NBA Playoff Schedule 2016: Dates, TV Schedule and Storylines for NBA Finals
The Cleveland Cavaliers are on to the 2016 NBA Finals as they await the winner of the showdown between the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Given how routinely LeBron James and the Cavaliers dissected the Eastern Conference, it's not outlandish to believe the so-called weaker conference could emerge as the victor in the championship round.
After all, Stephen Curry and the Warriors will play host to Kevin Durant and the Thunder on Monday night in Game 7 while LeBron and Co. kick up their feet and watch closely.
Before the matchup gets set, let's take a look at how folks should set their calendars and outline some things to watch along the way.
NBA Finals Schedule
| 1 | Thursday, June 2 | Team A | ABC |
| 2 | Sunday, June 5 | Team A | ABC |
| 3 | Wednesday, June 8 | Team B | ABC |
| 4 | Friday, June 10 | Team B | ABC |
| 5* | Monday, June 13 | Team A | ABC |
| 6* | Thursday, June 16 | Team B | ABC |
| 7* | Sunday, June 19 | Team A | ABC |
NBA Finals Storylines
Cleveland's Do-Over
Remember last year?
Cleveland limped into the Finals without a guy by the name of Kevin Love (shoulder), and Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending knee injury in Game 1.
Not this year.
This year, it's all about the cohesive team the Cleveland front office worked hard to construct. Maybe it didn't seem like it in the regular season as the Cavaliers chewed through former head coach David Blatt, but the core has the look of a future title-winner—and LeBron isn't shy about pointing out the year-to-year difference.
He spoke recently with ESPN.com's Dave McMenamin on the topic.
"There's definitely a different feeling," James said. "I didn't appreciate last year myself personally on getting to the Finals. Just so much was going on in my mind, knowing that Kev was out for the rest of the season and knowing that Ky was dealing with injuries all the way from the first round."
ESPN.com's Kevin Pelton provided a nugget to demonstrate Cleveland's dominance over the East:
But there's little debate over whether Cleveland is a better team this time. Over those 14 games, Love tallied 13 double-digit scoring efforts and nine double-digit rebounding outputs. Irving hit double-digit points in every contest and went for 20 or more in 12 games.
Sprinkle in key outings from guys like J.R. Smith and Channing Frye, and the fact the Cavaliers get to rest up has to strike fear in both the Thunder and Warriors.
The Future of the King
Cliche or not, there's an elephant in the room surrounding the Cavaliers.
It's fun to focus on Durant's upcoming trip to free agency, but lost in the chatter is the fact James sits on a player option.
Maybe it doesn't wind up coming into play at all, but that doesn't mean it's worth ignoring. If the Cavaliers get whipped in the Finals, what happens?
ESPN.com's Zach Lowe provided an interesting perspective at the end of March: "The organization is confident James won’t leave again, but officials acknowledge it would be at least a slight possibility if Cleveland flames out."
There's another interesting side to this, too. What if James gets Cleveland a title and decides his obligation to the city is complete? It's a possibility ESPN's Stephen A. Smith (via NBC Sports' Dan Feldman) suggested:
"LeBron James promised the city of Cleveland, “I’m coming back to bring you that elusive title that has escaped this city since 1964.” He never said anything about staying once he does accomplish that.
I’m in Miami last week. I’m in Miami a few months ago. Skip Bayless, I’m hearing about a return to Miami if this man wins. He ain’t going nowhere if he loses. But, if he wins, his options are open. LA, but especially Miami, a return to South Beach.
"
Again, maybe nothing comes of this. But there's nothing wrong with keeping the possible widespread implications of how the Finals shake out in mind as the series proceeds.
That includes both the obvious (Durant) and unexpected (James).
The Rest Factor
Cleveland's sitting back awaiting a winner as the Thunder and Warriors beat the tar out of each other.
On Saturday night, Curry and the Warriors had to explode to a 33-18 final-frame advantage to squeak out a 108-101 victory.
It's just been that kind of series. Oklahoma City—the stunner after already having taken down the San Antonio Spurs—stole a game on the road and then mopped up via two blowouts at home.
The Warriors have responded with two straight wins to stay alive. But it all comes at the price of entering the Finals at a potential disadvantage.
It's hard to argue with the notion that the Warriors can win any series that goes the distance. Eventually, the shots start falling, and there's a snowball effect of epic proportions. But Oklahoma City will put the theory to the test Monday.
Then the Cavaliers will put one of the two to a similar test in the Finals, gunning to end the title round early on fresh legs. Get ready.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
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