Though it seems like just yesterday that the first round of the Playoffs began, it has come time for the Finals, the round everyone has been anxiously waiting for. Sixteen teams have been cut down for four and soon only one team will be left standing, left with the ring, left with it all.
Going into this I had my sights on the Denver Nuggets, the LA Lakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic. Clearly the Nugs fell short, very short, of my expectations and the Cavs by some horrible and unexplainable fate were thrown out as well, but hey, at least two of my picks are still around, right?
At this point I have to say I am going with the Orlando Magic taking it all. This is not only because I am a firm believer in getting even and am therefore looking forward to a Celtic beatdown and not only because I think they are easily the deepest team in the league, but because of the type of motivation they hold.
I know what all of you are thinking-all the teams want to come out on top-but hear me out.
Starting with the Lakers, it should be no surprise to anyone that they are hard workers. Though I can name a handful of players who have measured up as well as surpassed Kobe skill-wise, to me it is debatable whether anyone can beat him out in the work ethic category. This guy lives and breathes basketball more than anyone else, and by way of his leadership and experience, he has passed on his secrets to the rest of his team. However, at this point, the core of the Lakers' drive is maintaining their reputation and staying the best. Now, I am not saying there is anything wrong with this, as it has obviously doen them a world of good, however, different types of motivation produce different results.
The Celtics, though also wanting their "brand" to stay afloat, are powered by a different core desire: revenge. My hatred fror them aside, they are a brutal and angry team, and though they too are hard working and even I can't deny that skill exists, they are here to stick it to other teams. For them, making it into the Finals was important, but what was key was who they beat to get there. As far as their system of thinking, their type of determination, for the most part it has been working for them, but I personally can't imagine it carrying them through it all.
The Suns are a strange case, and to me, perhaps have an advantage. They are the surprise guests, the unexpected visitors, and that role alone may indeed get them farther than predicted. With the Sns, it is not so much about their type of determination, which I honestly believe is solely based on being the best you can be and enjoying the game, but more so on how they are viewed by others. At a superficial level, defending one's name and seeking revenge may seem to be more powerful than simply loving the game, but upon closer examination, having fun may actually be stronger. The Suns' mentality lets go of many pressures and allows for better concentration. It is not about comparing themselves to the Lakers but comparing themselves to themselves years back. It is an independent battle, one that takes inner focus and inner reflection.
Overall though, I think that the Magic do it best. Their desire comes from wanting to win, and thats it. It is not about wanting to prove anything or beat anyone out, it is simply about the, and the ring, and because of this, I think they have the best chance. They are not focused on the franchise. They are not focused on other teams. And they are not focused on themselves. They are focused on the title and as long as they keep it up, I believe this mentality will outdo all the rest.
The Magic have swept with a 8-0 record, better than the other three remaining teams, but at this point, this is not what matters. From here on out it is about heart. And with the Orlando Magic having theirs in the right place, I am backing them fully.
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