Nunnie on the Sideline

By “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor

      Arguments, posits, debates about the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony “ Ant man” being the new face of the NBA may be slightly premature, but continued playoff success may quell any doubts or disputes. Leading the T-Wolves in overcoming a 20 point third quarter deficit against the defending champions in Denver speaks volumes about his basketball skills and leadership even as precocious 22 year old  boyish, yet budding superstar. After the T-Wolves won the first 2 games in Denver, only to have the Nuggets return the favor in Minnesota, created much consternation and head scratching. It became immediately apparent that home court advantage meant absolutely zero. My initial picks for the final were Boston and Minnesota; however, I vacillated after Denver’s dominant performance in game 5, believing that things were back to normal. Then the T-Wolves eviscerated the Nuggets in a home game, forcing a game 7 in Denver. Surely the Nuggets would close out the T-Wolves at home. Never happened. The Nuggets in second half looked fatigued, worn down after a difficult, arduous series against the Lakers, missing open shots, turning the ball over at crucial times and being out hustled for loose balls, some of which can be directly attributed to Minnesota’s length and athleticism. Naz Reid blocking a Jokic jump shot- if you can call it that – and the spirited play of twin towers, Rudy Gobert and Carl Anthony Towns, point guard Mike Conley, the athletic Jaden McDaniel and the effervescent, talented Ant Man Edwards make them a formidable opponent for the other Western Conference finalists  Dallas Mavericks and the probable Eastern Conference champions Boston Celtics. The Celtics will meet the Indiana Pacers who disposed of the New York Knicks in a 7th game at Madison Square Gardens. So I repeat my prediction for the final time with no equivocation: The Celtics over the Pacers in the East; the T-Wolves over the Mavs in the West, followed by a 7 game finals and eventual NBA title for the Boston Celtics.