2017 NBA Playoff Predictions: Breaking down each series
By Keith Rivas
2017 NBA Finals
(4) Washington vs. (6) Oklahoma City
Neither teams that I see making the NBA Finals are well-represented by their seeding. By being ranked fourth, it’s assumed that the Wizards can’t out play the top three in their conference, when in fact it’s just the opposite.
Then, with the Thunder, a sixth overall seed downplays how explosive their offense can be when led by Westbrook.
Now we’ve gotten to the point where all the marbles are on the table. Obviously, Westbrook’s historic season comes down to this while the Wizards find out if their championship material.
If this were to happen, another story line worth noting is that Wizards coach Scott Brooks would get to coach against his former team. This provides the ultimate quagmire for stopping Westbrook, as no coach may know that better than Brooks.
It’s not the revenge we were hoping for, but it’s the nail in the coffin for Westbrook’s redemption tour against former Thunder players or personnel. And it’ll end with a bang.
Consequently, a great series from John Wall will be overshadowed by Beal not playing to his full potential. In a championship moment, the feeling is that Wall could step up while Beal’s contributions aren’t as certain.
Either way, these teams match up great and will go the distance in June.
Next: 3 Reasons Lakers Shouldn't Tank
Prediction: Thunder in seven
Finals MVP – Russell Westbrook, OKC