2020 Playoffs - Finals Preview
Jun 7, 2020 13:22:23 GMT
Ian Noble, Walt Frazier, and 4 more like this
Post by Andrei Kirilenko on Jun 7, 2020 13:22:23 GMT
2020 Playoffs - Finals Preview
3. Charlotte Hornets
12-7, +2.7 differential, 44.7% FG, 441 lineup rating
2. Denver Nuggets
12-5, +7.3 differential, 47.2% FG, 434 lineup rating
12-7, +2.7 differential, 44.7% FG, 441 lineup rating
2. Denver Nuggets
12-5, +7.3 differential, 47.2% FG, 434 lineup rating
The 2020 D5 Finals has some familiar faces, with the 2019 runner-up Nuggets squaring off against the 2018 runner-up and 2016 D5 Champion Hornets. These two teams had very different paths in reaching this point; the Nuggets have yet to be seriously challenged in the playoffs, winning each series convincingly in a down-year for the West. The Hornets had to battle 2 of the top teams in the league in Milwaukee and Boston, with both series going to nail-biting Game 7s. We have two powerhouse teams going into war, and the historic D5 context of this matchup can't be overstated.
Alex English, one of the league's most storied and respected GMs, will have to believe that the basketball gods are guiding him to glory this season. With the Warriors injured and KAT out for the playoffs, anything less than reaching the finals would have been a failure for this team this year. However, after 8 years of building around Harden with nothing to show for it, it would be a disaster for Alex to come away empty handed again this season, and would raise serious questions about the team's future. Denver is never going to get a better shot than this, and this finals is an absolute must-win if the Nuggets want to cement themselves in D5 legacy.
James Kay is no stranger to legacy himself, with this being his 3rd finals appearance in 5 years, and one ring already under his belt. This team patiently sat and watched as Boston and Milwaukee battled for the East all season, only to take both down unapologetically when it mattered. Underlying this finals series is also Paul George's impending free agency, which just got a lot more convincing for the Hornets after eliminating ex-teammate LeBron James. The Hornets have to be excited, with a higher rated team, breathing room in free agency, and a chance to become just the 2nd team in D5 history to ever win more than 1 title. If this league is truly about dynasties, then we might be watching one unfold before our eyes.
The Hornets have the ratings advantage in this series, but the Nuggets have some players who have been incredible in the playoffs. The Denver frontcourt of Vucevic, Siakam, and Harris are all individually shooting over 50% in the playoffs, and average a combined 63.9 ppg. The question-mark this year for Denver, surprisingly, is James Harden, who is shooting just 36.7% from the field and averaging just 23.3 ppg in the playoffs. If Harden does not magically return to his normal self in this series, then the Nuggets might not have much hope in finally raising the banner.
Charlotte continues to be guided by Paul George and Russell Westbrook, but, much like the Boston series, I think the strength of this team is in the roleplayers. Middleton is the perfect third option on this team, and Montrezl Harrell has found his role in playing defense and taking just 7 shots per game. It seems that whenever one of the stars has a bad game, the Hornets find someone else to step up, and they hope this balanced attack will be on full-display against the Nuggets. The Hornets will need to find a way to contain Pascal Siakam, however, who continues to be the league's best playoff player, averaging 25.2 ppg on 54.5% shooting and 52% three pointers.
I think this series ultimately comes down to James Harden. Denver needs to find a way to get Harden back on track without sacrificing the success of the other starters in doing so. This team has been dominant these playoffs, but one has to wonder if they could have even made it out of the 2nd round in the East. The Hornets have an incredibly powerful lineup and I think have to be considered the favorites going into this series. They have already eliminated the top 2 records in the league, and know that they have the ability to claim their 2nd D5 championship here.
Prediction: Competitive Hornets win