This NBA finals had a lot of potential coming in and is living up to it in some ways with 2-2 tie after four games. Despite being all tied up, it has not been the most entertaining finals so far. The reason is, there was one close game and an amazing game winning basket by Tony Parker in game 1, but we have been exposed to a whole lot of one-sided games and blowouts since then. This series has not had any flow or pattern so far. Teams have alternated wins and a different guy has been the story every game. At this points, it's impossible to say who is the better team or who is the favorite to win it all. I was convinced San Antonio was going to win this thing after their game 1 and 3 victories, but after Miami's game 4 win, I am not so sure anymore. Miami now gets to host 2 out of the remaining 3 games and that should make them the favorite. This makes game 5 very critical for San Antonio. They can't afford to lose game 5 at home and hope to win 2 straight on the road against LeBron James.
Momentum goes with the winner of last game and in addition, the other thing that makes the Miami Heat the slight favorite now is the sight of Wade finally dominating game 4. Wade has been mostly absent for a majority these playoffs, It's a completely different ball game when this guy is on. It's a nightmare for any team trying to defend both LeBron and Wade. Unfortunately, Pop has to figure this out now given the sudden revival of Wade. He was terrific in game 4. Tony Parker's injury is another concern for the Spurs. He started off hot in game 4, but his second half was nothing special. Ginobli is struggling as well with just 7.5 points per game in these finals. If the Spurs win this series, we might have an improbable MVP in Danny Green. For Miami, it will probably be LeBron who has done a little bit of everything, though he had a rough time scoring in the first 3 games. His block on Thiago Splitter in game 2 might be remembered as the most memorable play of these finals if Miami win. That was an awesome play much like Parker's shot in game 1.
Let's hope for a few more memorable moments and tighter contests over the remaining games. My theory about game 3 winners after a 1-1- tie always taking the series is also under duress here with the Heat wresting home court back. Spurs have to win at least one more on the road to win the series, but Miami don't have to. Both teams are veteran squads and winning on the road has not been a problem for either. Some experts also feel momentum is a lesser factor in the NBA finals than in other rounds. All of this makes it hard to get a feel for or predict this series even after 4 games. May be game 5 will provide us with all the answers. Off the court, the most significant news to me has been the retirement of Grant Hill and Jason Kidd. They came into the league together in 1994 and are going out together after long careers. It's truly an end of an era in the NBA - an era that will always be close to my heart as I grew up as an NBA fan during that time. I am also proud that both their paths passed through the Phoenix Suns. I can't believe Kidd has already scored a head coaching job with the Nets, but I wish him good luck.
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