The only question remaining in the NBA Finals
Two months ago, when the games in the bubble started, everybody had many questions. Will this work? Will they prevent anybody from getting sick? How will the players react to being separated from their families? How will they play in empty arenas? Which teams will get into the playoffs? Which teams will advance to the finals? And so on.
Now, after Game 2 of the Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat, only one question remains: Who will be named the MVP of the Finals – Anthony Davis or LeBron James?
The Lakers dominated the Western Conference and, after taking the first seed, they beat the Portland Trail Blazers, the Houston Rockets, and the Denver Nuggets with a score of 4-1. Their style of play is impressive and the key stands in the unity of this team. Therefore, they got into the first Finals since 2010 with only one goal in mind – win it all.
In the Eastern Conference, Miami Heat was a big surprise, as it managed to upset the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics. Led by a great coach in Erik Spoelstra and by a great leader in Jimmy Butler, the team from Florida executed at a high level and won the heart of every NBA fan.
However, in the Finals, the Lakers dominated both games, and it’s hard to see them lose four out of the next five games. Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo got hurt, but even with them on the court, the Lakers are too strong. Rob Pelinka and Frank Vogel built a very versatile roster, with size, speed, strength, veterans, and young players. Therefore, I guess that they will win in four or five games.
So, I return to the initial question: who will be the MVP of the Finals? Let’s look at the numbers. Anthony Davis has an average of 33 points, 11.5 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 63% from the field. In the meantime, LeBron James averages 29 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, and one steal in 37.5 minutes per game. The King is shooting 54.7% from the field and 41% from the three-point line.
It is a tough choice to make, so let’s hope that the next games will clarify this dilemma. However, it is clear that the only battle that is taking place right now is between Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the two leaders of the Lakers who happen to be best friends.
*photo: Steve Dykes/Getty Images
