OKC Thunder: 3 keys to watching the 2020 NBA Finals

Closing:

Both teams have played 15 games to reach this destination and each has areas of strength and weakness. The Lakers have the experience of LeBron James and Rajon Rondo who own titles while the Heat will need to rely on reserve Iguodala, the bench voice of Udonis Haslem and coach Spoelstra.

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The Heat shut down the MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Celtics stellar starting five but haven’t had to shut down two top-five superstars. On the other hand, the Lakers haven’t dealt with the grit and myriad of offensive talents the Heat boast. Miami isn’t about to be punked by Dwight Howard and is more likely to dish out more shots and chirping than the Lakers have experienced.

Miami should also expect to be the recipient of more whistles and if they aren’t then they can expect the Lakers to complain (don’t get me started).

Ultimately the series isn’t a cakewalk for LeBron and the Brow regardless of what all the National Media will state. Jimmy Buckets and the ever-improving Adebayo will have something to say about that as will one man who might just have the greatest stake in the series – former Lakers coach, Pat Riley. When LeBron James left the Heat, Riley wasn’t happy how he went about returning to the Cavaliers. It wasn’t that he left, it was how he did it.

Now he’ll have the opportunity to exact his revenge.

The first game of the NBA Finals will take place on Wednesday, September 30th at 9:00 p.m. EST airing on ABC.  Enjoy the NBA Finals Thunder Nation and stay in touch with Thunderous Intentions as we continue to keep you in the loop on the draft, free agency, and offseason action.