Winning Combinations: 3 pairings that will decide the Eastern Conference
For years, the Eastern Conference has been LeBron James' playground as he's represented the East in the NBA Finals in five consecutive seasons.
But contenders are emerging that threaten King James' crown. While LeBron may remain at the head of the class, his seat on the throne is less certain than it's been in recent years.
Here are the three pairings that will decide the Eastern Conference.
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving
| MPG | PPG | APG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67.1 | 44.9 | 11.5 | 10.4 |
LeBron's made it through to the Finals five years in a row, compiling a 60-18 playoff record against foes from the East in that time. Irving makes a great Robin to LeBron's Batman, averaging 19 points and knocking down 45 percent of his 3-pointers in his first playoffs a year ago. The Cavaliers went 10-3 in the games Irving played in, and he stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, four steals, and two blocks in his only game in the Finals. LeBron paired with a healthy Irving is the best one-two punch the East has to offer.
Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan
| MPG | PPG | APG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72.9 | 44.7 | 10.4 | 9.2 |
The Raptors aren't exactly a lockdown defensive team, so they're going to need to score points in bunches to end a string of back-to-back opening round playoff exits, and that starts with Lowry and DeRozan - the team's offensive catalysts. Both players tallied personal bests in scoring in helping the Raptors to a franchise record 56-win season. They'll need to keep up their scoring pace to get the Raptors to the Eastern final for the first time in team history.
Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley
| MPG | PPG | APG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60.6 | 37.5 | 7.6 | 6.3 |
Brad Stevens continues to get the most out of his Celtics, establishing himself as one of the NBA's best coaches in his time in Boston. While the team lacks a true superstar, Thomas earned his first All-Star nod this season, and Bradley - one of the league's premier perimeter defenders - joins him to form an imposing backcourt. Thomas averaged a career-high in points this season, while Bradley's peers are campaigning to get him on the All-Defensive First Team.