Why Cavaliers, Thunder are on NBA Finals collision course
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, both from smaller NBA markets, are on a potential collision course to the NBA Finals, despite not being the most desirable matchup for television broadcasters. The Thunder have set a record for the largest winning margin this season, including a notable 51-point victory over Memphis. The Cavaliers secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference and recently completed a dominant four-game sweep against the Miami Heat, highlighted by a 55-point win. Both teams are considered historically strong, with the Thunder potentially being one of the best teams ever, and the Cavaliers having a standout season despite not having LeBron James. Although overshadowed by more popular teams like the Warriors and Lakers, the Cavaliers and Thunder are poised to advance to the Finals, assuming they maintain their current form through the remaining playoff rounds.
Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, both smaller market teams, might face each other in the NBA Finals, a matchup not favored by television networks but considered exciting on the court.
Oklahoma City Thunder set an NBA record for the largest winning margin this season, including a significant 51-point win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the first playoff round.
Cleveland Cavaliers clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference and completed a dominant four-game sweep against the Miami Heat with a 55-point victory.
The Thunder are potentially one of the best NBA teams ever, while the Cavaliers are having a remarkable season, even without the presence of LeBron James.
Despite not being the focal point of public confidence, due to more popular teams like the Warriors and Lakers, the Cavaliers and Thunder are likely to advance to the Finals if they continue their current performance.
Both teams are underdogs in terms of media attention, but their on-court performances make them heavy favorites to reach the NBA Finals, along with the defending champions, the Boston Celtics.
The narrative highlights the potential for these teams to make history as they progress through the playoffs, showcasing their strength and capability to compete at the highest level.
The NBA's television broadcast partners certainly don't want it.
Cleveland and Oklahoma City, two of the smaller markets in the league, could meet in the NBA Finals.
From a TV perspective, maybe that's a meh matchup. But on the court? Goodness gracious, it'd be brilliant.
The Thunder set the NBA record for winning margin this season, and they had a 51-point first-round win over Memphis.
The Cavs cruised to the East's top seed, then just finished off the Heat in a four-game sweep capped by a 55-point win on Monday night.
These are two of the best teams in basketball history when you break it all down on paper.
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The Thunder have a case as the best team ever.
The Cavs aren't quite there, but considering their previous pedigree in years they didn't have LeBron James, this is a special campaign for both conference's No. 1 seeds.
Maybe it doesn't shock some to hear that the 1-seeds aren't just backed by overwhelming public confidence. That's because teams like the Warriors and Lakers have stolen much of the thunder.
Cleveland and OKC are probably just fine with that. There's nothing wrong with flying under the radar.
And at the moment, these two dominant, huge-win teams look like they'll fly right on to Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
There are still two rounds to get through, yes, but these are the heavy favorites (along with the defending champion Celtics), assuming you're OK with small market teams playing for the most revered trophy in basketball.