The NBA playoffs have reached their climax as new young players have come to the forefront. Devin Booker has been incredible for the Suns, while Joel Embiid and Trae Young are battling it out in an interesting series. There seems to be a changing trend in the NBA. It was the first time that LeBron James got knocked in the first round of the playoffs. However, there seems to be a difference this time around. This will be the first time that James, Lakers, and Warriors have not reached the NBA finals.
Despite that, the fans seem to be happy with these recent events.
Since 2006, the NBA Finals have featured either LeBron, the Lakers, or the Warriors
That streak is now over.
We're getting a whole new matchup this year pic.twitter.com/mq22xKYRNr
— SB Nation (@SBNation) June 4, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fans are happy without LeBron James
Since 2007, only five teams have won the title apart from James, Lakers, and Warriors. This includes the San Antonio Spurs- twice, the Paul Pierce-led Celtics, Nowitzki’s dream title run, and the incredible journey of Toronto Raptors with Kawhi Leonard. However, the matchup between Stephen Curry vs LeBron James was the hottest ticket in town in recent years.
James is a four-time NBA champion with three different teams while Curry has won the NBA titles thrice.
USA Today via Reuters
May 27, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket past Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the fourth quarter of game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY | Courtesy: Reuters
According to a recent poll by SB Nation, around 79% of the fans seem to be happy that James is not competing in the finals. After many playoff finals between these two teams, fans are happy to see the young talents thriving in the league. Let’s look at those players who are producing incredible performances on the court.
READ MORE- ‘Kawhi Mann’: NBA Community Goes Ballistic As LA Clippers Reach Conference Finals For the First Time
The new guns in the NBA
The Western Conference finals are scheduled to start soon. The Clippers beat the Jazz in a fantastic comeback after losing Leonard to a knee injury; however, the extent of the injury is still unknown. But Terrance Mann showed why they didn’t miss Kawhi while he put on an outrageous performance in game 6 against the Jazz. On the other hand, the Suns are expected to lead the charge against them with Devin Booker showing the potential he had.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game four in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters.
Out in the East, Trae Young has silenced his doubters this season while taking the Hawks all the way to game 6. Likewise, the matchup between Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo is proving to be a tight contest as they battle it out against each other for the title of the best player in the league.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite LeBron James not being there in the playoff finals, the teams in the finals this season is quite brilliant. All the teams have one thing in common-budding young players. The era of LeBron James and Stephen Curry is ending. With Morant, Doncic, Zion, Tatum, and Trae, the league seems to be in safe hands for years to come.
WATCH THIS STORY- The Day Michael Jordan was Embarrassed by Celtics’ Reggie Lewis’ Brilliance
