NBA Today Breaks Down 2027 NBA Finals
Welcome back to NBA Today. We're just hours away from Game 1 of the NBA Finals—Atlanta Hawks versus Utah Jazz. And what a journey both of these teams have taken to get here. Kendrick, let me start with you. The Hawks are the clear favorites here. Sixty-nine and thirteen. They've lost four games in the postseason. How dominant is this Hawks team?
KENDRICK PERKINS: Man, Malika, this is one of the most complete teams I've seen in years. They've got the best offense in the league at 125 points per game. Trae Young is playing at an MVP level—29 points, 9 assists. Kristaps Porzingis is healthy and anchoring that defense. They lost Jalen Johnson to injury, which hurts, but this team has been absolutely relentless. They're not just winning—they're dominating. The point differential tells you everything: plus-12.9. That's championship-level basketball.
CHINEY OGWUMIKE: I want to push back just a little, Kendrick. Yes, they're the best team in the league statistically. But the Jazz—and I can't believe I'm saying this—they're here for a reason. They've only gone to Game 6 once in the playoffs. Four and one against the Spurs. Four and zero against New Orleans. They're a different beast.
RICHARD JEFFERSON: Chiney's right. And here's what nobody's talking about: Ace Bailey. Three years ago, this kid was on a 16-win team. Nobody knew who he was outside of hardcore NBA circles. Now? He's averaging 41 points per game in the playoffs. He's having a coming-out party on the national stage. He's gone from prospect to star in real time. The thing that impresses me most is his efficiency—50 percent from the field, 41 percent from three. He's not just scoring; he's scoring the right way.
MALIKA: Richard makes a great point about Bailey's evolution. But let's talk about the larger narrative here. The Jazz were 38 and 44 three years ago. They missed the playoffs entirely last season despite being in playoff position at All-Star break. This year they're the sixth seed. How do we explain this turnaround?
KENDRICK: It's about roster construction and coaching. Danny Ainge went all-in. They traded for Bam Adebayo—gave up five first-round picks. They signed veterans like Marcus Smart and Draymond Green who brought championship mentality. And Joe Mazzulla came in and established a defensive identity. That's not luck—that's smart front-office work.
CHINEY: But you can't ignore the player development side either. Anthony Black was a question mark. Now he's a two-way force. Keyonte George found his role. The young guys around Bailey grew up. And Bailey himself—he's playing at a level we haven't seen from him before. The organization built around him correctly.
RICHARD: What's crazy is the Hawks have a similar story, right? Three years ago, people were questioning whether Trae Young would even stay in Atlanta. The organization was in flux. They made the Finals in 2025—lost to the Mavericks in six—and instead of blowing it up, they doubled down. They kept Trae. They kept Porzingis. They built around those guys. Last year they lost to the Cavaliers in seven in the second round, which had to hurt. But this year? Sixty-nine wins. They've exorcised those demons.
MALIKA: So we have two teams that could've easily spiraled downward at different points in their recent history, and instead both made the opposite choice: invest, believe, build. But here's the reality—one of them is going to win this series. Kendrick, do you see any way the Jazz can win this?
KENDRICK: You've got to slow down Trae. Anthony Black's capable of that defensively. You've got to get physical with Porzingis in the paint—Bam Adebayo can do that. And you've got to outscore them, which means Ace has to continue playing at an elite level. Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? The Hawks are better, but the Jazz are dangerous.
CHINEY: The Hawks' weakness is their defense ranking tenth. Yes, they defend well enough to win, but they're not elite defensively. The Jazz can attack them. They can get into transition. Ace in transition is devastating. If the Jazz can get out and run, they can keep games close. But here's the problem: Atlanta's offense is that elite. They're scoring 125 a night. Can Utah score enough to keep up?
RICHARD: That's the real question. Can 116 points a night beat 125? In a seven-game series, you need to win at least four. The Jazz have shown they can make adjustments—we saw that against Dallas and San Antonio. But the Hawks are the most complete team in the league. Trae's playing at an MVP level. Risacher has been a revelation as a rookie. Porzingis is back to All-Star form.
MALIKA: Final thoughts heading into Game 1. Kendrick?
KENDRICK: Hawks in five. But give the Jazz credit—they're going to push.
CHINEY: I'm taking Hawks in six. They're too good, but the Jazz will steal one or two at home.
RICHARD: Hawks in five, but Ace Bailey is going to put on a show. We're going to see more coming-out moments from this kid. He's special.
MALIKA: Well, there you have it. Tips off tomorrow night in Atlanta. Thank you all for being here. We'll see you after Game 1.
PF Cameron Boozer (84) Twisted Knee (Season)
PF Jalen Johnson (82) High Ankle Sprain (Season)
