Well folks, we're staring the end of the NBA season square in the face. Confronted with the task of preserving the hopes and dreams of every basketball fan for an epic Celtics/Lakers Finals, LA began game four looking more like themselves and appeared to have a handle on things, even with Kobe in a deeper slump than Eminem. But in another bizarre twist, Boston proved they could erase 24 points as easily as they could surrender them, suffocated the Lakeshow in the second half and now find themselves a win from the 'chip.
I have a sick feeling the Celtics are going to close it out tomorrow. This series seemed destined for seven epic games and even though it's been infinitely more exciting than its predecessor, I still feel cheated. For the first time in my generation's lives there was a showdown between the L's two most storied franchises for the title; it pitted an offensive terror against a rock-solid defense, each led by superstars with everything on the line. Maybe I was being greedy but I wanted (almost expected) seven games, a few overtimes, a 50 from Kobe, an epic comeback...well we almost got two, but I digress...So far, Boston's been hurting LA and are clearly more ready for the crown while the Lakers look worn out from the long road behind them (remember only two of them have ever played this much).
It's a shitty reality, but the season may well be over by the next post I drop; LA's confidence has been severely violated after suffering the biggest collapse in Finals history on their home court. Their survival now depends on them making another kind of history: becoming the first team ever to climb out of 3-1 hole. Given the way they've been nonchalantly drifting in and out of games, they're screwed. Boston's just been too tough, capitalizing on crucical possessions and focring LA to bungle theirs in both the comeback games. They're playing better ball and have to be more confident even on the road.
Who knows though, maybe I'm way off and Kobe drops 45, Pau grows and spine, Sasha keeps the lights out and this maybe becomes a series again. But if the Celtics do win their 17th title Sunday night, a worthy champion will be crowned. Three superstars came together to sacrifice the spotlight for a shot a the ultimate goal that had eluded them for ages. They snuffed doubts about their depth and chemistry, nurtured the young talents around them and led the best turnaround ever. The Big Three all deserve rings more than pretty much anyone else right now and I'd love to see them win it...in seven games.
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