The NBA Finals Are Boring, These Two Concepts May Truly Be Price Watching

Because the NBA’s inferior convention determines whether or not its third- or fourth-best group will likely be despatched to the slaughter, basketball followers with out Caitlin Clark for a few weeks pray for some type of leisure within the Finals.

I’ve recognized a few sources with some potential — neither of which will likely be selling the New York suburbs or one thing known as “Cers” throughout their warmups.

A Boat Race Starting

Wannabe NBA saviors appear fascinated by one thing known as the “Elam Ending,” during which a degree whole, relatively than a clock, determines the sport’s finish. First one to, say, 120 wins — similar to after we performed “21” as youngsters.

One of many benefits, those that have rekindled the concept this month boast, is that it might forestall groups which might be profitable from deliberately fouling the opponent to stop 3-point shot makes an attempt down the stretch of an in depth sport. Frankly, in “21” phrases, it’s extra bust than blackjack.

However a “Boat Race Starting,” then again, is perhaps simply what the physician ordered for blowout pairings in a Tremendous Bowl, Novak Djokovic tennis match or NBA Finals — the latter of which is now staring us within the face.

Underneath the basketball model of this state of affairs, the groups would play 4 occasions — twice at every web site — utilizing cumulative rating to find out the champion. The weaker of the 2 groups would tip off Recreation 1 with a sure variety of factors — a handicap, if you’ll — to assist the matchup finally develop into aggressive.

It is a time-tested methodology of permitting Charles Barkley to presumably win a wager towards Tiger Woods on the golf course. It will have been good if utilized to final yr’s romp by the Celtics, and it’s positively wanted to make this yr’s matchup fascinating.

One of many many benefits a “Boat Race Starting” has is that it minimizes the intentional-foul problem that has prevented some doubtlessly thrilling finishes on this yr’s playoffs. There can be no motive to foul with time winding down within the first three video games of the collection, because the purpose can be — accurately — to maintain the opponent as far behind as potential.

The PGA Tour tried this at its season-ending championship however couldn’t get the handicaps proper, so it has scrapped the concept. In associated information, Scottie Scheffler has introduced he’d wish to be the subsequent NBA commissioner.

I say: Give the Pacers or Knicks a 34-point head begin in a four-game collection and also you’d generate much more pleasure than what ABC goes to faux exists.

If solely the idea had a catchier identify.

An Alumni Recreation

Normal supervisor Sam Presti is getting Gregg Popovich ranges of reward for being the mastermind behind this still-developing Thunder monster. However as with Pop, who’s accused of tanking to be able to create a David Robinson–Tim Duncan pairing from which a dynasty hatched, there are those that downplay Presti’s achievement, noting:

For crying out loud, Elgin Baylor might have flipped Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook right into a superpower.

And let’s not overlook Paul George, Chris Paul and Domantas Sabonis.

Oh yeah, additionally Al Horford, Josh Giddey, Jerami Grant, Steven Adams, Jeff Inexperienced …

You catch the drift. It’s onerous to think about one franchise had all these gamers in some unspecified time in the future. And now it has none.

However take a look at what the treasure chest and Presti’s creativity have created.

The query is: Who’s higher … in the present day’s Thunder or yesterday’s Thunder?

Wouldn’t OKC vs. its alumni make for an interesting sport? Even a collection?

With out query, the used-to-be-SuperSonics have essentially the most spectacular assortment of energetic alumni within the NBA. Think about …

Durant matching up with Chet Holmgren. And vice versa. The fashionable-day mildew for the stretch 4 standing as a mirror picture with the place’s future.

Westbrook getting one other shot at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The MVP needed to overcome 18-point and five-turnover video games to outlive their first set of head-to-heads earlier this month.

The masterful Paul coping with the Thunder’s defensive strain. Harden and George capturing over it. Sabonis, Horford and Inexperienced dominating the within. And even Adams off the bench if Isaiah Hartenstein begins pushing guys round.

To not point out Giddey, Grant, Ty Jerome, Dennis Schroder, Doug McDermott and Cameron Payne having the potential to tackle distinguished roles when Durant, Paul and George undergo their inevitable accidents.

Even with retired alums Kendrick Perkins and Carmelo Anthony serving as co-coaches — sorry, P.J.; you may announce it — a one-game, winner-take-all would possibly want a “Boat Race Starting” to ensure that Shai and the gang to compete.

However over seven video games? Pure magic.

All video games in America’s heartland, the place the gang … dare we are saying there can be a cut up allegiance? Even a small slice of nostalgia lovers? Hey, Thunder followers nonetheless like some of those guys. Simply not Durant.

Positively not Durant.

On the similar time, you gotta consider these banished superstars would take pleasure in a shot at exacting not less than a small measure of revenge … earlier than informing Thunder followers: Heck no, I’m not repping your ugly jersey at my Corridor of Fame ceremony.

And perhaps we throw Westbrook, Harden or Paul a bone — that elusive championship ring — in the event that they win.

In the long run, with Durant, George and Paul watching, it might be the Thunder in seven. A rankings multiplier higher than even Taylor Swift performing as a curtain-raiser.

Or perhaps we save this for All-Star Weekend. With out the “Elam Ending.”