Red Auerbach versus Phil Jackson, Wilt versus Russell, Magic versus
Bird, the NBA’s best offense versus its best defense, the NBA MVP
versus the Defensive Player of the Year.
The storylines are endless.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics met twice during the regular season with their last match-up taking place on December 30th of last year.
The Lakers were 19-11 at the time and riding a four game win streak
but they were nothing like the team that heads into the NBA Finals with
only three playoff losses.
The Lakers have played 52 regular season and 15 playoff games since their last meeting.
Boston has played 53 regular season and 20 playoff games since then.
That’s 67 and 73 games a piece – nearly an entire NBA season (82 games) has passed.
Boston owns homecourt advantage after winning an NBA regular season
best 66 games but was pushed to the limit by the 8th seeded Atlanta Hawks and 4th seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening rounds.
Los Angeles captured the Western Conference’s #1 seed in what was
arguably the most competitive conference in NBA history – in large part
because they were able to acquire Pau Gasol
from the Grizzlies in February. With Gasol in the lineup, the Lakers
are 33-7 (21-4 during the regular season, 12-3 during the playoffs). [Read]
great preview Hoffman. I feel nervous going into this one, Boston found themselves during these playoffs and were definately the most impressive team during the regular season. I think game one will be huge for momentum and confidence. I think this is the dawning of a new era in the NBA and neither team knows who has the advantage.
I like the way the Lakers overwhelmed their opponents in the Western Conference Playoffs and I am please with their offensive execution. I find their new found defense anchoring on the big men upfront satisfying.
I pick the Lakers in six because, eventually, fatigue will catch up to the Celtics. They have played 20 out of a possible 21 games so far in the playoffs (versus 15 for L.A.), and how long can you keep the energy up if you're them?
Well, I agree that there's a lack of consistency from the officials (you must love Jeff Van Gundy).
I don't know if the product has been "garbage" the past few years but the game is definitely officiated differently now. Scoring is up because it's next to impossible to keep explosive guards out of the paint.
I don't like that.
I don't like that Steve Nash, who is an extremely skilled basketball player but doesn't possess the strength or athleticism to have made an All-Star team in the late 80's or early 90's (whose spot would he have taken? stockton's? magic's? payton's?) won two MVP's and will be considered one of the greatest point guards of all-time.
As for Stern and company being honest with it's fanbase, they've done a good job of brushing everything under the rug.
They were fortunate to have a return of two of league's most storied franchises and the most competitive conference in NBA history this year.
i'll just wait for the feds to keep rolling out names..............
actually hoffman, i believe that the NBA owns the rights to all it's games. (listen to the disclaimer you know, blah, blah, blah, without the express written consent of the NBA)
so i'll make you a deal.
you use your inside connections and get me a copy of the game, and i will break it down for you.
Smilin' Jack Concannon was a good QB in his day.
At this stage it seems reasonable for Celtic fans to pick the Celtics to win and Laker fans to do the same.
First off, I must confess that I once had a football card of Jack Concannon.
It's probably been mentioned earlier, as I didn't read through all the comments, but the Lakers didn't have Gasol in either of the two losses to the Celtics this season.
I picked the Lakers in six. In a nutshell, I look for their depth and coaching to be the deciding factor.
The suggestion that I'm a Celtic fan. No, I've spent a great deal of time supporting Johnny Kundla's group and his successors. This is my 7th decade as a follower of the Laker franchise.
It is very hard to call what will happen in this series. It reminds me of the last time that the Lakers were in the finals... everyone was predicting a sweep. Charlie Rosen said "If the pistons get one game, it will be Phil Jackson's way of showing courtesy"...
But this is a different Laker team which gels much better than the one that fell apart in the 2004 finals.
Although, I'm personally rooting for the Celts, I would predict Lakers in 6.
6 months ago I would have handed the trophy to the Celts. But this isn't 6 months ago. This is a far different team. Mitch made a couple of great trades. Gasol, and let's don't forget Ariza, he could be huge with his defensive prowess on PP and allen. Phil shaped the team, Kobe became a leader that actually likes his mates. THey average 4-1 thru the playoffs after a run to clinch the West top seed.
THe Black Mamba has a vision quest of holding the trophy. He has instilled fire and confidence into his young teammates. They started peaking at the end of the season and have beaten teams that critics said they couldn't. Now the critics are picking the Lakers.
Baby Tate
Jun 4, 2008
10:11 PM Smilin' Jack Concannon was a good QB in his day.
At this stage it seems reasonable for Celtic fans to pick the Celtics to win and Laker fans to do the same.
ricko
Jun 4, 2008
10:37 PM First off, I must confess that I once had a football card of Jack Concannon.
That time and place produced, nurtured and showcased generations of basketball talent, from Bobby Lloyd to Fran Dunphy to Jack Concannon, whose name surfaced this week in the Donaghy court case. Concannon was a player at St. Lawrence, Monsignor Bonner, and then St. Joseph's before going back to coach at Monsignor Bonner. According to a filing by Donaghy's attorney, John Lauro, Donaghy and Concannon bet on sporting events, including NBA games, for several years. Concannon could not be reached for comment.
Good stuff. I hate the 2-3-2 format. What is your opinion? The Celtics likely need an advantage to win the series, and with the 2-3-2 format I think it greatly reduces their 'home court' advantage. Puts way too much pressure on them winning the 1st two at home. Even if they win both at home, and then lose 3 at LA, they would have to stave off 2 elimination games at home again. What kind of a reward is that? 2-2-1-1 is the correct way to do it. Nobody should get more than 2 home games in a row. In fact, I would even argue a 1-1-1-1-1-1-1. I'm not making any excuses for the Celtics though. They STILL have home court, and if they lose they have no complaints. If Lamar is the X factor, then is PJ Brown and James Posey the X factor(s) for the Celtics?
I love that picture of Kobe knifing through the Celtics defense with Pierce appearing helpless (although it does look like it's an old one since Al Jefferson is the other Celtic in the photo).
Anyway, this photo will typify the FINALS. You heard it here first.
And if I'm wrong, I'll be the first to admit it.
But as you know, I have about as much confidence as anyone. It sickening. It's bordering arrogance and some here will even say cockiness. It's all good because those who know me will simply get a laugh and won't take it personal.
Good blog Hoff. I hope you enjoy tonight. Gotta go, it's showtime!
I don't think the 2-3-2 format is fair to the Celtics. It doesn't give them as large of a homecourt advantage and after winning 66 games during the regular season, they deserve an advantage in the NBA Finals.
If I had to point to one X-factor for Boston it would be Posey. He's tough, and he's not afraid of the bright lights. He'#### an awful lot of big shots in his career and he won a ring with Miami.
I think he's the only individual defender that can really make things difficult for Bryant.
But if Doc plays him big minutes, he sacrifices offense by sitting Ray or Pierce.
He won't be able to afford to do that with LA's offensive firepower.
In the finals each game is its own entity. There is no momentum unless a team goes up 3-0. This is an interesting series for a lot of reasons. May end up being the highest watched Finals in history.
I love basketball. While many basketball fans enjoy the month of March, I prefer the months of April, May, and June. I look forward to productive chats, heated debates, and honest opinions.
