State your claim

Hell and fire couldn�t stop these two colossal franchises from making it to the Conference Finals. The two juggernauts of the NSL have shown time and time again that they are a cut above the rest. But resting on laurels and thinking that you are a champion before the cup has been lifted as a fool�s game. Scholars won�t be speaking of the successes of a man who seeks to be a legend; rather a man who claims it. The Portland Trailblazers have amassed the best record in the competition and seen off their worthy opponents in a clean-sweep streak that has many wondering how they can be stopped. On the other side we have the San Antonio Spurs, beyond the one loss to New Orleans they have been mighty impressive. Both GMs have been vocal and ever-active during the season, proving that being a move-and-shaker in the league has it�s benefits. Ultimately one franchise will make their way to the 20-21 Championship Finals Series � and one franchise will be left to lament a lost opportunity. Each team have reasons for winning, and each have reasons for needing to win. The benches from both teams boast names that will make a difference:

�       Reggie Jackson

�       Robert Covington

�       Jordan Bell

�       Ken Bazemore

�       Marc Gasol

�       Enes Kanter

But it really comes down to the Triple Threats.

The Triple Threat

GM JMac and GM Nels have flexed their wears throughout the year, stubbornly seeking to find the edge needed to take the title. However, the very moves have seemed to almost find the edge against one another. They both boast a triple threat structure to their rosters. Not to say that others are lesser than in the grand scheme of their team production.
Portland

Portland have a trio that is tough to beat � Leonard, Harden and Westbrook.
The defensive prowess of Kahwi Leonard is a cornerstone for the Blazers, and if he doesn�t hurt you with his stifling defensive play, he can equally hurt you with his scoring and playmaking. James Harden is a dynamic player in this Blazers rotation � a lethal scorer. Harden strikes fear into the other squad, with his arsenal of talent it will be hard to nullify him. And the much forgotten Russell Westbrook, how can we forget about him. Brodie is a fighter. In a scrap, you would want him in your corner. His athleticism and grind is hard to rival.

San Antonio

The Spurs have a lethal trio of their own � Lillard, Butler and Holiday; plus Drummond. Damian Lillard has been monumental for the franchise. His acquisition and subsequent production has made this franchise what it is. The leadership, vision and bullish scoring of Dame is a cornerstone of this team�s success. Butler is a fighter � as much as Brodie on the other side is. You need the likes of Butler to be on your side when the flames are rising because he will emerge to be your protector; time and time again. Holiday is the definition of consistency, harbouring a wealth of talents that have ensured first use for the likes of Butler and Lillard. Drummond is the ace in the whole � he sets up the play with his defensive game � hence why I have given him the PLUS ONE title.

Can the Big 3 + 1 of San Antonio defeat the Big 3 of Portland?

Matchups

Howard v Drummond

If anyone can minimise the impact of Andre Drummond it is out of a handful of players, luckily for the Blazers one of them is Howard. ON the boards I think that the game will be won and lost in this area � as the board power of Drummond on both ends has been elite through the season. Both have put up similar numbers and the first usage that Dre brings is what will be most important.
0 Portland � 1 San Antonio

WCS vs Noel

Willy vs Nerlens � it is a match up that will be a bit understated by many considering the others areas of the court. However, the battle here will be important in my opinion as the edge on the boards and the inside game will be paramount for both teams. As Drummond and Howard duke it out, so too will these guys. Both are similar sizes, both have similar skill sets and both will be able to cover the same territory. I am calling this bout a draw.

1 Portland � 2 San Antonio

Leonard vs Butler

The Spurs have moved and switched up their 3 slot with regularity � however I think this matchup is the one we will see and will hope to see. They matchup well. They both have a hard-nosed edge on defence. They both have a skillset that is lethal when firing. I personally think that Leonard will be unable to be stopped in this series � off the back of his 36 in the final game of the Dallas series, I don�t see Butler being able to combat his production at the moment.

Kawhi Leonard Trade Proposals - The Ringer" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1" class=" selected" title="Our Wildest Kawhi Leonard Trade Proposals - The Ringer" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">2 Portland � 2 San Antonio

Harden vs Holiday

Two players that have earned the respect of the entire NSL community. Two players that are both worthy of significant praise for the manner that they have been able to get their teams to the Conference Finals. In many ways, Holiday has unleased his peers, but I struggle to see him winning in this matchup. Harden has been weaponised lately � and he has been doing it as both scorer and provider. It would take a huge performance from Jrue to silence Harden in this series.

3 Portland � 2 San Antonio

Westbrook vs Lillard

The final matchup IS the most important. Does Brodie keep Dame quiet? Does Dame do Dame things and annoy Brodie? I cannot wait to see how this plays out. Both have been sensational � the assist tallies for Westbrook over the finals have been utterly insane. Lillard has been the leader and catalyst for much of the play that has elevated the Spurs to this situation. Westbrook has supplied the Blazers with much of their play, but Dame has the ability to SHUT THAT DOWN. Deep diving into the series prior it is clear that Lillard is a baller � such that I think he takes a slight edge on Westbrook but by the smallest of margins.

3 Portland � 3 San Antonio

Prediction

How do you decide on this?

As previously stated, both GMs have poised and positioned themselves with this matchup in mind.
You can clearly see the battle-lines, and you can clearly see the mentalities of each squad.

I am predicting this to go the distance.
I am predicting this to go to Game 7.
I am predicting that Kahwi Leonard is named man of the series.
I am predicting that the Portland Trailblazer win the final game by a point.
This series should be one for the ages.
Strap yourselves in NSL fans � this one is about to launch.