Conference Finals Frenzy

I said I'd be back, didn't I? After a very long break from SixtySecondSports, I have finally returned to the site. I'm thrilled to be back and writing here again, and what a great time to come back. Without further ado, the NBA playoffs are currently at their prime, with both the Eastern and Western Conference Finals tied at 1-1. Both away teams were able to clinch Game 2 in the fourth quarter, especially the Oklahoma City Thunder with all of the Russell Westbrook drama. The first four games of the Conference Finals were everything we were hoping for and more, whether it was Dirk Nowitzki going 24 for 24 from the free throw line with 48 points in Game 1 or Taj Gibson and Kevin Durant dunking on their opponents. I think that there's definitely more to come in the next few weeks, starting tonight with Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. These matchups will not end soon, but I think we're going to see a rematch of the 2006 NBA Finals. Here are my predictions for the rest of the Conference Finals.

Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat - Heat in 6
Miami vs. Boston was arguably the matchup the fans wanted to see the most, and they got it. Unfortunately, Boston could not keep up with the younger Heat team, and lost the series in 5 games. While partially injured, Rajon Rondo was limited to just 10 PPG and 7.6 APG in the Conference Semis. Now, Miami has limited league MVP Derrick Rose to just 37% shooting in the first two games in Chicago, and the Heat have a ton of momentum going back home. Udonis Haslem played a critical role in their Game 2 victory, and he will definitely augment Miami's rebounding for the rest of the series. Chicago did an outstanding job limiting LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Game 1, but the real All Stars showed what they could do in Game 2. I would be incredibly surprised to see the new Big 3 lose Game 3 after everything they were able to do on Wednesday, and I think they won't be looking back after that.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Mavs in 7
Oklahoma City was able to accomplish a lot on Thursday night, winning the game with four of their five starters on the bench for the fourth quarter. I think Russell Westbrook is going to be extremely motivated for Game 3 and as a result, OKC will come out in top in their first home Conference Final game. However, Dallas is too deep even without Caron Butler, who they've been missing since early January. All of the other players realize that in Butler's absence, they have to step up, and that's why we've seen great games from players like Jason Terry and J.J. Barea. If Dirk has a bad game (which at this rate he probably won't), he's got plenty of others who can help him carry the load. Even though Nowitzki's almost averaging almost 30 PPG, the Mavs have five other guys averaging over 9. Therefore, I think Dallas escapes this series in a tight one.