Every year, two of the best teams in the NBA face off in the NBA Finals, and, despite the creation of a 40-acre “Disney Bubble” in Orlando to prevent COVID-19 transmissions, this year is no different. With more than 15 million viewers, this best of 7 series remains one of the world’s most popular sporting events.

In this year’s NBA Finals, Florida’s very own Miami Heat (44-29 in the regular season), will take on former Heat star LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (52-19 in the regular season).

The Heat, while originally the number 5 seed, have exceeded expectations in the playoffs, sweeping the Pacers in the opening round, beating the number 1 seed, Milwaukee Bucks, 4-1 in the Conference Semis and finally winning against the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Both teams failed to qualify for the playoffs last year, each finishing 10th in their conferences. In hopes of honoring the recently passed Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Anthony Davis look to bring the Lakers their first title since 2010, when Bryant defeated the Celtics. The Heat, on the other hand, are the underdogs in this matchup, as they try to secure a championship title for their third decade straight.

Tyler Herro, the first player born in the 2000’s to appear in the NBA Finals, continues to be a driving factor of the Heat’s success this postseason. Even in his worst games, he has still managed to put up double digit points. Herro has drawn attention from many NBA fans, due to his youth, talent, and confidence. After having a dismal game 1, a strong game 2, and a decent game 3, scoring 17 while going 6-18, Heat fans hope Herro will continue to play well to help ensure the Heat’s hot streak.

With the combination of Butler, who is playing exceptionally, the young team that surrounds him, such as Herro and Bam Adebayo, and the veteran experience of Goran Dragic, the Heat have a balanced team. Unfortunately for them, they’re up against a stronger one.

There is no right game plan when playing a team like the Lakers. With the dual-threat of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the youthfulness and energy of Kyle Kuzma and the height and size of Dwight Howard, the Lakers are a tough team to defeat, especially under James’ leadership.

The Heat, filled with the NBA’s upcoming talent, will have a hard test facing the star-studded Lakers lineup. Already being down in the series 3-2, fans will watch to see if the Heat can come back and win.

While viewers are tuning in to see these two teams face off, many are just excited to be reminded of a sense of normalcy.

Paw Print spoke to Rian Greenberg ’24, who said, “With all of the craziness going on in our lives right now, it’s nice having something remain the same as before. Being a Heat fan, it makes it even better.”

Having large sporting events like the NBA Finals find ways to continue safely in this complicated time is a much-needed reminder that people will continue to adapt and look for the good in a tough situation.

Sources: Fox News, Popular Mechanics, Statista