The definition of the Conference Finals in the NBA brings with it great expectations about who will go on to dispute the basketball crown in 2023. Here are all the details.
Eastern Conference
The Boston Celtics did their thing by destroying the Philadelphia 76ers by a score of 112-88 in Game 7 of their series. The 76ers' big stars were absent. Notably, James Harden missed the game, scoring 9 points in 41 minutes of play. Meanwhile, MVP Joel Embiid disappointed with 15 points in 38 minutes.
On the other hand, the Celtics' Jayson Tatum did show up. Tatum scored 51 points, making it clear that he reserved his best performance of the series for the most important game. Tatum scored 51 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and added 5 assists. But he didn't do it all alone. Tatum received support from Jaylen Brown who poured in 25 points.
For Boston, the challenge now is the Miami Heat. Miami showed no difficulty in dispatching the New York Knicks, so the next question is: does Boston have what it takes to advance to the finals?
The Heat expect Boston to run out of gas after such a close series against Philadelphia. But, Tatum has made it clear who the true star of the Eastern Conference is so the Heat should be prepared to face one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA.
Already a classic in the ECF
For the third time in 4 years we will face the Heat for a place in the NBA Finals.
Come on we ☘️ pic.twitter.com/MQ4RmjdOCr
- x - Celtics Arg (4-3) (@ArgCeltics) May 15, 2023
Western Conference
The biggest story in the Western Conference has been the unexpected campaign of the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James and company shocked the basketball world by knocking off the defending champions. Steph Curry and his gang had few answers for a Lakers team with key players injured and James showing signs of his age.
It is worth mentioning that the Lakers started the season with a 2-10 record, barely qualified for the playoffs, and then, one by one, have been eliminating team after team. Los Angeles has accomplished all of this with a balanced roster that has shown no signs of cracking in the face of adversity.
In contrast, the Denver Nuggets have been the dominant team in the West from day one. Their arrival in the conference finals is no surprise. What does generate astonishment is Nikola Jokic and company meeting LeBron James. Logic dictates that this series should end with Denver advancing to the Finals. However, do James and the Lakers have one more miracle up their sleeves?
The safe bet is to see the Celtics take on the Nuggets. A final between Tatum and Jokic would be completely irresistible. Two of the biggest stars going head-to-head on the biggest stage is something impossible to miss.
But if anything has been seen in these playoffs, anything is possible.