cable by a million.
I just don’t see how the NBA would let this series be closed out tonight, on a Thursday, when they can push it to a game 7 on a Sunday. Look for the Warriors to get a lot of foul calls early, and the Celtics to shoot a lot of free throws during the second and third quarters. I’m not saying these games are rigged, but there is definitely an influence that plays into the final score.
Who do you think takes game 7? Let me know in the comments below!