They made quick work of the Lakers and Warriors, allowing themselves valuable days of rest and recovery. They have stayed on an even-keel after ousting the NBA’s biggest names and gold standard franchises, mindful of the ultimate objective. They carried a perfect blend of swagger and acute focus through the first two rounds.
Unlike last season, they enter these conference finals feeling rejuvenated. They are fresh physically, recharged emotionally. They understand that they are only halfway to a championship.
“The team feels extremely focused,” Finch said. “They’ve got unbelievable energy. Just feels very business-like, which is what you want.”
This is how a championship trajectory usually unfolds. It’s not a game of hopscotch from newbie to podium. Teams earn playoff calluses from experiences and failures.
“You know what to bring to the table,” forward Naz Reid said.
They know the pressure. Know the intensity. Know that a seven-game series will include dramatic shifts in momentum. Know that a strong start in Game 1 is a tone-setter.