MANILA – Several Western Visayas-based sports personalities are favoring the Golden State Warriors over Boston Celtics in the 2021-2022 NBA finals which will begin on Thursday night (Friday in the Philippines) at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
Majority of the coaches and sports personalities from the region interviewed by Panay News on Thursday see the Warriors taking their fourth NBA championship in the last eight seasons in five or six games.
TJ7 Basketball Development Center founder Tata Belangel:
“I see Golden State has the edge because of deeper-bench and championship experience. I see Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney and Draymond Green playing a key role in the finals.”
“Looney will hurt you from the inside because extended ‘yung defense sa shooters. Green can facilitate and Poole can explode anytime and anywhere. Boston’s defense will be tested against the Golden State’s back court. Pick your poison kasi kung kalaban mo Warriors, mahirap sa matchup at they play hard and smart defense also.” Warriors in 6.
Ilonggo assistant coach Joseph Guion of Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards:
“System of Warriors is above the Celtics. Both teams will play small ball but the off-ball movement of the Warriors is making the difference which is the key why they are in the NBA finals.”
“If it is down to one-on-one game and if you have (Warriors’ Andrew) Wiggins as primary defender for the best player on the opposing team (Celtics’ Jayson Tatum) it is a big factor, that is why Wiggins is my X-factor for this series.” Warriors in 6.
Dingle National High School coach Prandy Wong:
“Golden State have the advantage in terms of experience. They are surrounded by lethal shooters in Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins.”
“For me, the defense of Draymond Green towards Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown will be vital aside from ‘yung mga young guns ng Warriors and the depth of their bench.” Warriors in 6.
Hercor College Junior Jaguars coach Jeffrey Abool:
“The return of Klay Thompson and the emergence of Jordan Poole are huge factors for Golden State. The two make the Warriors scarier along with Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins.”
“The Celtics, however, can also use the familiarity of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart to their edge. We can also see the emergence of Daniel Theis.” Warriors in 6.
Central Philippine University Sports Director Edwin Caro Laru-an:
“Both teams are hungry. Golden State is composed of battle tested veterans and aggressive players. They will rely on their shooting. Boston is also hungry of another championship after more than a decade but they need a good defense.” Warriors in 6.
St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets coach John Guanco:
“For me, Golden State has the advantage in terms of finals experience, but Boston is very hungry and has height and length advantage. However, I see the wing players of GSW making a difference, but Marcus Smart could also play a vital role on defense for Boston.” Warriors in 6.
NBTC Region 6 head Richard Gabayoyo:
“Golden State’s championship experience, shooting accuracy, good ball rotation to create more opportunities for the shooters are the key factors that will bring them back to the championship.” Warriors in 6.
Alrey Lagman of Iloilo National High School:
“For me, may advantage ang Golden State because of their Finals experience. I see Andrew Wiggins stepping up for Golden State, while Al Horford and Robert Williams can play a huge role for Boston. This NBA Finals is old vs young so I see Golden State having the edge.” Warriors in 6.
Hercor Jaguars coach Jay Pisuena:
“Para sa akon masadya gd ini nga series. Daw pareho gd gutom sa championship. May Ara man dayon ma ayo nga players and coaches. Ara sa GSW ang advantage kay tungod sa championship experience nila. X factor will be Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins.” Warriors in 6 or 7.
Retired basketball coach Dexter Dy:
“Golden State Warriors is a deep team with wealthy of experience and fire power. I see Draymond Green playing a huge role for GSW and if he limits Boston’s Jayson Tatum, it will be a short series.” Warriors in 5.
Tigbauan Ninja’s Porsche Bernil:
“Para sa akon, Golden State ang magdaog because mas may experience gid sila, then mahihirapan din ang Boston depensahan ang three-point shooters ng Warriors, they were also a good defensive team and also a veteran coach in Steve Kerr.” Warriors in 5.
While most see Warriors winning the series, there were also a few who see the Celtics taking home its first-ever NBA championship since 2008.
Gametime Sports owner co-host Rodolfo Go Villaruz:
“Obviously, Golden State got the championship experience but I like the hunger and determination or Boston, especially Jayson Tatum. That will be a big factor for them down the stretch. He’s going to be tough to defend in and out with a heavy offensive arsenal.”
“Marcus Smart can be huge defensively and he can wear off GSW’s gunners, Robert Williams wi also be a force on defensive end when he is healthy and Derrick White can also defend and shoot when left wide open.”
“Overall, it is going to be a fun NBA Finals series. I hope to see down the wire games all throughout the finals, but for me, it’sgonna be Celtics.” Celtics in 6.
Iloilo province sports development officer IV Ray Cabarles:
“Basing it on their season averages, Boston has the edge on rebounding and points per game, while Golden State has the edge when its about sharing the ball.”
“Over at the defensive area, Boston and Golden State are mostly equal with Marcus Smart and Draymond Green, respectively. But I see the series reaching Game 7.” Celtics in 7.
Bacolod Tay Tung High School coach Atoy Callora:
“I will go with the Boston Celtics in this series kasi hindi rin naging madali ‘yung pinagdaanan and challenges nila sa Eastern Conference playoffs. Also, Boston is a hungry and determined team, that can be an added push to their title hopes.” Celtics in 6 or 7.
Chairman’s Cup Operations Head Bayani RH Ladrido
“The cohesiveness of the Celtics, if maintained in the finals, is the plus factor against the Warriors. Also, Boston were better defensively than Golden State. Personally, I am a Celtics fan so I am happy that they were back in the finals.” Celtics in 6.
The Warriors reached the best-of-seven finals by defeating Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals in five games, while the Celtics ousted Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finale in seven matches./PN
