The NBA playoffs are here and this spring’s version could be historic.
Last year’s Finals matchup was a network executive’s dream come true when the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Boston Celtics. If you thought last June’s matchup was perfect, just you wait.
The Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers each earned the No. 1 seed in their conferences thanks to great home records (75-7 combined). If both teams keep dominating on their home floors, America would witness the most legendary Finals in the post-Jordan era.
Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are arguably the most recognizable figures in the league and would turn every sports bar in America into a madhouse if destiny has its way.
The two superstars were meant for this. Bryant and James are the most competitive players in the league and watching those two men fight for bragging rights on the biggest stage in the basketball world would be amazing to witness.
Where (insert here) happens
I would love to shake the hand of every NBA marketing representative. They’re geniuses. “Where amazing happens” is such perfect way to pitch the playoffs.
A fascinating thing seems to occur every year during playoff time. A team steps up and surprises (Golden State, 2007) and players place themselves among the games elite (Dwayne Wade, 2006). A rivalry is reborn (Boston versus Los Angeles, 2008) and youth gets served (Cleveland versus San Antonio, 2007).
Which teams and players will grab the spotlight this year?
Interesting fact
When the Cavs clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, I became curious. What I had discovered should have stayed hidden.
Since the 1998-99 season, only two teams who owned home-court advantage throughout the playoffs actually won the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Not good news for Cleveland fans.
40 games, 40 nights
A lot can happen in two months of drama-filled basketball action.
Will we see the Lakers receive an early boot? Can the Celtics make a dent in the Eastern Conference without Kevin Garnett? Will LeBron James meet his destiny?
These questions won’t be answered for another handful of weeks. But that’s the best part.