For starters, no one knew who would come out on top.
Utah-Idiana seemed the most obvious matchup, but both teams disappointed in the play-offs, showing that old isn’t always succesful.
Some young teams, on the other hand, surprised the fans. Vince Carter and the Toronto Raptors missed the play-offs, but don’t worry; they’ll be there next year ! And boy, did you see what kind of talent walks around in Portland…keep those guys together and out of jail, and you have a winner one of the years coming.

Some other teams dissapointed, but may be on the verge of a breakthrough.
First of all, the Lakers’ story : Shaq O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Glen Rice, Dennis Rodman. And still no ring. Now they have Phil Jackson as a coach they might be the team to beat in the next season though.
Second, the Bulls. They are still my favorite team, allthough they really test the nerves sometimes. Happy note : they got the first pick of the 1999 draft, next to 3 other first round picks. Sad note : who the hell did they pick !?!? Elton Brand is a very descent rebounder; let’s just hope he scores points too :/.

And then, the finalists !
New York was the surprise of the playoffs, no doubt about that. Barely qualified for the play-offs and losing their center Patrick Ewing they were considered no match for any other play-off team. Well, they beat them all : avoiding a big fight in Miami, humiliating Atlanta, upsetting Indiana, they chalenged San Antonio and went ‘à fond’ till the final buzzer. New York style basketball is the obvious reason I prefer East Coast teams.
And San Antonio, they did what was expected from them. Very solid team play round the untouchable twin towers proved to be able to overcome the flashy LA style and the rookie mistakes of a Portland, not ready for the challenge. David Robinson did not choke for a change and Tim Duncan – how comes he wasn’t MVP beats me !! – was simply superb. His duel with Latrell Sprewell was no less than breathtaking; just the way an NBA finals should be.

Leaves me only one thing, my prediction for next year. How about a clash of two cultures ? At your left : the flashy offensive LA Lakers spirit, led by Kobe, Shaq and mentor Phil Jackson. At your right : the summum of East Coast defense, the New York Knicks. A nucleus with Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell and Marcus Camby, supported by Patrick Ewing behaving as a role player…