This NBA finals marks the 12th time in which these two basketball giants have met on the hardwood during the finals. Of those 12 meetings the boys from Bean Town have won 9 of those championship crowns. Most notably were the rumbles in the 80s between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson that arguably ended up saving the NBA. Today's "legends in the making' wear shorts that are thankfully a bit longer but have match ups that are just as riveting. If your a betting man, this one may be just too close to call as both teams have grown since their last 2008 match up. Here are our predictions for how this renewed rivalry will play out.
Adrienne- Lakers.
John- Yes, Kobe is Kobe, and Pau is lightyears better than he was in 2008. However, Garnett seems to be at or near 100%, Perkins and Davis have matured substantially, and Rondo is now a premier point guard and master of the steal. The Celtics have a defensive edge over the Lakers which should provide an overall advantage; Boston has allowed 10 fewer points per game in the postseason. Potential X-factors: Fish, 'Sheed (should I actually want him shooting 3's? I'm so confused), and Artest (offensively). Artest has been playing good defensive ball, so it will be up to Allen on the perimeter, Garnett inside, and Rondo on the fast break to make up for what could be limited productivity from Pierce. Celtics in an EPIC 7-game series, a show only the Lakers and Celtics can offer. Is anyone selling tickets for game 6 in the Garden? Or game 7 next to Mr. Nicholson? Boston.
Sport4Prophet- And so for the billionth time we have the Boston Celtics vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. As a former Sixers fan I am predisposed to hate both those teams but I will try and put that aside. This is a case that we often see in the NBA where the best two TEAMS will make it to the Finals and the Lakers and Celtics fit that bill. I think it really comes down to the matchups in this series: how Artest does about slowing down Paul Pierce, how Gasol does about the physicality of the Boston front line, how negatively Rondo and Bynum are affected by their injuries with their respective matchups, how good Bryant is able to chase Ray Allen off of screens without exhausting himself, and finally how much Garnett really has left in the tank. This could be an even better Finals than 2008 as both teams are now more comfortable with their rosters and most of the players have been upgraded. In the end I believe that whoever wins game 1 will most likely win the series as a. Phil Jackson never loses a series when winning game 1 (47-0) and b. I think that game 1 represents the Celtics best chance to win one on the road. Unfortunately, if I had to guess, I would pick the Lakers in 6 as the Celtics just seem a little too banged up and the Black Mamba seems too focused not to go for the kill. Ring number 5 for Kobayashi and the discussion for best Laker of all time begins. Lakers in 6.
Girmay- This will be a match for the ages. Aside from the two team's physical ability and talent for the game, you can tell they both are willing to die for it. What happens when your dream comes at the expense of another's? At the end of the day, the one who wants it more will win. I don't think anyone wants this more than Kobe. Look at this dude in interviews. In his opinion a Western Conference Championship means nothing. He is focused. He will get his 5th. One more until he equals the man whose shadow he's been playing in. Lakers in 6
Michelle- The anticipation behind this series is honestly enough for me. At the end of the day, I know that it is going to be a knock down drag out. Both of these teams have been tried and tested in the finals. And both have changed a bit since the 2008 when the Celtics came out on top. Gasol and Garnett down low should be a physical match Kobe will probably do some Kobe-esque things to keep us all on the edge of our seats. I also have my money on Perkins getting at least one technical before we get to game 4. At the end of the day I am hoping for the Celtics to pull through; in part because I’m a fan of the underdog and not too long ago we all (myself included) didn’t think the Celtics could make it this far. My brain tells me that I’m probably wrong, but let’s hope I’m not. Celtics in 7.
Marcus- Honestly, I don't really even have rational thoughts on this one. Even if rationally I thought the Celtics were going to win, I wouldn't be able to say that. But to try to get something rational out, I think that Rondo will give the Lakers a substantial amount of trouble, but that the series will likely come down to Kobe's ability to control the game and to give his team whatever they need. I think Pau Gasol is considerably stronger and more talented than he was the last time we saw this matchup. Lakers in 6
