EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS MATCH-UP SET

The Eastern Conference final is set. While some fans might be disappointed to see LeBron James in his fifth straight Eastern Conference, finals his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, is the clear favorite to come out of the East.  The Atlanta Hawks will be their opponent in the Eastern Conference finals beginning Wednesday.

There are key factors for both of teams in this series. The Cleveland Cavaliers have to spread the floor defensively to stop the high-powered offense of the Hawks. On the offensive end they must continue to make plays whether it be attacking the paint or penetrating to find the open man. The Hawks key factor is to slow down the Cavaliers and force them to turn the ball over.  Transition offense combined with their ability to shoot will be essential in this series. This will move defenders away from the basket leading to easy trips to the rim.

During the regular season these two teams were the top two teams in the Eastern Conference for a reason. Two of the top 10 offensive teams in the league, this series will come down to, who can defend at a high level?  The Cavaliers have the capability, but so do the Hawks. Despite their similar capabilities I believe the Cavaliers can do it for four games to win the series. We often see the player LeBron James without acknowledging the leader LeBron James.  The way he has rallied and lead his inexperienced injured team this post season is something that can’t be measured. The Hawks struggled from beyond the arc against the Wizards and I believe will struggle once again against the defense of the Cavaliers.

The main point is the Hawks don't have the star power to beat the Cavaliers. Team basketball is the name of the game. A true super star and leader will be what it takes to make it to the finals and the Hawks don’t have that. I believe the Cavaliers will win in 6 or less games.