Champs again
It was love at first sight, really. The perfect yin and yang, sun and moon coming together, different but making up the whole, complementary forces of basketball nature. Kevin Garnett was the defender but not the finisher. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were the shooters but not defenders or truly team players. Garnett was the ultimate team player, perhaps too unselfish. Allen and Pierce were the shooters, eye on the basket and not their teammates.
It proved to be the perfect union, and the result was what was missing for all three as the Boston Celtics behind Garnett, Pierce, Allen and a host of effective supporting players defeated the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday 131-92 to win the 2008 NBA championship.
The Celtics were as hot as the Lakers were cold, as aggressive as the Lakers were passive. Ideal symmetry for the denouement.
It was the Celtics 17th alltime NBA championship, the franchise’s first since 1986 and denied Lakers coach Phil Jackson his record breaking 10th NBA title as a coach (he remains tied with Boston patriarch Red Auerbach) and Lakers’ star and league MVP Kobe Bryant his fourth and first without Shaquille O’Neal.
It was achieved, finally, in impressive and symbolic fashion as Allen, before going out for a time with an eye injury, opened up shooting the Lakers into difficulty, Pierce passing the ball impressively as the Lakers crowded around the (expected) series MVP and Garnett scoring early from the perimeter, as he’s always done, but also making the key defensive plays, if so subtle.
One play, mostly unnoticed, was typical.
Bryant began the game trying to drag his worn teammates along and hit three three pointers in the first quarter and by halftime was the only Laker even scoring in double figures. So there was Bryant after the Lakers fell behind 24-20 in the first quarter trying to curl around a screen for a quick jump shot.
As Bryant ran by the screen with his defender caught behind, Garnett stepped out briefly to deny the curl and pass and Bryant had to go to the top of the key to receive the ball and face up now against all five Celtics defenders. It was a subtle move by Garnett, but typical of the reason why the Celtics were the league’s best defensive team this season and smothered the Lakers throughout this series with their defense.
By halftime, after a 34-15 second quarter, this series was over and the Celtics were celebrating.
There’s been much talk in these Finals about a trip along the Boston parade route that the Celtics’ so called Big Three took early in the season with coach Doc Rivers and about their bonding in the preseason during their trip to Europe.
But that doesn’t explain how the Celtics won the championship after having the league’s best regular season record.
They did it with defense, obviously, but also commitment and tactics.
We all knew they’d be good after trading for Allen and Garnett, but they still were starting two non scorers in Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins. It had to be more than scoring, and it was. And it had to be more effort than they knew, and it was.
One instance in preseason stands out.
The Celtics were running suicides, those halfcourt sprints after practice, and not surprisingly Garnett was beating everyone.
It’s why Garnett, though not the offensive finisher to carry a team and a player who does not dominate from the post despite his size, was the key because if your best player practices the hardest, it’s difficult for anyone else to coast.
Still, Pierce has often been known to ease through seasons and particularly practices, not always the most motivated team player. He fought openly with Rivers when Rivers came in with demands Pierce expand his game and be more unselfish. Little progressed because the team was so bad and lacking in talent Pierce had license to continue to shoot and score.
Now flip to 2007.
Pierce was jogging through the drill in his L.A. cool mood and Garnett turned angrily and demanded, “Are you going to run with me!”
No one ever had challenged Pierce like that in Boston, and certainly no great player.
Message received and understood.
But Garnett needed Pierce as well. The book on Garnett, more whispered because he was such a great competitor, was you bang him and he’d float outside. He rarely went to the free throw line, just like in this series, and down the stretch, like in Game 5, he could miss them. Pressure? Exhaustion from effort? No one ever fully understood with Garnett as he did play so hard and was so intense he’d often be screaming at teammates as well.
But he couldn’t be counted on to finish and carry a team. It’s one big reason why his Minnesota Timberwolves failed so often and advanced past the first round just once, when Garnett had a younger Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell to pass off the baton after the third quarter.
Yes, Pierce time. Though generally not regarded a top 15 or perhaps even top 20 player because of his poor team showings, Pierce never shrunk from the spotlight and chance to win a game. He loved the last shots. He’d wave players off. Likewise, Allen would take the big shot, but he wasn’t much on creating of the dribble or creating space. So as the defense might eye Garnett or would eye Pierce, Allen was there with that quick release and shot.
Neither Pierce or Allen was ever known much as a defensive player, and with their teams it wasn’t like it was demanded much since they were required to score. Garnett could average 20 points as well, but it was defense first, team play first. But no one was going to mistake him for Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan making the big shot.
And so it was the ideal coupling. Not only because they came together but because they needed one another to have any chance at success. What each lacked, someone else was there to supply it. What each needed, the other was there to provide the inspiration and motivation.
Once again, the Celtics’ universe is in harmony.
Go CELTICS! Said,
June 17, 2008 @ 11:52 pm
From worst to top of the World! One of the greatest stories in the history of mankind! Glad to have witnessed it! Boston is the greatest city in the world! WHOOOOOO!
FLASH Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 12:47 am
not even Jordan in KOBES shoes could have won that game…
This Boston Team is One of the best All time…and they will be even better next season as shown by their resilience in taken back huge leads.
Just need to sign posey though
Cman Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 12:59 am
So awesome that the Cs are back on top of the b-ball world. Perhaps the one understated event of the night was Danny Ainge’s steely gaze…. why so stern? Because he is thinking hard about the draft and offseason moves! We aren’t done yet, get ready for more Celtics!
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!
celtics parade | Lasts information Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:24 am
[...] Champs againThere’s been much talk in these Finals about a trip along the Boston parade route that the Celtics’ so called Big Three took early in the season with coach Doc Rivers and about their bonding in the preseason during their trip to Europe. …HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Sam Smith - http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/smith [...]
celtics parade | Hottags Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:26 am
[...] Champs againThere’s been much talk in these Finals about a trip along the Boston parade route that the Celtics’ so called Big Three took early in the season with coach Doc Rivers and about their bonding in the preseason during their trip to Europe. …HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Sam Smith - http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/smith pay per click advertising [...]
gurjit badal Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:57 am
Garnett Finally got what he deserved so long ago
ppl can finally stop sayin that duncan is hands down better than kg, kg finaly has his 2 stars jus like duncan does, and celtics will be hangins a couple of more banners once its all said and done
Anthony RapFAN Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:14 am
I think the last 3 games, the CLOSET MVP should go to James Posey. I hated this guy once, but now he is respecting how to play the game right, respecting his Bowen-ism (3pt shots and D-Fence), and making Pat Riley commit suicide (Riley let him go as Boston signed him for peanuts). He nailed 3pt shots in those final three games to give Boston momentum or more secured leads, and he defended bigger players really well from LA, and annoyed Kobe and Odum.
DefenseAllday Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:23 am
KG is STILL NOT anywhere near Tim Duncans level and never will be .
Manu and Parker are All - Stars while Pierce is a SUPERSTAR there is a big difference .
Africanballer Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:33 am
Good article overall, but except i dont’ agree with the following statement:
”It’s why Garnett, though not the offensive finisher to carry a team and a player who does not dominate from the post despite his size”
Not every big man should be necessarily dominant in the post in order to be effective. KG uses his brain more than his size, which equals high basketball IQ. I’ve watched his games closely, he’s using his pivot foot and drop step even more effectively, complete with a soft touch on turnaround jumpers. Unless you’re 300 pounds or something you don’t always have to bang everyone.
G-Harper Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:59 am
Great article on the champs. I’m kinda hoping these two teams meet again next year. Sam Amico wrote a nice piece on the lakers and there chances. It practically brought a tear to my eye.
http://www.probasketballnews.com/amico_061808.html
Vay Su Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 3:36 am
They ran into a soft Lakers….But watch out cuz bynum is coming back and once we get some tough veterans, the lakers will be champs again. Trade lamar for Tayshawn prince and we are good to go.
sean constantino Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 4:16 am
boston rules!..
knicks Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 5:27 am
KG finally got one !! he is certified
kobe couldnt handle the truth - no more mj comparisons
Now for the knicks to sign lbj 23
josh Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 5:43 am
i hate the spurs but duncan had ALOT less to work with than KG. pierce and ray allen have widely been regaurded as 2 of the top 10 players in basketball for the last 5 years. that being said if i was starting a team and i had to pick a rookie duncan or KG id def take KG.
Tim Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 7:16 am
Boston bought this championship … hmmm remember Maimi!!!
harry Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 7:29 am
are you kidding? no dis to KG, but the Duncan/KG question answered itself by 4 rings to 1?
kobe’s slightly more talented than MJ, but that little thing called a brain will always be his worst enemy. MJ had the best competitive brain in sports history.
kb Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 8:09 am
the nba says that international players are good for the game… not ONE international player touched teh floor for the celtics the entire post season they dominated the leauge. however the spurs and lakers who are FULL of international players didn’t win a ring and more over do nothing greater than flop and turn true american basketball into a casting audition on hardwood.
Free agents that might sign with celtics:
Mcdyess, Udrih, Najera
If boston gets one of these three do i smell a possible repeat?
Get me that front off JOB EDDIE azzman555@yahoo
KGfan Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 8:16 am
“One of the greatest stories in the history of mankind!”
Wow “Go Celtics!”, It’s a nice story and all, but not anywhere near a greatest story in the history of mankind.
Congrats to Boston.
Giovani F Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 8:36 am
Way to go…Good for Garnett, Allan and Pierce but especially for Garnett for taking the team on his shoulders last night cause to me although not my favourite player he is defintely a player with Heart cause although he has only been there one year and Perkins is important for him to suceed but he is the glue, he brings out the desire in his teamates and he is always hyped…I’m happy for Danny Ainge too….I remember watching him play for the Toronto Blue Jays when I was a little kid…let’s just say good thing he went on to baseketball cause back then I’m sure the league minimum wasn’t a half a million like today.
Dylan J Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 8:40 am
CONGRATS TO BOSTON! Well played and greatly deserved!!
Sudipta Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 9:08 am
Much respect to the Celts for their 17th Championship in Franchise history. What an incredible turnaround from last year, where they finished with 22 reg season wins. Talk about redemption for Ainge, Doc Rivers especially. They were clearly the better team in this series. That was one of the best defensive efforts (18 steals!) Ive ever seen in a Finals game. They shut down every single Laker, aside from Kobe in the first qtr. Gasol and Odom had bad games. Offensively, Celts were pretty damn good as well. I started feeling bad for the Lakers at one point….Celts were just scoring at will. Finals MVP Pierce took his game to another level in the playoffs. This championship has gotta be extra special for Pierce since he’s been with Boston throughout all the bad years. Ray Allen (7 treys, 22 in Finals…record)., KG (26-14), Rondo (7st) stepped up big….Bench was huge; outplaying the Lakers bench again. Once can make the case that Doc Rivers outcoached Phil Jackson in this series. For Lakers, this is obviously a disappointing end. But there is no doubt that they will be contenders in the coming years. Getting Bynum back will help. They got killed on the boards. In the East, Celts will oviously be heavily favored again next year….barring any major free agent aquisitions by other teams. The Big 3 are all 30+….they should be playing at a high level for another few years for sure
Better Version Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 9:23 am
Although I agree with your overall premise, your article is uninspired and trite. Resorting to stereotypes, you oversimplify the games of both Pierce and Allen as not being team players or defenders. They were always scorers, not necessarily ball-hogs. After all, they both played with volume-shooting forwards (Walker and Lewis) and allowed them to thrive. Their career assist numbers are respectable. But bottom-line is, they were on crappy teams. Who would they dish to? Mark Blount? Theo Ratliff? Robert Swift? Reggie Evans? Get real!
Furthermore, you oversimplify Allen as purely a shooter, while he always could handle and drive.
Finally, you completely failed to mention the fact that Pierce (and to a lesser extent Allen) was phenomenal DEFENSIVELY over this Finals and for most of the playoffs. While the team system helped, Pierce did about as well as humanly possible defending against both Lebron and Kobe, the two best individual players in the game.
Paul Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 9:28 am
Way to go Celtics! As a huge Spurs fan, I still wish San Antonio would have won it all, but I am happy Boston won it. I feared for Bill Russell’s life after the game because I expected KG would squeeze the life out of him.
The trio of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett needs a nickname. Like KG said, he refuses to allow this group to be called The Big 3. One I hear on occasion is The Boston 3 Party. I like that one a lot.
Am I the only one who believes that Al Jefferson and Theo Ratliff deserve championship rings? If not for Jefferson’s immense potential and Ratliff’s expiring contract, there is no way this trade happens.
Lupe Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 9:55 am
Congrats to Boston, and to the Lakers who at this moment are probably being whipped and beaten by Kobe, hang in there.
Ron Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 10:02 am
Boston is the best team in the NBA and the is no other team in the East that comes near their level of play! This is a wake up call to those teams: If you want to really compete great a serious roster together Cleveland,Chicago,Miami,Orlando,New York, etc. Some of these cheap owners or stupid GMs won’t do what Boston has done. Great job Boston.
kb Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 10:46 am
i pose this question… what free agents do you think the celtics have to get to win it again and what trades do the lakers have to make to win it next year?
If bostons is able to get udrih as a back up point gaurd for rondo and mc dyess as a back up since PJ will likely hang it up- that would be perfect. I tell you what would be the perfect fit for boston although it will never happen… ZO to boston. you talk about a bench, that is a bench! Zo, Mcdyess, Udrih, Posey, House. If the celtics can trade down and grab douglas-roberts that would be perfect! id give toronto the 30th pick and pollard for the rights to the 18th pick. with that pick i’d get douglass roberts. now the bench is Mcdyess, Udrih, Posey, douglass roberts, Powe… and Zo if you get fortunate
FRONT OFFICE JOB EDDIE!!!
Azzman555@yahoo
boston celtics parade route Trendy Here! Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 11:03 am
[...] with coach Doc Rivers and about their bonding in the preseason during their trip to Europe. … credit : [...]
Terence Tate Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 11:04 am
This is an excellent article. The explanation for the Celtics winning is even more simple…they had three guys that fully understand the nuances of winnings and were committed to team concepts offendsively and defendsively…Moreover, I think this victory provides a new blueprint for teams to follow…hopefully this will end the small ball bricade in the NBA and allow teams to focus on fundamental concepts…also, I think it gives creident to a player’s coach winning a championship…it shows you can hug the players, communicate with the players, and yet command their respect and their ear
LALakersfan Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 11:35 am
Congrats Boston fans. I sincerely hope we have the honor of avenging the loss next June!
Kingsblade Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 11:58 am
kb:
I love how you rip international players and then follow up by suggesting 3 players the Celtics should sign; and 2 of the 3 are international.
Well done.
They are also going to have a bit of a time keeping Posey, who is sure to opt out, so you can’t pencil him in for their bench yet.
House may not re-up either, especially if they sign another pg and there are no minutes for him. They might even decide that Pruitt is ready and give him those minutes.
I doubt I even need to get into all the reasons your suggested trade with Toronto is laughable.
The only guys they are getting back for sure from the bench are Scalabrine, Powe, Pruitt, and Davis. Tony Allen is a restricted free agent, I think, so he is likely back too unless they don’t want him.
I’m not saying they can’t rebuild their bench, but it is hardly as simple as you suggest.
Timbergirl4lyfe Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
I think its a great thing that C’s won again, congrats to them. Its just one thing though… I feel that it ruins the whole essence of team basketball!!. What this has shown us is that all it takes is to get a few all-stars together to get a championship ring. Some may think that it was a “cheap” way to get one. The pure “team” teams that have been together for years like the Pistons, Jazz, and Spurs are the true teams of team nba basketball. How do you get from worse team in the league to the best in not even a full year?!! I bet even some of the guys on the Celtics are still trying to get to know each other, but I guess whatever works to win right. So the lesson here is all a team has to do basically (in order to win championships) is pick up franchise players from all positions from teams that aren’t doing so well and presto..an NBA Championship!! You don’t even need to know each other. I’m not hating because I’m from a city that lost our franchise player for almost nothing. I just feel its not fair that they had to leave to win. It doesn’t do much for our city but does a lot for another. A city thats already had it 17 times, not to mention a whole nation of “bandwagoners”!!!
Sam Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
Enjoy it for now, but next year lakers are going to take it nest year Guarantee!!!
P Lewis James Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 12:27 pm
With all due respect to DefenseAllday.KG should be mentioned in the same breath as Tim Duncan.He does compare favorably! To Harry, what have you been drinking? Kobe more talented than MJ! In what life! Certainly not this one!
ab17 Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 12:51 pm
boston is just lucky bynum was injured, can’t wait for the finals next year where LA sweeps
enjoy it while it lasts before you guys have another 20 year drought
kb Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
kingsblade
i see your point, the reason i chose those two international players is because they are real players… they dont flop and destroy the game. they play hard and they are perfect team players… not to metion both are very underated nba players.
and yes the trade with toronto is unlikely but they need a big body and they can still get help late in the first round by drafting dorsey out of memphis… so it is likely. my point is… if the celtics can pry away douglas roberts that would be the perfect fit to their team and ray allen would help him be the next ‘rip halmilton’ but better!!!
i think posey will return… i think he wants to return… if he doesn’t look for him to go to the spurs or suns
oh… if we cant trade up, get courtney lee from my home town… NAPTOWN and he will be a great back up to allen
im just getting warmed up BABY… FRONT OFFICE GIG EDDIE
azzman555@yahoo
kb Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
someone said that jordan wouldn’t have won against this boston defense… HAAAAAAAAAA! you must be crazy. didn’t Jordan beat detroit/ ny/blazers/jazz/sonics? all these teams were teh BEST defensive teams during that era and he beat them ALL. Jordan would have beat these celtics! first of all pierce and allen would be in foul trouble all the time and both would be locked up on the other end. not to mention Jordan actually makes his players play 2x as good as they are while kobe struggles in this department. so yes if you put jordan on the lakers with odom, gasol fisher… they would win! gasol is just as soft as bill winnington- odom is similar to pippen in many ways- fisher is bj armstrong and radmonovic is radmonovic but jordan wouldve had him playing like kukoh without the playmaking ability… kukoh could knock down the 3 just like radmonovic. point proven
FRONT OFFICE JOB IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE EDDIE
azzman555@yahoo
john Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
what a shit, boston didnt win the series, there were a lot of fouls didnt count against boston, this series was defined before start, since two first games at boston looks like lakers play like memphis, nba wants boston to win it all, so that was the way they won at detroit, and now with the lakers, how fuck is possible tha leon powe haver more FT than kobe, its ridiculous, just because lakers didnt complain it doesn mean it was a fixed game.
boston sucks.
Juney Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
I think it was all setup for boston to get to finals they barley got by atlanta and cleveland how you go from winning 24 games to finals
Juney Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
How in the world you get chemistry in less than one year it was rig bring on college sports
Raymond Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
Congratulations Boston…I have never witnessed a team that’s so unselfish and they are true sportsmen and deserved this title. The Big 3 all sacrificed their individual statistics for the good of the team, buying into Doc’s montra and playing hard D.Look for these two to meet again next year. There is no team in the East that could stop Boston next year, unless Cleveland finally decides to put some talent around LeBron. Detroit is looking to rebuild, so they are done. From the West, the Lakers also should come back stronger next year and make a repeat trip to the Finals with Bynum, and are probably looking to add a couple veteran defensive minded players, which would make it much closer next year. Celtics also should look to add another big man, PJ may retire.
J Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
Not even Jordan in Kobe shoes?? Jordan would have slapped them up the head and jammed t home, wait till Garnet, Allen, and pierce have 6 rings to say that …..
J Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
PS Poesy is a dirty player, valuable, but dirty and should get the beat down!
boston celtics parade route | Lasts information Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
[...] Champs againThere’s been much talk in these Finals about a trip along the Boston parade route that the Celtics’ so called Big Three took early in the season with coach Doc Rivers and about their bonding in the preseason during their trip to Europe. …HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Sam Smith - http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/smith [...]
boston celtics parade route | Hottags Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
[...] Champs againThere’s been much talk in these Finals about a trip along the Boston parade route that the Celtics’ so called Big Three took early in the season with coach Doc Rivers and about their bonding in the preseason during their trip to Europe. …HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Sam Smith - http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/smith [...]
lalakersallday Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
Ahhhhh this hurts, seriously only a real laker fan would’ve watched that whole massacre go down all 4 quarters! haha We got put in place, out played throughout the series, out coached, you name it, the celt’s beat us in every category, there’s just too much to say. We showed our youth, and immaturity as a team, and the c’s deserve this, not just cause of the big 3, and what they’ve went through but more so for the Celtic franchise. Congrats Boston, I’ve been on here talking alot of mess but at the end of the day, we’re all fans who love the game and most importantly our teams, and I’d be a clown to sit here and say “f” you guys, your fans have been waiting a long, long, time and you really showed how much you love your team. The Lakers should take this wooping as a HUGE learning experience, and enjoy all the things they’ve accomplished through-out the year, alot of improvement physically, and mentally is needed. But they can’t learn unless they go through it, in which they did. Thank you Lakers for a great 07-08 season, and again congrats to the 2008 nba champion boston celtics.
C Fatz Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:45 pm
KB,
I have a fantasy team, you can run the front office for. Seriously though - good comments. This Boston defense was good, but let’s not lose our head. The bad boy Pistons, THAT was a defensive team, and Jordan cut them early, often and again and again. He would have had a picnic against this Boston defense.
CF
:0)
Brandon Hoffman Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:45 pm
Congatulations to the Celtics and their fans.
A story book ending for a storied franchise.
C Fatz Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
Timbergirl for life,
I feel your pain. Let’s just set the record straight though. This is not going to be a formula that happens again and again in this league.
Boston’s Danny Ainge and Minnesota’s Kevin McHale are close personal friends and quite honestly McHale even though he graduated from Minnesota U. still bleeds Celtic green. The trade that they fabricated sending Kevin Garnett to Beantown for a song (no disrespect intended to all Jefferson and Ryan Gomes (a 6′-4″ power forward generously listed at 6′-7″)) Was one sided and it would seem has put Ainge and Boston in McHale and Minnesota’s debt. In reality McHale is celebrating with a green banner because secretly he is still a Celtic. This is not going to happen very much more because most general managers are more interested in making their own teams better rather than keeping their old friends happy and previous loyalties fresh.
So the real series MVP has the first name Kevin, but the last name isn’t Garnett!
Neilverson Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
ZO is never coming to Boston. Udrih? Why would anyone want Udrih? Go after Shaun Livingston if he is healthy.
They’re will be a lot of big names in summer of 09 up front and at that point. If Boston shows they can still compete at a championship level this upcoming year- veterans such as Jermaine O’Neal, Rasheed Wallace, Allen Iverson, Stephon Marbury and Jason Kidd will all be available. Those will be the PJ Browns and Sam Cassells of today in 2 years. Only they are or were all superstars at one point!!! Iverson will be especially hungry for a chip.
Hater Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
I think Boston is one and done. Key pieces from this years team may not be there; Posey may be gone, PJ Brown will retire, Eddie house may opt out for long term deal, Cassell is done and Perkins is Perkins…if they can replace Brown with say Jamal Magolaire or another goon and retain Posey then they maybe they have a chance of repeating….for LA to return, they need trade Odom for a tough dude like Artest. As well they should hope that Kobe comes back motivated, he was lacking that killer instinct in the finals.
KBG Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
Pierce and Garnett really needed this one as they are exemplify loyalty even though it’s a virtue not recognized by basketball win-all-the-timers. They are underrated because as a team they aren’t good but they were dormant and now it is their time. Beautiful.
The Celts need to do some somewhat youthful signings. Follow the Heat and Lakers w/Payton&Malone if you think the team needs a bunch of 35 year olds comming off the bench.
By the way, Duncan was drafted onto a contender and it did marvels for his career. Damn.
Lakers = Fakers Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
Lakers are fakers:
Odom, Fisher - done!
Walton - already peaked
Vujicic - one dimensional, plus a weenie
Bynum - big man after serious injury, hmm…
Gasol - soft
Kobe- crybaby, ego maniac, wannabee, do not mention his name in the same sentence as MJ unless “does not compare to…” goes in between Kobe and MJ.
kb Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 3:45 pm
c fatz
thanks for the props man… trying to become a legend on this website… and seriously, i KNOW i would make a great GM or the guy behind the scenes helping the GM. but for right now i will try to keep the knowledge coming.
azzman@yahoo HOLLLLA
chauncy Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
NBA has corrupt officals, watered down teams, and fans who don’t seem to notice or care…
P.S. the league got the series it wanted and the finish it wanted anyone surprised?
I enjoy a good basketball game its a shame the only ones not fixed are on a high school level
MPG Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 4:57 pm
I was shocked by how many “experts” picked the Lakers. They had obvious matchup problems dealing with Garnett and were soft on the boards and defense. Would you rather have Odom, Radmonovic and Vucavic or Josh Smith, Marvin Williams and Crittendon from Atlanta?
Hun1 Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 5:02 pm
Lakers will be bigger and badder next year… The most anticipated NBA finals since the last Lakers Vs. Celtics series. I look forward to seeing these two in the final next year; except, with a healthy bynum and bryant after they get their surgery and rest. Good job Celtics… watch out for the Lakers next year! Go Lakers!
Todd Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
I am happy for Doc, KG and Paul Pierce. But my goodness… The Lakers didn’t even compete… The Celts have great defense but I mean…Come on…Compete! If you’re a fan of the Celts than this blow-out was a delight to watch. If you’re a Kobe and the Lakers fan this hurts but from the perspective of a general fan of sports I would have liked to see a closer series. I might be losing my interest in the NBA. The NFL Championship between the Giants and Pats was much more exiciting…
Best players in the league and a hall of fame coach and they got blown away?… Come on…
Joel Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
LOL
Celtics fans are funny, I am a Lakers fan and predicted Celtics in 6…Mainly because of the matchup problems we had. The Cs have absolutley NO CHANCE to repeat AT LL! How many OLD GIZZARDS can you guys get out of retirement? How is Paul Pierce Gonna drive with Bynum waiting for him? Bynum is the 2nd best young Center in the league next to Howard add Gasol as a PF Kobe at SG and MAYBE Odom at SF? who has the mathup problems now? the Celtics are a 1 hit wonder. MAD PROPS to them dont get me wrong. BUT they are done. NOT ONLY THAT. they sold their souls to the devil because they are only positioned to win a MAX of 3 easter finals WHY? look at the age of the players you bought and the contracts. Lakers in the other hand have at least 7 years. Good Job and a well played finals. and I am sorry your GM only ofered you guys 3 good seasons. WHAT happens after that???
Paladin55 Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
I am not a Celtic fan, but I rooted for them against LA, and you can’t take anything away from them. The best stat to illustrate how this team played is Pierce’s 10 assists in Game 6. He was constantly taking advantage of the Laker’s soft interior D to score or dish. He actually played like a point guard. He also played inspired defense, as did Allen, and neither of those guys has ever been known for their D. And nobody should put down Posey’s roll in the series. People got to see how defense change the course of a game if they saw how he and Rondo affected the Laker offense. Posey is a winner.
As for Kobe… I would assume that it will take another 3 years before his fans have the nerve to compare him to Jordan. He faded big-time in Game 6. He did not elevate his game to the occasion, and he did not get the best out of his team as the leader of the Lakers.
Lakers = Fakers Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 7:59 pm
Stop smoking crack Fakers fans. This year was a fluke. Gasol was a nice boost, but he’s a B- player, soft, especially on D. The rest of the team are has-beens or worse - young players with no upside. See my post above. Lakers will probably make the playoffs next year, probably. Here’s a few teams in the west that are BETTER than the Lakers:
Utah
New Orleans
Houston
Phoenix (after retooling)
San Antonio (after retooling)
up and coming (possibly better than LA next season)
Golden State
Denver
Dallas
MaRLoN MaNguiat Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 8:34 pm
next year its iverson’s turn to be champ… hehehe….
Kingsblade Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
kb,
By keeping the knowledge coming you mean suggesting things like trading a #30 pick and a guy who is not under contract next year for a #18?
Maybe they can trade PJ Brown for Bosh while they’re at it.
Another point…you and a few others here seem unwilling to give Boston teh appropriate amount of credit for their defense. Based on their defensive efficiency they were siting as the second best defense of all time until te last month or so when they started resting guys. They proved themselves again against both LeBron and Kobe, effective neutralizing players that against other teams scored whenever they wanted. This includes teams with defenses considered to be great.
My point is simple…over the course of the season Boston actually played like one of the best defenses ever, not just of this year, or this era, but EVER. That includes the vaunted defenses you mentioned already.
I’m not necessarily saying that they would have beaten the Bulls, but I also do not think that some people here really grasp how good their defense has been this year.
Lastly - Posey. He can want to come back all day long, but if Boston cannot pay him the money he can get otherwise then he will go elsewhere. Another contending team will happily pay him some money next year and he will still have a shot to win.
Gene S Said,
June 21, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
When you look at Boston’s game, and look at LA’s game, I think Boston just plays better basketball. They display a better understanding of the game and its possibilities. That is in large part due to the Big Three working well together, but it is also due the the very high standard of coaching provided by Doc Rivers and his excellent assistants.
Putting it another way, I feel the Boston product has a much greater value-added intellectual component than the LA product, and it is good for the NBA, good for basketball. I expect at least 8 or 10 NBA teams to attempt to install Celtic-like defenses next year.
I agree that it is important to re-sign Posey. I would like to see P.J. Brown and Eddie House stay too.