On Thursday, June 5th, the Lakers and Celtics start the 2007-08 Finals. I really believe the basketball Gods were shining down on the NBA and put this match-up together. These two teams have everything that makes for good ratings including: Star power, teams with historical significance, and an aesthetically pleasing brand of basketball. No offense to the Pistons and Spurs but this is what the people have been waiting on for years. The ratings will most definitely be the highest in a long time for an NBA Finals series. Is not only that the teams are more appealing than in years past, it is the fact that popularity in the NBA is better than it has been in years. This series will be decided match-ups, bench play, and the adjustments that the coaches make. This is the first Finals since 1987 when Boston won their last championship.
Los Angeles Lakers
First, the Los Angeles Lakers, they possess this year’s league MVP in Kobe Bryant, a 9-time NBA championship coach in Phil Jackson, and a formidable supporting cast. This is the glamour Lakers that have excited the fans with good offense, big stars, and excellent team play. Kobe Bryant has presented himself this year like he has never been seen before. He has always been the aloof superstar that does not connect with his teammates, and certainly not your traditional leader type. But he has shown a maturity that has been recognized by fans and his teammates alike. This new attitude has earned him his first MVP award. When the year started nobody thought that the season would unfold like this for them with Kobe Bryant demanding a trade during the summer after making derogatory statements about the Lakers organization, general manager Mitch Kupchak, and young center Andrew Bynum. But all hard feelings were long gone after Bryant displayed his heroics during the first game of the season. The season went on to be one where Bryant trusted his teammates more than ever, and did not have any blow-ups of seasons past. It was only a couple of years ago when Kobe refused to shoot the ball in the second half of a playoff game against the Phoenix Suns. Long gone are the immature actions that led many outside of Los Angeles to dislike him.
For years many critics of Phil Jackson accused him of taking teams with a lot of talent and riding the wave to championships. Yet supporters look at him as a master motivator, and manager of personalities. The last 3 years with the Lakers could be considered Jackson's best coaching job. It has taken patience in managing less talented, and dealing with the frustrations of Kobe Bryant. He has taken these inferior teams to the playoffs the last 2 years and although losing in first round half the battle was getting there. This could also be his most successful year in dealing with Kobe Bryant' eccentric personality, and on the sidelines they show a genuine fondness for each other. The "Zen Master" has also done a great job of allowing the role players to get their confidence by playing through their mistakes, and yanking them when something does not go perfectly. A little faith goes a long way and they role players have stepped up in ways that they haven't since Shaquille O'Neal was still around. When it comes to Finals experience, Phil Jackson is the master with his 10 appearances and 9 rings.
The supporting cast of the Lakers have been the most reliable that they have been since the 2004 season. The return of Derek Fisher from the Utah Jazz has been key in stabillizing the point guard position. It is very clear that Kobe Bryant is more comfortable than he was with Smush Parker at the head. Lamar Odom is finally playing up to his potential, showing aggressiveness going to the rim, and actually showing some emotion. The midseason addition of Pau Gasol has done wonders for the triangle offense. Let's be honest, Kwame Brown was not just getting it done. Gasol is the versatile scorer and passer that makes the offense runs smoothly. Other role player that provide a lift for the Lakers are Luke Walton, Vladimir Radmanovic, Jordan Farmar, Ronny Turiaf, and Sasha Vujacic. Each one of these players plays knows their roles and when they come onto the floor they allow Kobe Bryant and the other starters to rest without giving up much. Doug Collins remarked on the TNT broadcast that this groups plays well together and stay in the offense because none of them can create their own shot. This was not meant as a slight at all, it was really a high complement to their basket ball I.Q.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have been known by the "Big 3" all year with combination of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Had the Celts not made it to this point they would have been considered a failure, and some hardcore Boston fans may still feel that way if they do not take home the jewelry. Boston's struggles in the first two rounds of the playoffs against the young Atlanta Hawks and the Lebron James led Cleveland Cavaliers. Both series went to B games and the Celtics could not win on the road, and Ray Allen struggled to shoot the ball. It was not until they met the Pistons that they brought the show back to how they performed in the regular season.
The "Big 3" have held up there end of the bargain in getting the Celtics to this point. Although none of them have been to the Finals, it was the dedication and focus of these veterans that brought them to this point. That intense focus has been spearheaded by Kevin Garnett, and his everyday commitment. He brings an intensity that he has his whole career, it is just now on a bigger stage. K.G. Had only reached the Western Conference final once with the Minnesota Timberwolves along with a numerous of first round exits. Teamed with long time Boston Celtic Paul Pierce, they have formed a partnership that neither has ever had. With Kevin Garnett around Paul Pierce has actually bent his knees and played defense this year. It is a contagious attitude that even Ray Allen has adapted. Each one of these stars has sacrificed a part of their games for the good of the team. Each one of these players is near the end of their careers, and they each feel the crunch of trying to get a title. Once the first tip goes up, we shall see if Garnett is aggressive enough, Pierce doesn't defer to Garnett, and if Ray Allen has his shot going.
Doc Rivers is good with the media, well liked, and to be quite honest struggled as a playoff coach. Doc gives great interviews and is very honest, but sometimes has the tendency to throw his players under the bus for things that he may have a part in. Although this Boston Celtic team is the most talented he has ever coached, he sometimes has the ability over coach, which showed early on in the playoffs this year. During the regular season, Rivers made all right moves, used his bench and let the talent do their part. In the playoffs he has changed his substitution patterns and made adjustments that really did not have any basis, or better yet, results. With all of that said, he has led his team to the best record in the regular season, and the Finals and you cannot argue with that success.
The bench play has been key for the Celtics, and they are solid with James Posey, Eddie House, P.J. Brown, Sam Cassell, Glen Davis, and Leon Powe. The only problem the bench for the Celts has had was a regular rotation, as I mentioned before with the substitution irregularities in the playoffs. Another key for the Celts has been point guard play. 2nd year man Rajon Rondo is solid on defense but has sometimes struggled with getting the team in the offense, and has little to no jump shot. The Celtics picked up Sam Cassell late in the season, but he has struggled as of late, and given minutes back to Rondo and Eddie House. When Rajon Rondo plays with confidence the whole team runs smoothly. Another big reason the Celtics are where they are is because of starting center Kendrick Perkins. His rebounding and strong defense have complemented the "Big 3" nicely.
The Break Down
OVERALL TALENT- I give this to the Lakers based on the fact that Boston's starters are top heavy, but the Laker's bench is very savvy, and have done it all year.
COACHING- Doc Rivers has gotten his team here, but Phil Jackson has done it 11 times now and is going for ring number 10. Jackson will not panic.
BENCH PLAY- I feel this directly falls on Doc Rivers' ability to use his bench like he did in the regular season. Because Phil is the better coach I think he will get the most out his squad.
PREDICTION- Lakers in 6 games, Kobe is just too much to match up against, and he wants to cement his legacy.
***There will be game-by-game breakdown of every Finals contest so check back the morning after every game.***
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