With the start of the NBA Finals around the corner, it’s time to examine who might represent the East and West in the annual championship series this year.
The Bucks and Hawks are currently tied 1-1, with Milwaukee winning Game 2 on Friday night 125-91. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 25 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Hawks star Trae Young recorded just 15 points and nine turnovers.
In the West, the Suns lead the Clippers 3-1, with Game 5 set to commence on Monday night. Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard (knee) has already been ruled out for the contest. Game 4 featured some ugly shooting performances from both sides, but Phoenix prevailed to take a commanding lead in the series.
Both the Clippers and Hawks have overcome long odds numerous times during the postseason — the Clippers came back to beat the Mavericks in a seven-game first-round series, then won four straight to beat the Jazz after trailing 2-0 the next round. The Hawks, meanwhile, were not expected to make it here.
“What I like about this team is we always beat the odds,” Hawks center Clint Capela recently said, as relayed by Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “People just don’t expect us to do it. People keep doubting us, and we just keep shocking them. In Houston, it was really a championship mentality every year, so it was almost like a must-win game, every game.”
With that in mind, what do you think? Do the Clippers have enough left in the tank to pull off a third postseason miracle? Will the Hawks win another series despite being widely viewed as the underdogs?
Take to the comments section below to share your opinions!
Suns in 5 and Bucks in 6 IMO
As long as the Clippers continue to give games away to Phoenix with Paul George missing last second free throws like he did in games 2 and 4, then the Suns should have absolutely no problem winning this series.
Bucks running this thing
Can you image how James Harden is going to feel seeing CP3 play against Capella in the finals?
Could be Capela, or it could be PJ Tucker. Both of them are former Rockets.
Who are the best nba finals teams past 10 years?
Heat vs Spurs
Warriors vs Cavs
Warriors vs Raptors
Heat vs Lakers
Suns vs Bucks
What did I say. Giannis on the post all day. Sorry to say. But it seems to me this is Middleton s team now. Hawks can not deal with Giannis on post. They can run their offense thru that. Now that ain’t happening with Ayton. Seems Bucks have finally realized they are the better team. Sixers and Bucks are so disappointing to me. I almost rooted for Hawks . Almost …..
Suns vs Bucks should be fun. Chris will show Giannis. What it looks like to play for your first ring. What wanting it more than anything in the world looks like.
Atlanta was in control until the last 7 minutes. How can they start things off leading 25-10 then allow themselves to be outscored 25-7 to end the game?
Closing gms is what good teams do. Hawks are puppies lol. First time in playoffs in a long time. They are learning. They don’t have that leader vet like Suns do. Hawks still finding themselves.
Kris Middleton just took over the game. He outscored the Hawks in the fourth quarter.
Suns and Hawks