Celtics. Lakers. NBA Finals.
 

The 2008 NBA Finals were fantastic. This year's finals are shaping up to be even better:

• The Lakers have gotten bigger and tougher in the interior.
• Rondo's emergence gives the Celtics the ability to do so much more than they were able to do in 2008.
• The Lakers have a shutdown defender in Artest who will be 110% dedicated to shutting down Pierce.
• Rasheed Wallace gives the Celtics the depth necessary down low. The Celtics and Lakers both have very deep benches.
• The Celtics just want to win every single game they play more than the other team. The Lakers just want to get the Celtics back.

This series is going to come down to the paint. The Lakers score about 50% of their points by being bigger and taller than the other team. But the Celtics rotation of Garnett/Perkins/Baby/Wallace is deep enough to play them. I guarantee you Doc Rivers' #1 priority will be to push the Lakers out of the paint just like they've done with the Cavs and the Magic.

If they're successful, this means the Lakers will need to come up with at least 40 points a game somewhere other than the paint. Which they can do, of course, especially with Kobe on hand. But it's not going to come from Fisher, who was equals with Rondo in 2008 but now will be completely outclassed by him. And I imagine Artest will be a defensive force this year, focusing just on shutting down Pierce with little attention to the offensive end.

That pretty much leaves things up to Kobe to drive the offense against Ray Allen's savvy and Tony Allen's doggedness. He struggled against a combination of Allen and Posey in 2008. Time will tell if he can finally crack that Celtics defense.

Gasol vs. Garnett when Gasol's will be downright fascinating. Whoever gets the best of this matchup when Gasol's got the ball will determine the series. If Gasol can reliable keep racking up points against Garnett's defense, the Celtics defense will have to clench up to help and open up LA's bombers. If Garnett can keep Gasol under wraps, the Lakers will have no interior game (Bynum stands no chance against Perkins, and Odom will be facing a Garnett/Wallace combination that won't bode well for him), and they're going to struggle to put up points.

On the other end of the court, certainly Phil Jackson's main goal will be to (a.) keep Pierce under wraps with Artest, and (b.) play incredibly soft off Rondo like they did in 2008 to cut off his penetration and forcing him into jump shots. If Rondo hits his shots, this series is blown wide open in the Celtics favor. But he'll probably be iffy, as is his usual way.

Pierce will be shut down, but Garnett will pose problems for Gasol. Garnett's range extends farther than Gasol's ability to defend. If Garnett's hitting, Gasol will have to play tight, and that will open up tons of drives.

With Rondo mostly neutralized, Allen will pose problems for the Lakers' starting backcourt. I imagine they'll try to shut him down with Fisher since he's a ferocious screen-fighter and you simply don't want Kobe fighting through three screens when he needs to be carrying your offense on the other end. Fisher, however, tries to literally fight back against screens and that will slow him down, opening up Allen. Putting in Brown or Farmar will stand a better chance in tracking him down, but they both are turnover prone.

So we get to the bench. The Lakers have the most talented bench, but the Celtics bench outplayed them anyway when that was also the case in 2008. The big difference is that the Celtics do not have a deadeye bomber coming off the bench this year, but they do have a deeper frontcourt and a great hustle-defender in Tony Allen. The Lakers meanwhile will be giving Odom every chance to contribute, with typically mixed results. Intensity will be on Boston's side, which was enough in 2008. It's uncertain if that's the case in 2010.

And that cuts to the heart of the issue. There is no quit in this Celtics team, which is as mentally tough and impregnable as the NBA's seen since the stone cold Spurs of the early 2000s. You can blow them out in one game, only for them to meet you stride for stride in the next game. Mentally, they will not be vanquished. The Lakers have a couple players who are similar in Kobe, Fisher, and Gasol. But the rest of the team is awfully moody, much like they were in 2008, and can thus be demoralized like they were that year. But they are extremely hungry to beat this Celtics team.

I'm a Celtics fan, but I think it's a Lakers-friendly series, since the 2-3-2 format works extremely well for the home team.

Lakers in 6. But this Celtics team is as unpredictably good as it gets, so who knows.

not that I believe the suns have any prayer of getting past the lakers, but isn't this a bit premature?

No.

I'm going to laugh hysterically at you if the lakers somehow don't make it to the finals.

I thought LeBron was a lock to make the NBA Finals this year, in fact...most people did. It didn't quite turn out that way.

AAAAAAAAAnd that's why the NBA sucks.

The Suns looked good last night. If A'mare plays like last night, the series could go deep. Be it only one game, but any time the Lakers have to attempt over 30 3-pt attempts, i don't like their chances of winning. Kobe had to play practically the entire game (I think he played the entire 2nd half) to keep them in the game. The first two games in the series the Lakers were shooting lights out, we knew that wouldn't last. The Suns still aren't really shooting all that well from the field. Frye hasn't made a 3 pointer yet, and eventually he has to get hot...right? The Lakers will win the series, (though it will piss me off) but the Suns aren't done fighting yet.

I'll be delighted if that happens. I'm not counting on it, but it would be so nice.

Yep, nothing compelling about knowing who's going to win a series 2-3 games in.

FYP, kinda...

Good analysis Direckshun. Mine is much simpler.

The Celtics are obviously healthy and highly motivated, and have simply crushed the two teams in the NBA with the best record in the regular season, embarassing them in the process. They are tougher, both mentally and physically, than the Lakers (in my opinion), and the Lakers haven't dealt with a team that plays anywhere near the type of defense that the Celtics play, which simply drains their opponent's will to live.

Celtics in six.

Based on what are they tougher mentally and physically?

The problem you have is you keep talking about the 2008 playoffs like it has absolutely any barring on this series coming up. The Celtics were tougher then. The Lakers have toughened up a lot since then. As someone who says they haven't watched really any Laker basketball, you sure like to throw out declaratives like you are completely well versed on the team.

Gasol isn't the same. Artest wasn't here. Odom is even a lot more physical than he was.

The Celtics have a fine team that is hot right now and it should be a good series.

However, there's no way the Celtics are going to push around the Lakers like they did 2 years ago.

PFYP

What a tool you are.

I wont watch if its the Celtics/Lakers, I am so sick of both of these teams

What odd timing for this thread to be started.

Based on a statistical analysis performed by a cooperative research venture formed by Harvard and MIT employing quantum mechanics and chemo-biological studies.

Dude, it's an opinion... Partly from the fact that the C's have had tougher competition and have made them melt before the C's intensity. Because they seem to want it more than ever. Because they're playing sick defensive basketball, which is how we won in '08.

And Bynum hopping around on one leg doesn't help you any in the toughness department.

This thread is the ultimate jinx. All of the Celtics and Lakers fans on this board are going to be super pissed.

I think Amnorix is right especially after watching last night and the ease in which Amare dominated in the paint against Gasol. I don't even know why Bynum suited up what a waste of a night.

Plus the Celtics are on a roll and have beaten or dominated tougher teams then any in the West.

Amare had a great game. That happens.

However, one game isn't going to erase how tough Gasol has played in the playoffs since that Celtics series.

The Magic aren't a real physical team outside of Howard. They are a bunch of jump shooters for the most part who stay out of the paint.

Gasol has played great most of the time but I don't know if I would call him a physical player.

It will definitely be a great series but as it stands right now I think the Celtics win this series.

I'm in Boston and I'm gonna have to go out to watch the finals, I might even venture into the city for the first time.

How could you live in Boston and not go out into the city?

Sweet....yet another NBA finals that I won't be watching.

The Lakers have Artest now.

because I haven't felt like it. I hate driving here. I don't know how the train system works or where I could go to get on it and park my car in a safe spot. When I get downtown, where do I go? The people here are nasty and I don't like being around big crowds. I'm not adventurous I guess. I will go to the beach soon though.

Why? They're the two best teams in the league.

It should be a great series (and yes, the Suns have no shot to beat the Lakers), but I see LA winning in 6.

Kobe is going to have a series for the ages, Artest is going to shutdown Pierce, and Gasol and Bynum will be enough down low.

Right. And at least a one-legged Bynum. But I'm talking about the entire team, mental and physical.

Look, we won't know until we know. Alot of people on here had the Lakers penciled in for an easy win in the Finals in '08 only to be shocked at the result. Hell, I was at least a bit surprised myself at how "easy" it was.

I feel more confident of beating the Lakers this year than I did in '08. A month ago I wouldn't have said that, but watchign this C's team steamroll, just completely crush, the Cavs and Magic, has made me a believer. But we won't know until we know.

Seriously, WTF? The train system isn't that complicated, there's tons of parking in the suburbs, and most of it is perfectly safe. And Boston is a cultural mecca.

Cmon KCCHiefsMan I went to Boston a few years ago and figured it out just fine. I think Boston might be my favorite big city.

Filled with communists that love to wear green and watch a bunch of bums. :D

Thing is, it's TINY. Compared to NY or Philly, the areas you want to go are pretty much all within walking distance of each other. The train system is simple (try New York's if you want a challenge). It's just not that hard.

Our Comrades will crush your Capitalist Pig Souls!

Dasvidanya Lakers.

:D

That is why we liked it. We thought it was super simple to get around and we walked everywhere. Then we rented a car and went up to the Maine coast for a few days.

My buddy is already betting me the Lakers will trash the Celtics. I want the Suns to come back so bad.



<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cpMTOqKOcMI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Why?

I'm not saying that it's hard to figure out. But I haven't looked into where to park my car and get on a train that's close to my house. Being on vacation would be easy, you stay at a hotel and you have a concierge. It doesn't help that I don't know anyone either. I'm not the type to go out clubbing by myself or out to eat or to a museum. I'm sure it's simple but that doesn't mean that someone who has never been to this city would instantly know what to do and like I said, it really sucks driving here so I'm sure if I google the train system and research what to do I could figure it out, I haven't been that motivated to do that though. This isn't a vacation for me, I have a mission to get this house fixed up and sell it and move to a different state.

Ok, if you're here alone I understand.

First, ehre's a potentially useful website. General Massachusetts forum.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/massachusetts/

Where do you live? I'll give you some good things to do that are fine to do alone (i.e. not eat at some swank restaurant).


EDIT: Note that now is the time. We're coming out of the long, crappy winter months and heading inot the good months -- late May/June/July, before it gets sickeningly muggy (late July into August, usually). Great weather for activities.

thanks man, I appreciate it. I live in West Roxbury. I don't know how to explain it, it's between the VFW parkway and Centre street. I plan to see the sights before I leave, right now I'm busy with this house and once I get going on something I don't stop until it's finished.

maybe I'll sign up on match.com and find a pretty lady to take out and explore the city with. Ya never know, if things go well I might end up showing her my O face later on...

j/k

One thing I want to do for sure is go to foxwoods and play some hold em.

I like the Lakers and I give them respect, and they won me some stamps and noodles last year over the Magic, but my friend is so ****ing full of himself and thinks he knows everything and he would drop to his knees and suck off Kobe if he could. I like Kobe, but I'm so sick of him doing futuristic math and trying to prove how much better Bryant is than Jordan. He's FOR SURE than LA is going to beat Boston in the finals, and they haven't even gotten past the Suns yet.

errr, you got a problem with watching 'bums?' female bums are likely one of my favorite sites in any city.

The Suns are far from being done. They are not going to be an easy out.

Meh. They're still going down.

Well, it has a great shot at going 7 the way they play at home.

Probably. Im just ****in' with ya. But, when the Lakers bring their A game, i don't see the Suns being able to stop 'em.

Ok, I'll leave who to show your O face to to you. :D

Assuming you have a car, then what is probably simplest is to jump on 128 south and park at Quincy Adams T Station. There's a huge garage there. Hop the red line and go into town that way. There are commuter trains close to where you live, but parking is a pain at most of them, and you have to live by a tight schedule, which is a pain in the ass. If you want to give it a shot, you can check out the T's website, which has schedules, etc. all online.

Things to do:

Duck Boat Tours, always fun, and fine to do alone. Usually want a reservation in advance:

http://www.bostonducktours.com/

New England Aquarium:

http://www.neaq.org/index.php


Boston Museum of Fine Arts:

http://www.mfa.org/


Go on a whale watch:

http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/boston-whale-watch/

http://www.massbaylines.com/

(and a dozen others)


Catch a Red Sox game at Fenway:

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=bos


Walk the Freedom Trail (or portions of it):

http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/

Go see the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned ship afloat:

http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/



If you're really into ships, you can go to Quincy and see the USS Salem, a Heavy Cruiser:

http://www.uss-salem.org/


Or, if you want to take a longer drive, go down to Fall River's Battleship Cove:

http://www.battleshipcove.com/


Another longer drive is to check out the mansions at Newport, Rhode Island (all the way down Route 24:

http://www.newportmansions.org/


You are a short drive from the Blue Hills, where you can go for a walk or bike ride.

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/blue.htm


You are also a reasonably short drive from the Arnold Arboreteum.

http://arboretum.harvard.edu/


You can do Harvard, though I've never quite seen the fascination, but Cambridge can be a cool place to check out.


I have no doubt missed about two million things, but yeah, Boston -- there's stuff to do...

That's cool. I don't care enough about the NBA to argue that much anyway ROFL I can agree with LA being a better team, but I think it is going to be a great series.

Take that bet now!

I dont know how anyone could assume that any team will "trash" the Celtics. I'd define what he means by "trash", and take that bet too.

That should be a great series.

While the Celtics should be given lots of credit for doing what they have done you need to be a little careful. The Magic and Cavs play in the east where there are a lot more bad teams then there are in the west. They beefed up their record playing in the eastern conference.

I remain convinced the only reason the Celtics didn't win it all last year was Kevin Garnett was out. Going into this year with him back and getting Rasheed Wallace I thought they were the favorites. The struggled because they weren't healthy. Now they are healthy and Rondo has emerged. 'Nuff said.

Whatever.

Go Lakers!!!!

I wish the Celtics had closed it out last night.

Go Lakers!!! Lakers by 12 tonight.

Is Pioli Zombie the biggest ****ing idiot on this board?

IF the Lakers make to the series, I'll be shocked if they two win games.

The Celts are far more physical and Rondo is now their best player.

I wouldn't be surprised if they swept the Lakers. The Lakers just do not match up well with the Celtics, especially with Bynum hurting.

The Lakers really need to get a big time banger this offseason. Boozer?

Surprisingly, no.

Of course, this is all speculation if LA lose to the Suns.
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If they had a true point guard they could beat the Celtics

Or Kobe could just score 50 a game

The Lakers look too soft.

I don't quite understand why people are freaking out about the Lakers so much. First of all, the Suns won THREE less games than the Laker's in the regular season. That is it. You should expect the series to be close. Nothing has happened that shouldn't have so far. Lakers won at home, and the Sun's won at home. Pretty much, in any conference championship, the only time one team has the upper hand is when they win an away game. Laker's in six or seven, but I'm gonna go six.

They could shop Farmar & Bynum to Chicago for Hinrich and Deng or Noah. I really have no idea if that is even feasible in the NBA since you have to match salaries.

I'll say it for you...the Lakers, and Kobe, are pussies. (For liberals among us, NTTAWWT. Just sayin'....)

The Celtics in seven; maybe even six. :thumb:

ONE game in L.A.? Yeah, okay...maybe. For more than that, against the Celts? :spock:


Keep dreamin'.... LMAO

Why would Chicago do that deal? What do they gain?

stay far far away from boozer. Lakers do NOT NOT NOT NOT need him. dude is like 6'9 if anything and is a power foward. Lakers already have 2 pretty good power forwards.


Gasol and Odom have played like shit the last 2 games. At least Bynum did some things today.

Lakers are fine though. Teams are supposed to win on their home court especially in the conference finals.

I've been reading that a Bosh for Bynum deal has been in the works for months now. If the Lakers lose to the Celtics (and especially the Suns), you have to think that happens.

Eh, a budding superstar in Bynum (at least that is what shit you can try to sell them)

dont count out those fiesty little suns. captain canada with his busted up face is doing his best lol!

but yes all in all the glamour match-up most ppl want is the lakers-celts, if that happens GO CELTS!!!

Eh? What are you talking aboot

wow there has got to be a better deal even with just the lakers if bosh really wants to go there. the raps might need some new bballs (and fans) id rather take that than bynum and his bum knee

no idea the beer up here is way too strong i just make this s*it up as i go along

I'd rather take Bynum than David Lee.

The only thing you will see this offseason from the Lakers regardless of what happens is Farmar Gone, Sasha Vujicic gone, Adam Morrison Gone and them lookinig for a point guard.

almosta coin flip there for me. id rather have bosh stay but really dont see that happening, once the cup finals end the focus will turn away from hockey and all of canada can once again get a life or ruin it with more sports. i personally prefer the latter!

may wanna put this thread on hold for a bit

Yep