Final four

It’s supposed to be the NBA Playoffs, but closeout games were decided by blowouts.

The Cleveland Cavaliers emerged as the winner over the Detroit Pistons after they beat each other up in a series that went the 7-game distance.   Less than 48 hours later, they will battle the New York Knicks who had a 9-day rest for the Eastern Conference crown. NYK owns the homecourt edge.

It was a disappointing finish for the number 1 seed Pistons, widely expected by many to win the EC crown.   Their starters folded and allowed the Cavs to blow them out.

With a hamstring injury that kept him out of Games 3 and 4 of the second round, the long rest is beneficial for OG Anunoby. Karl Anthony-Towns has been excellent in the series against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, but he could find rough sailing against a more athletic Jarrett Allen and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley.

The duo of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell are potent offensive threats, with Max Struss providing added firepower from long range. But Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges could frustrate them with their perimeter defense. Jalen Brunson is well, Jalen Brunson and is posting impressive post season scoring average of 27.4 points per game along with 6.1 assists.

Coach Mike Brown led Cleveland to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007 with a then 22-year-old Lebron James. It would be remarkable if he manages to out-strategize Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson and win the EC title.

If anyone can beat the OKC Thunder, it’s the San Antonio Spurs. In their five meetings during the regular season, the Spurs dominated them four times. The Western Conference Finals is a battle between the top seed (OKC) and the second seed (SAS).

It will be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, awarded his second consecutive league MVP against Victor Wembanyama, unanimously chosen as Defensive Player of the Year.

OKC’s support crew will make life easier for SGA, with the perimeter duo of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain can easily adapt if the Spurs put the clamps on SGA.

San Antonio has the edge on the defensive side.   De’Aaron Fox will steady the team with his veteran savvy.   The core of Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and NBA Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson matches evenly with OKC’s core.