To the Finals!

After an incredible three game series win over the Austin Toros, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers are heading to the NBADL Finals to take on the Tulsa 66ers.

It should be another solid matchup. Yeah, Tulsa's the #8 seed. And you know what else? That barely snuck into the playoffs after struggling mightily down the stretch, in part because point guard Mustafa Shakur kept getting called up.

The 66ers are again without Shakur (although that could change in a hurry depending on what Oklahoma City decides to do).

Remember, the last time these teams faced off, and the Vipers swept Tulsa at State Farm Arena, the 66ers had a whopping two guards on their roster and Shakur basically had to play every second.

Tulsa has since made adjustments to deal without not only Shakur, but other NBA-assignees. Remember, the 66ers had three Thunder players on their roster in their Semifinals opening loss at home to the Iowa Energy, who set a new league record for regular season wins this year. They had ZERO while beating the Energy twice in a row in Iowa to advance to the finals.

Only three teams managed to be the Energy twice in a row in Iowa this year:

The Vipers were the first, Sioux Falls, who Tulsa eliminated in the first round, was second, and then the 66ers pulled it off this week.

So, ignore the seeding. Larry Owens is the best player you've never heard of and Cecil Brown is solid too. Wink Adams has capably taken over the point and former Christian Life Academy Star Latavious Williams, who is the first player to go from HS to the NBADL, has shined since Byron Mullens was recalled and more minutes have become available at the big positions. Moses Ehambe can shoot the three a little bit (as can Brown).

What could be really interesting is the game inside the game. Antonio Anderson spent two 10-day contracts with Oklahoma City. My question is, does Tulsa run the Thunder's offense like the Vipers do with the Rockets? If so, Anderson should have a little extra insight to offer during practice/film sessions.

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I keep saying it, but I really can't say it enough. Another huge thank you to the fans for coming out and supporting the team this week. The support has been incredible throughout this playoff run. Up to two home games left. Come on back and bring a friend. Let's red out the arena. Thank you!