You could sum up this series with the question, ‘What if?’  What if the Miami Heat had not been so lackadaisical in Games 1 and 3? What if the San Antonio Spurs had Tim Duncan on the floor at the end of the fourth quarter in Game 6?  What if Ray Allen didn’t hit that shot to take Game 6 into overtime?  A lot of ‘what if’s’ indeed.

Without a doubt this series was a defining one for both teams.  If the San Antonio Spurs had one, it would have been their fifth title in as many chances.  All won during the reign of their head coach Gregg Popovich, who is perhaps the best coach in the NBA today. Since the Miami Heat overcame a near defeat in Game 6 to win in seven games they have now proven that they can win not one, but two titles.

Like any team would, Miami did use an us against the world mentality to their advantage.  And the fact that they have the best player in the NBA in LeBron James willing them to victory.  There was no doubt last year that he is the best right now.  The scary thing is that he is only getting better and in the prime of his career. The other scary thing is that teams around the league are gearing up again for his impending free agency in a few years i.e, ‘The Decision: Part 2’.

Going forward it will be interesting to see how Miami will try to stay relatively intact.  LeBron, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh are taking up a huge chunk of their salary.  Some of their role players might decide to call it a career, but Miami will find it incredibly hard to replace some of their role players that helped during critical moments of their playoff run.  The Spurs will have the same problem, but there’s no doubt they will remain title contenders.

If the Heat truly want to be considered a dynasty in their critics minds, they’ll have to continue to make appearances in the NBA Finals.  Winning cures all and so far the signs are looking good. There will be a lot of folks that root against them while they’re together, but there’s no dispute that we are seeing something that doesn’t come around very often.  A truly dominant team that won’t go down without a fight.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat

The Spurs had a while to prepare and now they have to defeat the defending champions to win the franchise’s fifth NBA title.  The Spurs are not short on experience, but they might be short on athleticism.  But they make up for that with excellent coaching from Gregg Popovich.  He is the best at making adjustments on the fly during the game and he will likely have to make a few with the fast paced Miami Heat.  San Antonio’s big weapon is the pick and roll with Tony Parker and Tim Duncan.  Miami’s big men, Chris Bosh, Chris Andersen and Udonis Haslem are not ideal at defending it.  Should Tony Parker continue to slice his way through Miami’s frontcourt to the basket, it might be another quick series for the Spurs.

Miami had a tough seven game series with the Indiana Pacers and that long series has given the Spurs plenty of tape to study.  What many teams have had trouble with though is how to contain LeBron James.  San Antonio doesn’t really have one player that can contain LeBron without help.  When that happens the Heat have many shooters that LeBron can then pass too for open shots. Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have had a rough playoff run, but this will be a redeeming series for them if they can do more to help take the pressure off LeBron.  It should be a tough series for Miami, but when they start to get it going their opponents have a tough time catching up.

Key Players: G Tony Parker and G Dwayne Wade

Results: Heat in 7 games

1. Miami Heat vs. 3. Indiana Pacers

These two teams do have some history between them.  Recent history actually.  Ever since this current Miami Heat team was assembled with LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining Dwayne Wade in South Beach, it was no surprise that almost every team in the NBA was going to give Miami their best.  The Heat will be looking for their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance, but the Indiana Pacers have been a thorn in Miami’s side.  Indiana does not like Miami and it’s probably the same with the Heat not liking the Pacers.  The Pacers must establish themselves in the post early and often if they want to beat the Heat.  They have a clear size advantage and will be attacking the glass often with a huge rebounding advantage.  Roy Hibbert is quickly becoming a force in the paint and the Heat don’t have an answer for that unless they get him in foul trouble.  Indiana will have to try to slow down Miami for as long as they possibly can.  If Dwayne Wade isn’t healthy for the entire series the Heat might find it more difficult for them to make that Finals appearance.

Key Players: G Dwayne Wade and C Roy Hibbert

Results: Pacers in 7 games

2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 5. Memphis Grizzlies

It really shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Memphis Grizzlies are in this position.  Both Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are two formidable post players and they will create havoc for the Spurs. Tim Duncan is playing like his younger self, but he has a tough task ahead of himself and his teammates on the block against Memphis.  Mike Conley is quickly establishing himself as one of the best point guards in the league for the Grizzlies.  Tayshaun Prince is doing a great job with Tony Allen defensively and making smart decisions on offense.  Memphis’ bench is just as good as any other team’s in the NBA.  If San Antonio has any shot of beating the Grizzlies, they will need to outduel their bench.  Which means Manu Ginobili needs to play much better in the Conference Finals.  It’s to be expected that Tony Parker will perform up to his standard of play, but if he slows down or gets hurt it will be a quick exit for the Spurs.

Key Players: G Tony Parker and C Marc Gasol

Results: Grizzlies in 6 games

1. Miami Heat vs. 5. Chicago Bulls

Key Players: F LeBron James and G Nate Robinson

Results: Heat in 6 games

2. New York Knicks vs. 3 Indiana Pacers

Key Players: G J.R. Smith and F Paul George

Results: Pacers in 6 games

1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 5. Memphis Grizzlies

Key Players: G Reggie Jackson and C Marc Gasol

Results: Grizzlies in 6 games

2. San Antonio Spurs vs. 6. Golden State Warriors

Key Players: G Tony Parker and G Stephen Curry

Results: Spurs in 7 games