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As the basketball playoffs are intensifying, I would like to give a breakdown of where the teams currently stand and what my predictions for the future will be. To recap, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks are playing in the Eastern Conference Finals and the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns are playing in the Western Conference Finals.

Last round, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Nets (the favorite to win the championship) in a gritty series that went all 7 games. The Atlanta Hawks, the lowest-seeded team remaining, stunned the 76ers by defeating them in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Milwaukee Bucks are the clear favorites up 2-1 in the series with 2-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, all-star Khris Middleton, and their new addition Jrue Holiday. However, you can never count out the Atlanta Hawks after the way they have been playing all playoffs. Coming into the season, the Hawks were not even expected to make the playoffs. They have talent, but most of their players are young and have been drafted in the last 3 years. However, the youngsters led by Trae Young and John Collins are shocking the league and playing exceptional basketball. If Trae Young can recover from the injury that he suffered last game, my gut is telling me that the Hawks will take this series and advance to their first championship series since 1961. However, if he is not 100% healthy, I give this series to the Bucks.

In the last round, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Jazz, the #1 team in the Western Conference, without their best player: 2-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. Without Kawhi, it will be tough for the Clippers to advance any further than they already have. The Phoenix Suns swept the Nuggets in the last round and looked as strong as any team has looked all playoffs. With a 3-1 series lead and the 3-headed-monster of Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton, the Suns should easily advance to their first Finals in the last 30 years.

If the Finals were to come down to the Atlanta Hawks and the Phoenix Suns, it would be a tough fought battle between a lot of young talent. This year's Finals would represent a huge passing of the baton moment for the NBA to the next generation of young players. The Finals over the last decade have consistently featured legends such as Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry playing in them. However, this year both these teams are being led by young up-and-coming players in the league with zero playoff experience, who are looking to be the next generation of legends. With all that said, as well as the Hawks have been playing, I think their crazy run will come to an end in the Finals. The Phoenix Suns have been playing consistently great basketball all year and have dominated the playoffs like no other team has. I think they will overpower the Hawks with their 3 superstars and win their first Finals in franchise history. I am very excited to keep watching the playoffs and see if predictions come true.

Comments

  1. Nevin JonsonJune 28, 2021 at 11:40 PM

    I'd really like a Hawks-Suns Finals but I'm not sure how close it would be. Then again the Hawks have continued to bounce back and grind out wins all playoffs so they could surprise everyone yet again. I am just so tired of all the injuries that seem to be happening and that happened earlier in the playoffs to teams that have been eliminated already. The Nets lost Harden and Kyrie for some games, and with those two healthy all series I don't think the Bucks would have had a chance. Also as you mentioned the Hawks are dealing with a banged up Trae Young. And how the Clippers keep managing to win games without Kawhi I have no idea. I'm just hoping for no more injuries because I'd much rather see Giannis/Middleton against Trae Young/Collins, and Booker/CP3/Ayton against Kawhi/PG than some mediocre backups.

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  2. Damien XieJune 29, 2021 at 5:19 PM

    Hello Jake, thanks for the interesting sport analysis that we all need. From an outsider's point of view I always wonder what do Lakers fan think about the Clippers having a successful season so far. My assumption is that they would root against them just like how we befriend whoever plays against UCLA. Keep us updated!

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  3. Lucy PapeJune 30, 2021 at 6:58 AM

    Thanks for the lesson Jake! I hardly ever make the time to keep up with pro sports even though I love watching games. I haven't heard the Phoenix Suns mentioned so much until this season so I was relieved to see you write that this would be their first finals in franchise history and I'm not just completely clueless. As much as I'd love for the Clippers to beat the suns, I don't think they can do it without Kawhi either.

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