If Oklahoma City loses this series, and I think Denver will take a 2-1 lead tonight, nobody will take the "Thunder" seriously in coming years, not until they win the league. It's the Arsenal Rule.
The Arsenal Rule also applies to Cleveland. They have to get to the Finals. I think they will win their series with Indiana; I think they will beat Beans or New York for the East crown. That would take them to the Finals and make the season a success, but I don't know their chances playing the West champ. The "Thunder" are the most talented club team in the world. But they are callow. They don't have callouses from past Finals. The one time the transplanted Seattle "Supersonics" made the Finals was a player-generation ago, in 2012. They were favorites in those Finals and took a 1-0 lead. They then lost four straight to Miami. They weren't ready.
I don't think Denver is going to win this series against OKC, but they're going to push those young 'uns. If Denver does win, they would then face either Minnesota or Golden State in the West Final. The "T-Wolves" are an interesting, exciting, volatile team with Anthony Edwards and Rudy Punch-a-Teammate-on-the-bench Gobert, a perennial DPOY candidate and previous winner. If Minn. beat GSW, with Draymond Punch-a-Teammate Green, they would face OKC in the West final. I'd take OKC on talent but it's a close thing. If GSW wins, and all is dependent on Steph Curry, I would take the "Warriors" to beat the "Thunder" for the West crown.
If it's Denver vs Cleveland in the Finals, I'd take the tested "Nuggets" if they can lock Russell Westbrook away in a room some where. If it's OKC, I'd take the "Cavs". Their starting five, when healthy is nonpareil. If it's Cle. vs Minn, I'd take the "Cavs." Cle. vs GSW is a very intriguing matchup. Cle. has been the most consistently excellent team east of OKC all season. They play with blood vessels made of cast iron and the fluid inside is cold and ruthless. But the "Warriors" have Steph Curry (if they have Steph Curry) and Draymond Green and Playoff Jimmy. I would take SF to beat Cle. in a Finals.
