If the television executives had their way, the NBA Finals probably would have played out differently.
Nonetheless, there are many compelling reasons to watch this series, which begins on Thursday (8:30 p.m.
ET, ABC).
The Denver Nuggets are playing in the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
The Nuggets feel disrespected over their lack of attention.
The Nuggets have made five consecutive playoff appearances.
And Denver dominated throughout the 2022-23 regular season to secure the Western Conferences No.
The lack of attention might be partly the result of the Nuggets lack of history.
The team has not played in an NBA Finals since joining the league in 1976.
The two leagues merged the following season.
Since then, Denver has made 29 playoff appearances in 47 seasons, including five Western Conference finals.
The Miami Heat could win their first NBA title in more than a decade without superstar LeBron James.
Yet this possible NBA title would hold different significance.
The current Heat have a chance to win their first NBA title without a generational superstar.
Granted, the Heat have plenty of talent.
They have two all-stars (Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo).
They have past all-stars who have accepted reduced roles (Kyle Lowry, Kevin Love).
The Heat may not spark the adulation and animosity of their past championship teams.
