Oklahoma City Thunder: Why They'll Win the 2012 NBA Finals

The day is finally upon us. 

Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant, two of the NBA's best looking for their first ring, Derek Fisher looking for his sixth. There are many storylines surrounding these finals and now all the hype will end tonight as the first game tips off. 

There are many predictions about who will win this game and why, and just like everybody else I have my own opinion.

And agree with me or not I am picking the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the series in seven games. 

The Thunder are coming off of a series in which they knocked off the top-seeded Spurs who were at one point on a huge winning streak. They lost the first two in San Antonio before going on a four-game win streak advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since moving to Oklahoma City and becoming the Thunder. 

Before the series with the Spurs, the Thunder reached the Western Conference Finals in the blink of an eye. They disposed of the defending NBA champions with ease and then they fought off Kobe Bryant's impressive performance during the semifinals, winning in five games. 

Miami's road to the finals was not as impressive but they managed to get it done. They completely dominated the Knicks other than a Game 4 matchup that saw Carmelo Anthony go on a huge run. During the Pacers series they were being questioned if they could win after losing Games 2 and 3, but they eventually went on to win the next three games, advancing to the conference finals. 

The conference finals seemed to be in hand after the Heat captured the first two games against the aging Celtics. Then the Celtics went on an improbable run, winning the next three games. The Heat seemed to be all but done and critics were ready to start again about how the Heat can't get it done.

Then, LeBron decided that he should silence those critics and lead his team to victory in the next two games, advancing to the finals for the second straight year. 

The Miami Heat may have more experience than the Thunder in the finals, but I don't think that it will be a problem for the young team. The Thunder have home-court advantage throughout these finals, which will make a huge difference, as they have not lost a game at home so far during the playoffs. 

The Thunder have more depth on their bench than the Heat. Their defense in the frontcourt is much more superior as well. Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins should be key factors in the upcoming series for the Thunder to win. 

Another problem that the Heat have is having an established point guard. The Thunder have a very good one in Westbrook and for the Heat, switching between Chalmers and Cole can become very inconsistent. 

The Thunder also have that depth at the point guard position. When Westbrook goes off, you get a five-time NBA champion coming off the bench as your backup. Fisher will bring the experience needed to help propel them to a title. 

This series isn't just about James vs. Durant, it's so much more. This should be an exciting series and either way, whoever wins, it will be a great story. Ultimately though, I think that the Thunder will take the series in seven games and be crowned 2012 NBA Champions and also the next great dynasty.