Tosse defenses, young protagonists: technical key, background and prediction of the duel between Oklahoma City and Minnesota at the start tonight
An unexpected, young, balanced conference final with two intriguing protagonists of the new generation of NBA stars, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards. The Playoff series Oklahoma City-Minnesota will decide who will represent the West at the Finals 2025. It will not be a usual name: the Thunders have not played them since 2012, the Timberwolves have never played them. Oklahoma City will have the favorable series of series head n. 1 of the Western Conference, strong of the 68 races (out of 82) won in the regular season, the Wolves, series head n. 6, they have just been the fifth team since 1984, since the playoff format has been expanded to 16 teams, to reach the final of the western conference with seeding from 6 down. Yet the outcome of the comparison, as the 2-2 seasonal in direct clashes reiterates, is far from obvious. The certainty is the defensive vocation of both teams, the health of the contenders, advanced in the playoffs also because they are healthier than rivals, mowed by accidents. And then the athleticism from Highlights assured of many protagonists.
double couple
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There are a couple of double comparisons not to be missed. First of all, the one among men franchises, Shai, probable MVP seasonal, and Ant, who does not fear comparisons for talent. They will try to consecrate themselves from the fashion of the moment as a reference NBA for everyone. I am the new one that advances, but will they be ready to “take” the scepter already now? They chase the first finals, at 26 and 23 years old. Perhaps between the two main quarrels to decide the fate of the series, however, those who will win the confrontation between the third unbroken, for the opponent will win. Chet Holmgren and Julius Randle are totally different long for physical and technical qualities, however, both have a lot to demonstrate to the playoffs. The 23 -year -old girl of the Thunder who is already ready to move the balance when it matters more, the former Knicks, super in the first two rounds, that the flops in post season with New York were conjunctural, not his fault. Race 1 is scheduled tonight, from 2.30 on Wednesday 21 May. Ready?
Oklahoma City Thunder (1) -minneSota Timberwolves (6)
The teams
Oklahoma City (68-14): Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort, Jal. Williams, Holmgren, Hartentein. Main reserves: Caruso, Wallace, Wiggins, Jay. Williams. Coach: Mark Daigneault.
Minnesota (49-33): Conley, Edwards, McDaniels, Randle, Gobert. Main reserves: Cash, Alexander-Walker, Reid. Coach: Chris Finch.
the keys
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Minny dominated under the basket against Lakers and Warriors, in previous rounds, both with the long and penetration. But it should be noted that it is Los Angeles and Golden State did not have who knows what centers, indeed they did not have a 5 that can be proposed at this level. Isaiah Hartentein and Holmgren will defend the iron of the Thunders in a different and better way. Will Randle, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid beat the raids under the basket of Ant? This is the most intriguing tactical comparison, but certainly not the only one who will be decisive. The defenses are excellent, strong of super athletes, the low scores are not listed also because both teams against defense deployed are struggling, more athletic than brain. Mike Conley is the only one of the Wolves with skilled game readings, but will he be able to keep a boot defensively to be able to be on the field in attack? The 37 years of age begins to “hear them”. Another question mark is the inexperience of the Thunder, very young. Alex Caruso was crucial against Denver in the 2nd round by veteran who has already passed us, who won a title (with the Lakers), who knows how to do it. But he is a spoiler out of the bench, not a firstor. And with just 31 years already the veteran of his. Coach Daigneault, only 40 years old, also paid a lot in the last two playoff campaigns like youth sins: too often messy. The attack on the defensive area of the Nuggets was a half disaster. Coach Finch seems an advantage for wolves as lucidity in the game. Ah, Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker are cousins. Could the family “feud” be missing?
The factor x
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Chet Holmgren. Born and raised in Minneapolis where he went to high school and became a national basketball prospectus before going to play college in Gonzaga, to the west. He can win the series at the Thunder in defense with the stupper skills, with that wing opening from the royal eagle, and in attack with the 3 shot leading to defend on the perimeter, mobile sands for them, Randle and Gobert.
the prediction
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4-3 Oklahoma City.
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