The NBA Finals Match-Up I Want to See (But I Know Won't Happen)

I talked about the Eastern Conference Finals match-up I wanted to see in the NHL not too long ago. Now, I'd like to elaborate on the NBA Finals match-up I'd like to see. It probably won't happen; after all, the only thing standing between Golden State and another NBA Finals appearance is Houston (barring a miracle performance from either Portland or Denver). Still, I think I'd like to talk about this possible match-up.

The Portland Trail Blazers have an exciting backcourt with the likes of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum scoring in bunches. The Denver Nuggets offer a more balanced attack, led by Mike Malone as their head coach. I don't think either of these teams stand a chance against Golden State (or even Houston) because:

1. Portland is missing Jusef Nurkic and don't have the depth that Houston or the Los Angeles Clippers have. The Trail Blazers also don't have much of an answer to the pick-and-roll the Warriors run.
   
2. Denver doesn't have enough scoring despite their balanced attack. Aside from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, there isn't anybody who can take over a game for Denver.
   

I honestly hope the Nuggets/Trail Blazers winner goes on to the NBA Finals, but they'll have a tall task in taking down the Warriors or Rockets.

I don't mind who the winner of this series plays, but I would like to see them take on Milwaukee. Imagine a Dame/Greek Freak NBA Finals match-up. That would be pretty hype. How can Portland stop Milwaukee from taking up so much space on the floor. How will Terry Stotts contain Greek Freak? Will Damian Lillard's heroics come through for Portland? As for Denver/Milwaukee, that would be exciting as well. Here's a rising star in Jokic, led by a Coach of the Year candidate in Michael Malone. Malone will engage in a battle of wits with fellow Coach of the Year candidate Mike Budenholzer.

As much as I want these match-ups, I get a sinking feeling they won't happen. Golden State and Houston are just too good and I have a feeling the Warriors will be back for one potential final hurrah (at least this incarnation). Hey, one can dream, right?