Even though Klay Thompson played a huge part in why the Golden State Warriors returned to the NBA Finals, it was the eventual MVP Stephen Curry who was the difference maker.
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2022 NBA Finals Preview
Standard2. Boston Celtics vs. 3. Golden State Warriors
For Boston they will attempting to win the franchise’s 18th championship. They haven’t been to the Finals since 2010. This time around, a new generation of stars led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will be at the helm. Al Horford will be making his first Finals appearance in his career. Defense has been this teams claim to fame this year with Marcus Smart being named the Defensive Player of the Year. Tatum and Brown though do quite a bit for them offensively and that should continue if the Celtics want to hoist another banner.
Aside from the last two seasons, this will be Golden State’s sixth Finals appearance in the last eight seasons. It probably isn’t a coincidence that they didn’t contend for a championship the last two seasons because Klay Thompson wasn’t available due to multiple injuries. Now that he has returned this year, everything fell into place. It also helps to still have Stephen Curry and Draymond Green around. Not to mention a couple important pieces in Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole. The core has been playing to their capabilities. Will the supporting cast continue playing to theirs against a better defensive opponent?
Players to Watch: F Jayson Tatum and G Stephen Curry
Who Wins: Warriors in 7 games
NBA Conference Finals Preview
StandardNBA Semifinals Preview
StandardEastern Conference
1. Miami Heat vs. 4. Philadelphia 76ers
Players to Watch: C Bam Adebayo and G James Harden
Who Wins: Heat in 7 games
2. Boston Celtics vs. 3. Milwaukee Bucks
Players to Watch: F Jayson Tatum and F Giannis Antetokounmpo
Who Wins: Bucks in 6 games
Western Conference
1. Phoenix Suns vs. 4. Dallas Mavericks
Players to Watch: G Devin Booker and G Luka Doncic
Who Wins: Suns in 6 games
2. Memphis Grizzlies vs. 3. Golden State Warriors
Players to Watch: G Ja Morant and G Stephen Curry
Who Wins: Warriors in 7 games
2022 NBA Playoffs Preview
StandardEastern Conference
1. Miami Heat vs. 8. Atlanta Hawks
Players to Watch: C Bam Adebayo and G Trae Young
Who Wins: Heat in 7 games
4. Philadelphia 76ers vs. 5. Toronto Raptors
Players to Watch: C Joel Embiid and F Scottie Barnes
Who Wins: 76ers in 6 games
3. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 6. Chicago Bulls
Players to Watch: F Giannis Antetokounmpo
Who Wins: Bucks in 6 games
2. Boston Celtics vs. 7. Brooklyn Nets
Players to Watch: F Jayson Tatum and G Kyrie Irving
Who Wins: Nets in 7 games
Western Conference
1. Phoenix Suns vs. 8. New Orleans Pelicans
Players to Watch: G Devin Booker and F Brandon Ingram
Who Wins: Suns in 5 games
4. Dallas Mavericks vs. 5. Utah Jazz
Players to Watch: G Luka Doncic and G Donovan Mitchell
Who Wins: Jazz in 6 games
3. Golden State Warriors vs. 6. Denver Nuggets
Players to Watch: G Stephen Curry and C Nikola Jokic
Who Wins: Warriors in 7 games
2. Memphis Grizzlies vs. 7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Players to Watch: G Ja Morant and C Karl-Anthony Towns
Who Wins: Grizzlies in 6 games