2008 NBA Finals-Game 1

As expected with the first game of the NBA Finals the energy was definitely there in Boston's Bank North arena. The crowd was loud, as it had been all playoffs, and the players looked focused. This was the moment everybody who plays the game hopes for. Players who have been here before always want to get back, and those who are first timers are cherishing it. Of course there always has to be the underdog, and Boston filled that role with Doc Rivers telling his players that most people outside of Boston didn't have much faith in them. As with most Phil Jackson coached teams, the Lakers seemed poised, and calm following the demeanor of their leader. At this point of the season there are no underdogs, both teams had aspirations to get to the Finals. After all the talking and speculation, all there was left to do was tip it up.

1st Quarter

Just like the energy in the building from the fans, it translated to the players on the floor. The early pace was not fast and furious, it was more quick and efficient. Pau Gasol opened up the scoring with a 12 foot jump shot from the wing. It was clear early what the Lakers wanted to do defensively, they jumped out in a match-up zone in the first few possessions. It was evident that they were trying to make Rajon Rondo a scorer. Hesitant on his first shot, he missed an open jumper. After that first shot he became aggressive by driving and looking for his own shot and open teammates. But Boston started out with 3 turnovers in the first 3 minutes of the game. But despite the early blunders, the Celtics were aggressive on the backboards to start the game and just hung around early. All 4 of the Lakers' starters had scored but Kobe Bryant midway through the quarter. Kobe finally hit his first bucket at 5:18 left in the 1st. Boston's defensive strategy was clear in what they were going to do with Kobe Bryant, and that was to keep someone long and athletic on him. Paul Pierce was guarding Kobe, and then James Posey took on the task. Although Kobe does not usually shoot a lot in the first half, he did look bothered on a few of his early shots. The score at the end of the 1st quarter was Los Angeles Lakers 21, Boston Celtics 23.

2nd Quarter

The 2nd quarter started off with the Celtics' Sam Cassell coming off the bench to make a big splash. Cassell made 3 of his first 3 shots. He was taking Derek Fisher to the post and executing flawless turnaround jumpers. The second unit of the Celtics pushed the lead out on the Lakers, which is surprising seeing how well the Lakers' bench has played all season. The only thing that kept the lead manageable was the energy and rebounding of Ronny Turiaf, and Boston's shooting cooled down. Up until the midpoint of this quarter, Kevin Garnett had been struggling with his jump shot, but a monster drive and dunk got him going. He went on to drop in jumper after jumper in the second quarter. Another bright spot was Rajon Rondo's ability to stay relevant and aggressive. The Lakers got it going at near the end of the quarter and Pau Gasol got it going with the pick and roll, Boston was unable to defend the roll man. Lamar Odom was also playing big for the Lakers, and continued to make plays going to the rim. The score at halftime was Los Angeles Lakers 51, Boston Celtics 46.

3rd Quarter

The 3rd quarter was an adventurous one for Paul Pierce. He had shot 1 for 3 in the first half, but came out with a head fake and drive to the basket for a lay-up. The next possession down court Pierce executed a perfect head fake to get Vladimir Radmanovich in the air, and then jumped into him to create the foul. He ended up banking the 3-point shot off of the backboard, and then hit the free throw to complete the 4-point play. Pierce then hit a free throw line jumper, and drew foul number 4 on Radmanovich. At around the 7:00 minute mark Paul Pierce was injured while guarding Kobe Bryant after teammate Kendrick Perkins landed on his leg. He was carried off of the floor, and put in a wheelchair. Back in the locker room he was able to put pressure on the knee, it turned out to be a sprained knee. During this time Kendrick Perkins also sprained an ankle and went to the locker room. At the 5:04 mark Paul Pierce returned with a large roar from the crowd. During that 2 minutes he was out, it was like the crowd had been punched in the gut. During this time Kobe Bryant began picking up the scoring and had 10 points in the 3rd, but he was no match for Paul Pierce, who returned to the floor to hit 2 3-pointers on assists from Rajon Rondo. Pierce ended up with 15 points for the quarter and the quarter ended up with Los Angeles Lakers 73, Boston Celtics 77.

4th Quarter

The 4th quarter began with the only starters on the floor for either team being Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. It was a struggle for the Lakers as the Celtics pulled away and led by 10 points. Phil Jackson seemed to change his substitution pattern. He usually rests Kobe Bryant at the beginning in the 4th quarter, and brings him in with about 8:00 to go. Tonight he started the 4th on the floor, played a few minutes, and then returned to the floor around 5:30 left in the game. Even once he returned Kobe was not shooting the ball well, he ended up with 24 points on 9-26 shooting. Although the Lakers cut the lead to 2, it was a monster tip dunk by Kevin Garnett that sealed the game for the Celtics. After adding some free throws, the Celtics went on to take game 1 98-88.

In conclusion, it was only one game in the grand scheme of things. It has been said that the series does not start until someone wins a game on the road, so Boston is doing what they are supposed to be doing. For game 2, the keys for the Lakers are if Kobe Bryant can shoot a better percentage, and if their bench can step up and keep them in the game when Kobe Bryant is out of the game. For the Boston Celtics, Rajon Rondo needs to keep shooting the ball from outside, and the health of Paul Pierce's knee are what is going to make or break them. Game 2 will be Sunday, June 8 at 8 C.S.T on ABC. Breakdown of Game 2 will be posted Monday morning.

2008 Lakers/Celtics Finals Preview

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.***

NBA Texas Triangle Round-Up

It is now official that all of Texas' NBA teams have been eliminated from the playoffs. I am not surprised in the least bit due to the fact that all three were fatally flawed. If any of these teams plans on doing better next year, then major changes have to be on the horizon. Sometimes as a fan it is hard to remove yourself from a situation, and as a hater of another team is also hard to look at them objectively as well. I am a tried and true Texan to heart, but I am a die hard Dallas Mavericks fan, casual observer of the Houston Rockets, and an outright despiser of the San Antonio Spurs. With that said I will try my best to break down where each team failed this year, and need to improve upon.

Dallas Mavericks

Looking back a couple of years ago when the Mavs were in the NBA Finals, it seemed like there would be a couple more years of domination. But, ever since that collapse against the Miami Heat it has seemed as if a fog has hung over the franchise. Last years regular season crown and first round playoff exit sealed the deal for changes if something big didn't happen this year. The Mavs started slowly and due to injuries, lingered around the bottom of the Western Conference. Midway through the season while others teams traded for big men, the Dallas Mavericks opted to trade away YOUTH, and SIZE for an aging Jason Kidd. It was apparent from the beginning that the new team was having trouble meshing together thus sealing the fate for utter disappointment later. Sure enough, a first round loss to the New Orleans Hornets, who behind YOUTH, and SIZE embarrassed the listless Mavs. I wonder if Mark Cuban thought later on it would have been nice to have a fast Devin Harris on an equally quick Chris Paul. The Mavericks roster is getting up in age as far as key players are concerned. Somehow this offseason they need to figure out way to find an athletic scorer that can fill the role that Jerry Stackhouse has been playing off the bench, because it seems as if he has hit the down slope of his career. They are also in need of a quality big man due to the trade of DeSagana Diop. The horrible trade ended up costing Avery Johnson his job, and he has been since been replaced by Rick Carlisle. Carlisle will bring a new philosophy, but will it be enough to counteract the mistakes in personnel. Hindsight is always 20/20, but I doubted that trade long before it was made. The Mavs need to find a new window because theirs is closed for now.

Houston Rockets

The championship years, and memories of Houston being called “Clutch City” are long gone amidst the struggles they have had after the ’94, ’95 seasons. All things considered, the coaching situation for the Rockets has been pretty stable, only two since Rudy Tomjanovich retired, there have just not been explosive results on the court, only reaching the Western Conference Finals in 1997. The years following have been riddled with bad personnel moves (Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, Brent Price), and bad contracts (Kelvin Cato, Matt Maloney, Steve Francis (twice)). Every team they have assembled since ’97 has been missing a key part whether it has been point guard play, a scoring shooting guard, or a serviceable big man. This year in their first round exit to the Utah Jazz, a team that has haunted the Rockets playoff dreams, it was evident that simply put the Rockets are just not athletic, or big enough. Although without Yao Ming due to injury, the Rockets just do not posses the athletes to play above the rim basketball needed in today’s game. Tracy McGrady is the reluctant star, more willing to defer to Yao Ming when possible, and it appears that when the weight is on his shoulders he easily folds like a lawn chair. Also, in the front court of the Rockets, it is hard to compete on a nightly basis in the NBA when you have a roster full of 6’7” power forwards. The lone bright spot was Carl Landry, amongst the group of himself, Luis Scola, and Chuck Hayes. So you might ask what do the Rockets need going forward? There are a few things that are key: one is a back-up for Yao, due to an aging and most likely retiring Dikembe Mutumbo. They will also need to find an athletic small forward, Shane Battier is definitely solid but he is not a leaper, or slasher just merely a spot up shooter on offense. And last but not least, somebody needs to tell Tracy McGrady to go see the Wizard of OZ and get a heart. I am really tired of hearing how tired he is, or what new injury he has. After 82 games everyone has something, let’s just suck it up and go play.

San Antonio Spurs

Last but not least, the Spurs, winners of 4 of the last 9 championships. No doubt they are the benchmark for success in the NBA, and model for many, but this year they showed some chinks in the armor. They breezed through the Suns in the first round, but ran into the buzz saw that is Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets that had just come off of demoralizing the Dallas Mavericks. Many people have learned to not bet against the Spurs, even as I sip on the “hater-ade” in the back of my mind I always have doubts that when the Spurs are down that they are truly out. Once again they showed their mojo, when down 3-1 to the Hornets won the last 3 to take the series. But the telling part of the series was how old the Spurs looked. It was adjustments made by the Spurs coaching staff, and just the grit shown by Tony parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and even Robert Horry dusted of his bones to hit a few shots. But let me stress that besides Tony Parker, many of the Spurs key players are on the down side of their careers, a list that includes: Michael Finley, Robert Horry, Kurt Thomas, Bruce Bowen, Bent Barry, and even though just a 2^nd year player Fabricio Oberto is already 33 years old. In football, the New England Patriots have stayed on top by not keeping old players around well past their prime. But if you are to see a decline in the quality of the Spurs in the next few years it will be because they stayed loyal to the group a little to long. Although it is a refreshing gesture in today’s world of sports, it can also be a franchise killer. Only time will tell whether the Spurs will keep bringing championships back to the River Walk or if they will endure a downfall like they experienced in the 1980’s.

So for Texas to continue it’s reign of dominance over the last 11-12 years, all three of it’s NBA franchises have to make key moves this summer. All of the teams have a stable nucleus, Dallas has Dirk Nowitzki/Josh Howard, Houston has Yao Ming/Tracy McGrady, and the Spurs have Tony Parker/Tim Duncan. It is those supporting players, and periphery pieces that are what is key. I feel it is going to be an exciting summer when it comes to movement. Let’s just sit back and enjoy these NBA Finals, because it is a rebirth of the NBA again.