AS we are fond of saying in the native language, “Isang tulog na lang, NBA Finals na!”
Just one more peaceful shuteye tonight, and tomorrow, 9 a.m., adrenaline overflows as Game 1 of the National Basketball Association’s Diamond Year Finals comes alive on our screens, on whatever platform that may be.
This is a most interesting NBA Finals to watch, truly apropos for the global league’s milestone year. Imagine: a clash between the NBA’s original royalty, the Boston Celtics and its current ruling elite, the Golden State Warriors.
The Celtics have ruled NBA hoopdom from the late 50s through practically all of the 60s (except 1967), two years in the 70s and three in the 80s, with the last crown added only in 2008. Golden State is aiming for its seventh crown in the modern era and hopes to break the tie with the Chicago Bulls that will land it in solo third for most number of NBA titles won.
The Celtics have been chasing after Banner 18 for 14 years already. And the Warriors? They’ve been absent from the NBA fans for two straight years and many NBA fans have not felt quite right about it.
So here we are. The hungry Celtics and the reclaiming Warriors are the last two teams standing. Why should we care? Here’s why.
1. Awesome Storylines—Look at how these angles give this series a whole lotta drama:
Finals Experience (GSW) vs. Championship Hunger (BOS)
The league’s top two defensive teams using their vaunted weapons on each other, which is better?
Golden State’s Beautiful Offense vs. Boston’s Pace and Space Offense
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson vs. Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown; which pair will rule?
2. Divergent Pathways—The two teams got to where they are now using contrasting scripts and following different routes. Golden State had an easier time staying on top of the pack, but their season had suspense and drama as well. Klay Thompson was out of the game for two and a half years (941 days) and returned only on January 9. Steph Curry suffered a torn ligament towards the end of the regular season and caused a lot of worry. But he returned refreshed, rejuvenated, and was on a tear during the playoffs.
As for Boston, no one even believed they would make the playoffs the way their early season went. But they flipped the script in January and became a totally different team, zooming up the charts until they finished No. 2 in the East. They went through a crucible in the playoffs, and against all odds knocked off the Nets, the Bucks and the Heat in succession. “We took the toughest route and it worked out,” said Jayson Tatum.
3. Homegrown Teams—Maybe we didn’t notice. But a Celtics-Warriors Finals is a testament to homegrown NBA teams. The Golden State dynasty was built from the ground up with talent acquired through the draft. The same is true for Boston. “We will have ten guys on the court playing in an NBA Finals for the team that drafted them. That’s why we should all go out and really make this the biggest battle for an NBA trophy by tuning in to every game. Regardless of who wins, NBA basketball scores a vital point,“ Inquirer sports ed Francis Ochoa said on Facebook. What a refreshing contrast to super teams and big-bucks acquisitions.
4. Fear Factors—We should also consider these intervening variables. Homecourt Advantage. Will it really work on the Boston Road Warriors? Rest. Will it favor Golden State? Injuries. Who’s hurting more? Who’ll stay invincible? Finals Experience. Is it superior to the thirst and adventure of youth?
5. Coincidences—Following are just my uncanny personal observations as a Fighting Maroons fan and a hopeful Celtics fan. Both UP and the Celtics were No. 2s who went up against No. 1’s and won. Both waited long for their moment of glory: 36 and 14 years. Both teams were/are mentored by rookie coaches who went to the Finals on their first years.
Now let’s wait for the exciting part.