Weather Celtics. Lakers. NBA Finals. - Page 5

Direckshun · 05-24-2010, 12:13 AM

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.

**DaneMcCloud** · 05-25-2010, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

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

Surprisingly, no.

Coach · 05-25-2010, 10:39 PM

Of course, this is all speculation if LA lose to the Suns.
Posted via Mobile Device

kcpasco · 05-25-2010, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

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?

If they had a true point guard they could beat the Celtics

Or Kobe could just score 50 a game

KC_Connection · 05-25-2010, 10:56 PM

The Lakers look too soft.

BWillie · 05-25-2010, 11:07 PM

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.

BWillie · 05-25-2010, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

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?

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.

**Mr. Kotter** · 05-25-2010, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

The Lakers look too soft.

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcpasco

...Or Kobe could just score 50 a game

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

Keep dreamin'....

Pitt Gorilla · 05-25-2010, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie007

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.

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

kcxiv · 05-25-2010, 11:26 PM

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.

KC_Connection · 05-25-2010, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie007

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'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.

BWillie · 05-25-2010, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitt Gorilla

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

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

chiefschargersmnf · 05-25-2010, 11:41 PM

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!!!

BWillie · 05-25-2010, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefschargersmnf

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

chiefschargersmnf · 05-26-2010, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

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.

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

chiefschargersmnf · 05-26-2010, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie007

Eh? What are you talking aboot

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

05-24-2010, 12:13 AM
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2063447	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.
Posts: 59,693

05-25-2010, 10:39 PM	#62
Coach Champs! Join Date: Mar 2004 Casino cash: $3778476	Of course, this is all speculation if LA lose to the Suns. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 54,692

05-25-2010, 10:56 PM	#64
KC_Connection Perpetual Mediocrity Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $1642783	The Lakers look too soft.
Posts: 57,816

05-25-2010, 11:07 PM	#65
BWillie Are you ready to Rumble? Join Date: Apr 2006 Casino cash: $-1348759	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.
Posts: 52,681

05-25-2010, 11:26 PM	#69
kcxiv In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central Valley, Cali Casino cash: $8697996	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.
Posts: 29,111

05-25-2010, 11:41 PM	#72
chiefschargersmnf Starter Join Date: May 2010 Location: nunavut, canada Casino cash: $10004900	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!!!
Posts: 44