05-31-2022, 06:00 AM
The X-factor in the NBA Finals is Gary Payton II, IMO.
I don't think there is any area you can say the Warriors have been exposed in these playoffs. But I do think the ECF exposed a weakness in the Celtics. That is Jaylen Brown's ball handling and propensity to turn the ball over. Actually, both Brown and Tatum were exposed in this regard by the Heat.
There are few better on ball defenders than GP2. If Victor Oladipo is going to give Brown fits, GP2 certainly will. And apparently, Andre Iguodala is practicing this week, along with Otto Porter Jr. All three are defensive-oriented bodies the W's can throw out there to extend their bench depth.
If these guys are available, the Warriors have more depth. The Celtics can make up for this by having rim protection with Robert Williams that the W's don't have. Frankly, my belief in the C's winning it all has been predicated on the difference Robert Williams provides. But I've seen enough from these teams in the playoffs to think Gary Payton II might be the real difference.
Should be a great NBA Finals!
I don't think there is any area you can say the Warriors have been exposed in these playoffs. But I do think the ECF exposed a weakness in the Celtics. That is Jaylen Brown's ball handling and propensity to turn the ball over. Actually, both Brown and Tatum were exposed in this regard by the Heat.
There are few better on ball defenders than GP2. If Victor Oladipo is going to give Brown fits, GP2 certainly will. And apparently, Andre Iguodala is practicing this week, along with Otto Porter Jr. All three are defensive-oriented bodies the W's can throw out there to extend their bench depth.
If these guys are available, the Warriors have more depth. The Celtics can make up for this by having rim protection with Robert Williams that the W's don't have. Frankly, my belief in the C's winning it all has been predicated on the difference Robert Williams provides. But I've seen enough from these teams in the playoffs to think Gary Payton II might be the real difference.
Should be a great NBA Finals!