Despite my adamant claims that both Conference Finals were going seven, the Celtics finished off the Pistons last night to win the East and set up a classic battle for the Larry O. The Pistons were inevitably going to be the flatter team coming into this one; they’ve never looked like the hungrier team in these playoffs, just occasionally the better one. Chauncey was getting his and Rip shot well, but the Celts’ D was too solid and forced them into way too many tough jumpers.
Rasheed came incorrect; he could’ve been the game’s most important player and instead dropped a 2-12 dud: his 3-point shot selection looking more questionable every game. About midway through the 3rd quarter, he made a simple, effortless dropstep that completely abandoned Kendrick Perkins on the right block, only to miss a layup 6 feet from his closest opposition. The play more or less embodies Detroit’s attitude this spring: they’ve gotten by on their talent and just not executed when they need to.
The Celtics have been a compelling team all season. They’ve captained the biggest bandwagon and cruised to the league’s best record while leveling doubts about their depth but have continued winning almost in spite of themselves (they let the Cavs and Hawks get wayyyy too close). They got their act together against the Pistons and now roll on to the Finals, setting up the ultimate Celtics/Lakers tilt for league supremacy; a fitting end to one of the best seasons in recent history. This clash of the titans (two squads that absolutely nobody would’ve put in this spot a year ago) pits the league’s best D against a team that’s been filleting foes in the Wild West and will be tough to beat. The Celtics played very well against the West (25-5) all year, but you can throw that out the window. They need to notch it up another level to beat LA and with the Big 3 tasting the finals for the first time, I’m expecting huge things from all of them. KG especially has to deliver, facing a guy who defends the high post very well for the second series in a row. The Celts biggest problem will be scoring enough to win: the Spurs untimely fall proved you can’t beat the Lakers with just tough D. If Pierce and Allen disappear like they did against the Cavs (don’t underestimate the Lakers’ perimeter D), this series will end quickly.
Boston’s had a good run, their record turnaround’s been inspiring (if not overkill of the success of Boston-based franchises this year) and I’m glad to see their stars get the shots at a title they’re long overdue for. I just don’t see the Lakers losing. They have the best player, the better coach, the deeper bench and the confidence from winning the West. Ironic that the Zen Master’s likely about to break Red’s ring record against his squad. Talk about insult to injury.
Lakers in six.
Rasheed came incorrect; he could’ve been the game’s most important player and instead dropped a 2-12 dud: his 3-point shot selection looking more questionable every game. About midway through the 3rd quarter, he made a simple, effortless dropstep that completely abandoned Kendrick Perkins on the right block, only to miss a layup 6 feet from his closest opposition. The play more or less embodies Detroit’s attitude this spring: they’ve gotten by on their talent and just not executed when they need to.
The Celtics have been a compelling team all season. They’ve captained the biggest bandwagon and cruised to the league’s best record while leveling doubts about their depth but have continued winning almost in spite of themselves (they let the Cavs and Hawks get wayyyy too close). They got their act together against the Pistons and now roll on to the Finals, setting up the ultimate Celtics/Lakers tilt for league supremacy; a fitting end to one of the best seasons in recent history. This clash of the titans (two squads that absolutely nobody would’ve put in this spot a year ago) pits the league’s best D against a team that’s been filleting foes in the Wild West and will be tough to beat. The Celtics played very well against the West (25-5) all year, but you can throw that out the window. They need to notch it up another level to beat LA and with the Big 3 tasting the finals for the first time, I’m expecting huge things from all of them. KG especially has to deliver, facing a guy who defends the high post very well for the second series in a row. The Celts biggest problem will be scoring enough to win: the Spurs untimely fall proved you can’t beat the Lakers with just tough D. If Pierce and Allen disappear like they did against the Cavs (don’t underestimate the Lakers’ perimeter D), this series will end quickly.
Boston’s had a good run, their record turnaround’s been inspiring (if not overkill of the success of Boston-based franchises this year) and I’m glad to see their stars get the shots at a title they’re long overdue for. I just don’t see the Lakers losing. They have the best player, the better coach, the deeper bench and the confidence from winning the West. Ironic that the Zen Master’s likely about to break Red’s ring record against his squad. Talk about insult to injury.
Lakers in six.
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