Chapter 865 Your Prediction Is Completely Wrong
Oklahoma City is a sea of blue and white tonight.
The last time they reached the finals was not too long ago, in 2012.
It was a team full of expectations and talent.
After leaving Seattle, in just a few years, the Thunder took one step at a time. From the eighth round of the Western Conference, to the Western Conference Finals, and then to the Finals, they only took three years.
In just three years, the dynasty took shape, but a stupid deal ruined everything.
Before the start of the 2012 Finals, many people thought the Thunder would be the winner.
Among them is the affirmation of the Thunder's talent, but also the hatred of LeBron James.
Especially in the first game, after the Thunder beat the Heat at home.
But everyone knows the story behind it, and the young people paid the price for being young.
And James, after sacrificing a part of his own spirit, finally got what he wanted.
After that, history drew a pause in 2012, and ushered in an inflection point in 2013-Li Liang's airborne NBA, opening a new era.
nomadic era.
The shadow of the times has shrouded the sky over Oklahoma City, and the fans here have waited for 4 years.
4 years is not a long time, but it is too long for them.
I thought that after 2012, Thunder would rule the world.
As a result, I waited for several years and waited for the great savior.
Before the start of the game, Jeff Van Gundy was discussing the strength of the two teams with his partner Jackson.
Van Gundy believes that the strength of the Warriors is higher than that of the Cavaliers, but the Thunder's fight against the Cavaliers may not necessarily be as devastating as the Warriors.
After the Western Conference Finals, many people realized that the Thunder had a strong restraint on the Warriors' lineup.
The striker and small lineup that the Warriors are proud of are not enough for the Thunder's two strikers.
Curry was targeted by Westbrook and did not perform well throughout the series.
In front of the Thunder's various lineups that can defend against big and big against small, the Warriors' passing and cutting seemed sluggish and dull, and they did not exert their power at all.
The strength of the Warriors' defense is based on the high-intensity control of the opponent's passing line by the five small lineups.
However, the Thunder's offense does not rely on moving the ball, but on the strong singles ability of the Big Three.
After four games, the Warriors' proud killer, the Death Five, barely played any role.
This also reminded the Cavaliers not to try to use a small lineup to deal with the Thunder.
"The situation of the Cavaliers is not the same as that of the Warriors. The Cavaliers also have a strong ability to play outside with the ball. Irving and James are the best ball-handling attackers in the league. The existence of Paul George makes the Cavaliers' strikers have a better defensive background. To resist the impact of Kevin and Bruce. As for the interior, I think this is always the most important place that has been neglected. Although the three-pointer has become more and more important, I want to say that the Warriors did not gain an advantage in the interior. One of the key factors in losing the series so badly."
Van Gundy made a simple analysis, he believes that the Cavaliers and Thunder will be evenly matched.
According to pre-match predictions, everyone is overwhelmingly optimistic about the Thunder.
After all, the Western Conference Finals swept a 70-win team 4:0, and Oracle scored 20 points in the last two games, which is really surprising.
Thunder's strength makes people feel intimidated.
Even if the Cavaliers lineup is good, people don't think Cleveland has a chance to win a victory over the Thunder.
However, as a professional commentator and senior basketball player, Van Gundy has a different understanding of the matchup between the two sides.
The Cavaliers will definitely not stand still.
The starting lineups on both sides were the same as before, and Li Liang still came to the starting position.
Before the jump ball, Li Liang walked to the technical table and said hello to Jeff Van Gundy, "Hey Jeff, what do you predict the score of the series?"
Van Gundy took off his headset and answered Li Liang's question, "4:2, I'm still optimistic about your Thunder!"
Before the finals, many experts and commentators made predictions for the series.
The vast majority believe that the series will be decided within five games, and the winner will be the Thunder.
There are only a few unconventionals who think that the Cavaliers will win, but the score is also guessed 4:3.
Van Gundy's belief that the Thunder will win 4:2 is based on his professional judgment.
In the Western Conference Finals, Van Gundy believed that the Thunder would deal with the Warriors in five games.
At that time, most experts believed that it would go to Game 7, and a considerable number believed that the Warriors would win.
As a result, the thunderous lineup beat the Warriors to pieces.
Van Gundy also because of his accurate prediction, let people see that the eyes of professionals are different.
As a result, Xiao Fan became popular again on social media.
Van Gundy is a well-known "Bruce fan" and has a very good relationship with Li Liang.
The two often have a lot of exchanges about basketball outside the court.
Xiao Fan is a typical player who can't play basketball, but loves basketball and has engaged in basketball work.
His basketball knowledge, vision and practical experience are not comparable to ordinary fans, or some half-baked experts and media people.
Hearing Van Gundy's prediction, Li Liang smiled and said, "Jeff, I want to tell you that your prediction is completely wrong."
Van Gundy listened and said, "Totally wrong? You mean the Thunder will lose?"
Mark Jackson, who was partnering with Van Gundy on the side, covered his mouth and laughed. It was rare for Li Liang to be defeated.
Li Liang only hated that he didn't have any magnesium powder in his hand, otherwise he would definitely slap Xiao Fan in the face.
"Your score prediction is wrong, we will sweep the Cavaliers."
If the Thunder sweep in the finals, they will create the best record in the playoffs in NBA history.
The 16-game winning streak in the playoffs is unprecedented.
In 2001, the Lakers almost achieved 15 consecutive victories, but they were stopped by Allen Iverson alone.
So although Iverson was only the overall runner-up that year, and there was no suspense in losing 1:4, he was one of the most impressive runners-up in history.
When Li Liang said that, Van Gundy really couldn't refute it.
Because Li Liang has always followed his word in the league.
Especially in the finals, he said sweep, and he never broke his promise.
This guy's ability to control the situation in key games, as well as key nodes and the ability to turn things around at critical moments, has always been incredible.
Li Liang dared to say that, which shows that he has sufficient confidence in the series.
After speaking, Li Liang returned to the court, and the game was about to begin.
LeBron James, wearing a black away jersey, with his braces on his hips, stood next to George.
And Kyrie Irving put his hands on his knees, waiting for the jump ball.
The Big Three of the Thunder stood opposite each other.
Li Liang just calmed down, he knew in his heart that the knight was indeed difficult to deal with.
But Li Liang is too experienced in how to play James' team.
Unless James joins the Warriors this summer, he may not be able to beat Li Liang in his life.
At this time, the referee stood in the middle of the field and threw the ball into the air.
In the strong lights, harsh noises, and the opening remarks of "the start of the game" explained in different languages by various countries, the fourth finals of Li Liang's career began.
His career has reached a peak that no one else can reach.
But after crossing the mountain, there is still a mountain behind, a mountain that no one has ever climbed.
This season is over, the finals will not be written in detail, and a new chapter will start later.