NBA Finals Preview

Center: Andrew Bogut vs. Tristian Thompson– Bogut was benched for the most part last year as the Warriors went small ball. His impact was needed in the Dubs’ previous series against OKC in battling three formidable big men but who knows how much he will play in this year’s sequel. On the other side, Thompson got paid off of his performance in last year’s playoffs and his impact on the offensive boards will mirror OKC’s. However, all he is good for is put backs and rebounds and not much else. Edge: Even

Power Forward: Draymond Green vs. Kevin Love– Love, undefeated in the United States in the playoffs at an impressive 12-0, has got to be salivating at his chance to finally grace the finals scene. However, it comes against a Warriors team who he shot below 30% against in two games. He will face Money Green, who put up double double numbers against the Cavs in two convincing wins. Dray has to keep his emotions and WWE moves in check as he’s a flagrant foul away from a suspension. Edge: Warriors

Small Forward: Andre Iguodala/Harrison Barnes vs. Lebron James—LeBron will not have as large as a load to carry in this postseason’s final game. He averaged a monster 35-13-8 line which probably won’t be dittoed this year with the return of Love and point guard Kyrie Irving. However, it IS the King and in his sixth straight finals appearance, we will see him in his glory once again. The reigning Finals MVP will get the go ahead to start for his defensive impact to “slow down” and “give fits” to LBJ and contribute more minutes and impact to the game. He gives a little more than the Black Falcon, Harry Barnes, in this matchup. Edge: Cavaliers

Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson vs. J.R. Smith— This might be the most fun matchup as the threes wil go up and reign down at high rates. Klay set a playoff record of 11 made threes in his signature Game 6 of the WCF and JR Swish has made 49 in the Cavs 14 games thus far. As improved as JR has been on the defensive side, Klay is a top 3 two-way player in this league in this writer’s opinion and just a better matchup. I’m also picking Klay as the MVP for these finals. Edge: Warriors

Point Guard: Steph Curry vs. Kyrie Irving—In their rerock matchup in January, Curry played three quarters and had 35 points in a 34-point victory, which could have easily been a 50-point win. The Cavs have to do their best to contain Curry and that has not been the strong point of Irving. To his credit, Irving has dazzled in the postseason on the offensive side of the ball but he will need more offense and LOTS of defense to have a chance in this matchup. Edge: Warriors

Bench: The Cavs have an actual bench in this year’s finals instead of having players who normally are reserves start and play starters minutes. Richard Jefferson, who last played in a finals with the then-New Jersey Nets in 2003, Channing Frye, and Matthew Dellavedova have been the most important role players as Jefferson has been consistent all-around while Frye’s three point shooting has been a well-welcomed addition. Dellavedova gave trolls all across social media fuel last year and if he has a game where he “stops” Curry this year it will be the same. If Iguodala does not start, he will join Illinois HS legend Shaun Livingston, Festus Ezeli, and Marreese Speights (MOW SPATES) in leading the supporting cast of the Dubs. Otherwise, it’ll be Barnes joining these guys. I like the Warriors’ chances of getting more out of their bench in this series. Edge: Warriors

Coaching: Steve Kerr vs. Tyronn Lue—Well,  the only way a two-year coach can have an experience edge is by coaching against a first-year coach. That’s what we have here. After leading his team to a 73-9 record and willing them back from a 3-1 deficit in the WCF, Kerr has proven he’s the real deal on the coaching side. Lue has given the Cavs the “blueprint” (word to Jeff Teague) on how to beat the Warriors which is shooting the three at a high rate. Unfortunately, the personnel doesn’t quite match that scheme on a nightly basis. Edge:Warriors

Intangibles: The Warriors have home court advantage and have the best fans in the league. The Cavs fans weren’t fans 22 months ago. The Warriors dealt with injuries to their best players and had the toughest match-up I can remember in recent conference finals history while the Cavs have skipped on their way to the finals. The Warriors also have confidence on their side; not just because they came back from a 3-1 deficit against OKC but because they absolutely worked the Cavs in their match-ups this year. Edge: Warriors

Warriors in 6