NBA Playoffs 3rd Round Recap/Finals Predictions

Well that wasn't very exciting.  That was quite possibly the most uncompetitive Conference Finals I've ever seen.  And on top of that, I completely botched one of my predictions.  Let's take a look.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Golden State vs. Houston

My prediction - Golden State 4-0
Actual results  - Golden State 4-1

Almost got it perfect.  A couple of close games, but for the most part Golden State never really seemed to be in any danger.  I don't really know what else to say about this team.  I've underestimated them all year, but I'm really coming around on them.  Dare I say I'm a believer?

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Cleveland vs. Atlanta

My prediction - Atlanta 4-3
Actual results  - Cleveland 4-0

That's sort of embarrassing.  All year everyone said that Atlanta was playing way over its head, but they kept finding ways to win.  They had a very quality starting lineup, and in the Conference Finals, were facing a Cleveland team missing Kevin Love and only had Kyrie Irving for two games.  Yet they got swept.  I guess the regular season was a fluke after all.

NBA FINALS

Golden State vs. Cleveland
Season series tied 1-1 

As I said earlier, I've really come around on Golden State.  They're a much better team than I thought, and they've rolled through the playoffs thus far.  For that to continue, they'd better hope that Klay Thompson is completely over his concussion symptoms.  He's been cleared for tonight's game 1, so we have to assume he is.  Aside from that, they're coming into this series healthy (as healthy as you can be this time of year) and somewhat rested. 

Cleveland is rested, too.  That's the benefit of finishing off your opponent quickly.  They, however, are not healthy.  Love, of course, will not be playing, and while Irving will play, he won't be at 100%.  He can definitely still be effective, just not dominant.  That means the Cavs will once again be relying on JR Smith for offense.  He's capable of putting up good numbers.  Just take game 1 versus Atlanta for example (28 pts with 8 3-pointers).  Don't expect him to shoot like that again, though.  Golden State will make certain that doesn't happen.  So if Irving is limited, and Smith is being held in check, who does that leave?  Iman Shumpert?  Don't think so.  Timofey Mozgov?  Umm, no.  And sorry Cleveland fans, but LeBron can't do this on his own. 

So where does that leave me?  Well, there are just too many unknowns with the Cavaliers for my liking.  I've been picking against Cleveland since round 2, and I won't stop now.  Before I pick, though, I'd like to say that this will be a different series if Kyrie Irving has any sort of explosiveness.  And yes, that's me covering my ass.   

Golden State 4-2

Before I go, I just want to touch on New York fans bitching and moaning that JR Smith and Iman Shumpert are on the verge of winning a championship, and how New York wishes they had them back or should have gotten more for them.  Can we stop!?  These guys were not getting it done in New York.  Yes, Smith was the 6th man of the year not long ago, but he wasn't that guy anymore.  And as for Shumpert, is everyone kidding me?  How many chances did the Knicks give this guy?  He's a role player at best.  He has career averages of 7.7 points per game, 2.1 assists per game and 3.6 rebounds per game.  That's the guy Knicks fans want back?  Get your heads out of your butts.  These guys are on the verge of a championship because of LeBron James, and LeBron James alone.  Despite the occasional good game here or there, don't for one minute think that Smith or Shumpert had any major influence on how far Cleveland has gone, or will go, in the playoffs. 

Phew, I've been holding that in for awhile.  Enjoy the finals!