Miami Heats: a new chance to win the Grail
Two years ago already, the heats bowed in the final (4-2) against the Lakers of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Alex Caruso. The gap was too large against the Californian stable. Despite everything, Miami had given everything during this series. Led by Jimmy Butler, the Floridian franchise had been marked by the injuries of Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo. Too hard to hope to do something against the '' Purple and Gold '', winners for the 17th time in their history, at the same time.
This year, the South Beach team returns with new freshness and new intentions. The heats were rather easily imposed in the semi-finals (4-2) of conference against the Sixers of Cameroonians, Joeg Embiid. It must be said that the Philly team displayed an insufficient rate of address to the shots (41.4%) and that the ex-star of the Rockets, James Harden was clearly not up to his usual level. This is where the heats were able to unfold their game with Max Strus, Jimmy Butler ET Tyrese Maxey among others. Raised in power to Game 6, the players of Erik Poelstra have played a serious basketball, without too much artifices, but by focusing on a solid collective game.
Even if they seem to be the least in view of this top 4, the heats want their revenge and will give everything to delight their fans and bring the cup back to the FTX Arena.
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Boston Celtics: Plus one title since 2008
The team of the legendary Larry Bird has not known the victory for more than 10 years now ... The last time was the '' Big 3 'composed of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce who had made it possible to win Their 17th coronation of champions. Moreover, they have the same number of titles as the Lakers, which maintains an east/west rivalry between these two clubs.
But we must admit that since then it was rather the lean cows. Except that thunderclap this year: the Celtics drop the Milwaukee Bucks, Champions 2021, and their superstar MVP, Giannis Antetokoumpos. And we can even speak of humiliation because at the end of match 7, the Milwaukee players, clearly no longer had the legs to go into battle. If not the Greek giant author of a very good match (25 points, 20 rebounds and 9 decisive past) and Jrue Holiday (21 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists).
The strength of the Celtics is Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and especially Grant Williams, Who surprised everyone with their address in the 3rd quarter (6 3-point baskets). Marcus Smart and Payton Pritchard also participated in victory with great performances in this series. Among these New-Generation Celtics, the danger can come from everywhere.
Dallas Mavericks: a team not to be underestimated
Since their only and only title in 2011 with the American Dirk Nowitzki, the snipers' team alternates between the good and the least good. But since the draft of June 2018, there is a new sheriff in the city. In the person of Luka Doncic ! It must be said: this player is really phenomenal!
He continues the seasons with more than 25 points on average and plays with a relaxation that annoys but also seduces his opponents, forced to recognize the talent of the Serbian. And as if that was not enough, Luka entered the circle of elected MVP players over two consecutive years (2021-2024). But a team cannot be summed up in a single talent. And that's where players like Jalen Brunson, Spencer Dinwiddie or American, Frank Ntilina intervene. The latter is also in constant progression and makes its place within the major five MAVS.
After a tight semi-final against the Suns of Dante Booker and the "Og" Chris Paul, the Dallas team finally exploded Phoenix in the last match (90-123) and outside please -Pit! Dononic in automatic mode atomized his opponents (35 points, 10 rebounds and 4 decisive past) while Dinwiddie, author of a very good match, also farted the counter (30 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists).
It will be necessary to count on the men of Jason Kidd.
Golden State Warriors: the favorite for a new title
The conference semi-final between the Warriors and the Grizzlies increased the suspense to the end. But JA's knee injury at Game 3 has wiped out the hopes of Memphis. Golden State literally unrolled with a game 5 to almost 40 points. It stings and the Grizzlies have become in the space of a match, harmless little cubs!
It must be said that with a Steph en mode Curry Hot (more than 20 points on average on the series), a Jordan Poole impressive composure and a Klay Thompson On fire, it was hard to see how the Memphis team, without their star, was going to fight the best team of the game in recent years.
Needless to say, Golden State is heavy and they came out of these completely galvanized semi-finals. Their 5 major is one of the most impressive and the bench can be seen as X-Factor potentials such as the Congolese, Jonathan Kuminga, who did the work, as a replacement for Gary Payton II, previously injured.
Steve Kerr knows that he has what it takes in his team to bring a new title to the Chase Center.
But beware, this season could be the Outsiders season. See you for the final, from June 2 and which will conclude on the 19th of the same month.
We'll love this game!
