Lakers Celtics analysis

[namlook]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lakers-celtics-nba-finals-matchups-53010

Ray Allen (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/ray-allen/71300) vs. Kobe Bryant (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/kobe-bryant/71272)

Inevitably, the focus of both the media and the Celtics (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/boston-celtics/71076) defense will be on Kobe Bryant. But, even though Boston managed to control LeBron Jameshttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2_11pxw.gif (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lakers-celtics-nba-finals-matchups-53010#), subduing Kobe is an entirely different story. This is because, although LBJ knows how to accumulate MVP numbers, he still doesn't fully understand how to play the game.

Notice that virtually all of LeBron's passes are meant to be assists. Not simple reverse passes, or passes that lead to assist-passes, but only home runs. Also, aside from his shaky outside shooting and his powerhouse attacks on the rim, LeBron has no middle-game. Not to mention his dismal performances in critical playoff games.

Kobe, on the other hand, is the only player, alive or dead, who can reasonably be mentioned in the same breath as His Airness.

As such, there's no way that Ray Allen, Tony Allen (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/tony-allen/209383), Paul Pierce (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/paul-pierce/71124), Kevin Garnett (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/kevin-garnett/71306), or even Tom Thibodeau can hope to hamper Kobe's offensive explosions. In order to somehow dim Kobe's brilliance, the Celtics will have to come up with drastic defensive schemes. But doubling him -- whether on the catch or on the move -- is dangerous because he's such an unselfish and alert passer, and because the Lakers move so well without the ball. And playing a zone is heresy in Boston. The Celtics will simply have to overplay Kobe on one side or the other and try to force him into help areas.

Good luck.

At the other end of the equation, Kobe has the quickness and the determination to find his way around and over the perpetual screens that the Celtics must necessarily set to generate good looks for Ray Allen. Should Kobe get hung up on one of Kendrick Perkins (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/kendrick-perkins/141039)' marginally moving screens, Pau Gasol (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/pau-gasol/71502) has the length to reach into Allen's kitchen from a distance if a switch is called for. Plus, Perkins isn't much of a threat when rolling after screening, so LA's baseline rotations will be elementary.

Paul Pierce vs. Ron Artest (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/ron-artest/71148)

The Lakers' other lopsided matchup pairs Ron Artest against Paul Pierce (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lakers-celtics-nba-finals-matchups-53010#) At age 33, the Celtics' money man has lost his million-dollar first step. Moreoever, his game is frequently reduced to chump change when facing a defender who's stronger, but still has quick feet and quick hands. Artest has all of these qualifications, along with a mean streak and an almost-maniacal desire to be the ultimate stopper. This means that Boston's routine top-of-the-key clear outs for Pierce won't yield the same dividends that they normally do.

At the other end, Artest can bull through Pierce on his way to the hoop and the offensive glass. The Celtics will smartly challenge Ron-Ron to knock down open shots while they point their defense at Kobe. And if Artest can repeat his Game 6 accuracy, the Lakers could sweep.

Kevin Garnett vs. Pau Gasol

Garnett is another Celtic who finds himself on the short end of a Finals matchup. Gasol has the size and the tricks to bury KG in the low post, while Lamar Odom (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/lamar-odom/71262) is likewise taller, longer, quicker, and much younger. How much help can Boston afford to provide Garnett?

Meanwhile, Garnett is well past his prime and has been reduced to being little more than a jump shooter. He's certainly capable of dropping mid-range and turnaround springers, but he'll surely give up more points than he scores.

Rajon Rondo (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/rajon-rondo/410839) vs. Derek Fisher (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/derek-fisher/71271)

Rondo has nearly every conceivable advantage over Fisher. Quickness, speed, rebounding prowess, creativity in the paint, along with an incredible defensive presence. But does any right-minded NBA fan still insist that Fisher is the Lakers' weak link?

Fisher's mastery of the triangle offense enables him to find open spaces from which to launch his super-clutch jumpers. And he's also the NBA's best position-defender at the point.

For sure, Rondo will wreak his usual havoc, but Fisher will also make his mark known. After all, on the heels of dealing with Steve Nash, guarding Rondo is a picnic — one with lots of ants crawling all over everything in sight, but a picnic nevertheless.

In the end, the Lakers will dare Rondo to make jump shots. The question will be, can he make them?

Kendrick Perkins vs. Andrew Bynum (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/andrew-bynum/339151)

Kendrick Perkinshttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2_11pxw.gif (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lakers-celtics-nba-finals-matchups-53010#) is more polished than Andrew Bynum, who has exceptional hands but unexceptional footwork. Setting bulwark screens and boxing out are Perkins' primary duties on offense, while Bynum will get several chances to score in the pivot — chances that Perkins will simply overwhelm.

However, guarding Gasol won't be quite so easy for Perkins. Yes, he bullied Gasol in 2008, but the Lakers' longsome center — he's listed at 7-1, but by personal experience he's at least 7-3 — had been with LA for less than half a season back then. These days, there are several more triangular options that Gasol can go to, including face-ups and operating from the high post.

Actually, Rasheed Wallace (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/rasheed-wallace/71394) is better suited to properly defend Gasol. However, any potential Odom-Wallace pairing also favors the Lakers because LO is comfortable playing defense in 3-point territory and should also be able to escape Rasheed's clutches with his speed, quickness, and full-court versatility.

The Battle of the Benches

Other important backup and/or off-the-bench matchups include the following:

• Jordan Farmar (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/jordan-farmar/410849) versus Ray Allen at the point, with the former being too quick and the latter being too smart. Also, Farmar's streaky shooting and penchant for making mistakes gives Allen the edge.

• Farmar versus Nate Robinson (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/nate-robinson/339173). Can Robinson be trusted to produce positive results at this level of competition? A few treys, perhaps, but he's sure to get discombobulated by the triangle offense.

• Shannon Brown (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/shannon-brown/410847) is a wildcard at both backcourt spots. He's another spotty spot shooter, but he can jump and touch a star. Trouble is that Brown is so dunk-conscious that he commits too many charging fouls.

The Finals word

In the long view, Odom's scoring potential trumps whatever points Boston's subs can manage. If the Lakers defense is most vulnerable against screen/rolls, the Celtics don't normally employ as many as either Phoenix, Utah, or Oklahoma City. The Lakers' younger legs will run them into more easy scores, but the longer periods between games will benefit Boston's high-mileage pedal extremities.

Boston's defensive rotations will have to be impeccable, and Ray Allen will have to shoot the lights out for the Celtics to play on even terms with LA. Both possibilities are well within the realm of probability.

But ultimately, there's no getting past the reality that Kobe has both the will and the way to dominate the series, which is why the Lakers will triumph in six games.

[mogrovejo]

It's amazing how the Celtics managed to make the finals with such a weak team.

[D2Procon]

How about you analyze everyone on your ignore list and how they made it there.

[mogrovejo]

From the same author

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/Celtics-cant-contain-LeBron-James-and-Cavaliers-031410

The Celtics can't contain LeBron James.


(...)
What does this all mean?

Even if the Celtics survive the initial round of the playoffs — where they could conceivably face off against either Atlanta, Milwaukee, Charlotte, Miami or Toronto — they’d be fortunate to extend the Cavs to five games in Round 2.

[mogrovejo]

Some days ago, the same author:


Carter is too big and too creative for Ray Allen to stifle. VC has also learned the virtues of passing when his drives attract hostile crowds.

[namlook]

How about you analyze everyone on your ignore list and how they made it there.

How about you analyze everyone on the Bulls roster and explain why they suck?

[mogrovejo]

The same brilliant guy a few weeks ago:



The wondrous D-Wade could blast gaping holes in Boston’s vaunted defense — particularly if his jumpers are on target. Also, his relentless defense could easily shut down Ray Allen.


Udonis Haslem will battle Garnett on more than equal terms.

Q-Rich can always go off if his defender gets careless.

If O’Neal is hitting his mid-range jumpers, Perkins will be forced to play defense so far away from the rim that he’ll have a difficult time finding his way back.

Given that Wade will be sensational, the keys to Miami’s success will be Dorell Wright and Beasley. The former has the lively talents and accurate jumpers to bedevil Garnett, Pierce or whoever tries to contain him. The latter must produce big-time for Miami to have a legitimate shot at advancing.

The Heat’s most significant team-wide advantage is their speed and quickness, but their running game can only get going if they can adequately defend and rebound.

Miami is a one-man band. Fortunately, the maestro is sufficiently talented and motivated to make beautiful music for the Heat.

[DazedAndConfused]

The Celtics simply aren't beating LA.

This isn't 2008 anymore. The Celtics aren't nearly as good as they once were and the matchup advantages they enjoyed simply don't exist.

Their defense will stifle the Laker's offense, but their own offense will be so utterly inept that it won't matter.

[Gutter92]

lmao that writer seems to be a Celtics hater


Ah ok Laker fan posted the article :toast

[Ghazi]

The Celtics simply aren't beating LA.

This isn't 2008 anymore. The Celtics aren't nearly as good as they once were and the matchup advantages they enjoyed simply don't exist.

Their defense will stifle the Laker's offense, but their own offense will be so utterly inept that it won't matter.

'08 Lakers > '10 Lakers

[Venti Quattro]

The article is biased for the Lakers, but it doesn't change the fact about the end result: the Lakers will win.

[mogrovejo]

The Celtics simply aren't beating LA.

This isn't 2008 anymore. The Celtics aren't nearly as good as they once were and the matchup advantages they enjoyed simply don't exist.

Their defense will stifle the Laker's offense, but their own offense will be so utterly inept that it won't matter.

It seems it is. Celtics haters/Lakers fans like Charley Rosen are saying the exact same things they said in 2008.

From the same author, 2 years ago:



When the game is up for grabs, look for Kobe to move to small forward (with Vujacic playing 2-guard) and going mano-a-mano with Pierce. This should be the most interesting matchup in the entire series. Pierce will certainly get his looks, especially if Kobe continues to take too many reckless gambles on defense — but Kobe is Kobe, and he's apt to pin a bunch of fouls on Pierce. Which is precisely why Pierce must avoid picking up unnecessary fouls early in the game.

Too bad Kobe never had the balls to actually try to defend Pierce except for 2 minutes the entire series.

Oh, and Pierce really struggled to guard Kobe.


Doc Rivers might very well try to match Cassell against the slower Fisher, and use Rondo against Farmar. In this scenario, Fisher will enjoy an even bigger advantage, while Rondo just might outplay Farmar.

Might. Rondo might outplay Farmar.



Bench players

Vujacic, Walton, Farmar and Turiaf work well together and are quite capable of changing the tempo of the game. Posey, Cassell, Davis and Brown are all role players with minimal impact.

Big advantage: Lakers

Is this one worse than the "Wade will destroy the Celtics and if he doesn't LeBron will sweep them"?

[Gutter92]

Any1 have the predictions from 2008? Just curious cause the way I remember it...every1 was predicting Lakers based on how easily they made it through the WC...people are predicting Lakers again...fuel the fire ;)

[Ghazi]

mogrovejo kicking ass :danceclub

[Venti Quattro]

Any1 have the predictions from 2008? Just curious cause the way I remember it...every1 was predicting Lakers based on how easily they made it through the WC...people are predicting Lakers again...fuel the fire ;)

Not exactly. Lotsa people also now picking Boston with the way how they dismantled CLeBrons and the Magic

[mogrovejo]

Their defense will stifle the Laker's offense, but their own offense will be so utterly inept that it won't matter.

Who's going to guard Rondo? Fisher?


Fisher will also make his mark known. After all, on the heels of dealing with Steve Nash, guarding Rondo is a picnic — one with lots of ants crawling all over everything in sight, but a picnic nevertheless.


I mean, besides the silly suggestion that Fisher dealt with Nash, can't this guy see that Nash is actually the kind of point-guard Fisher can still be somewhat serviceable guarding? That Rondo is the type of point-guard Fisher has no hope of guarding? Phil Jackson quickly stopped trying to guard Rondo with Fisher 2 years ago when Fisher wasn't as slow and Rondo wasn't nearly as good. In which world is this guy living?


LOL at the "we'll force Rondo to take jump-shots". I mean, are Lakers fans like Rosen so obtuse and detached from the real world that they actually believe that they're the only ones who thought about that? That Cleveland and Orlando actually didn't want Rondo to take jump-shots?

[#1 Timmys Fan]

mogrovejo kicking ass :danceclub
How does his dick taste?

[Smooth Criminal]

Who's going to guard Rondo? Fisher? Kobe, and he'll sag off him and dare him to shoot, which can work sometimes, but not always. Rondo will be a problem. Fisher will simply chase Allen through 150 Illegal Screens Per Game, poor guy.



I mean, besides the silly suggestion that Fisher dealt with Nash, can't this guy see that Nash is actually the kind of point-guard Fisher can still be somewhat serviceable guarding? That Rondo is the type of point-guard Fisher has no hope of guarding? Phil Jackson quickly stopped trying to guard Rondo with Fisher 2 years ago when Fisher wasn't as slow and Rondo wasn't nearly as good. In which world is this guy living?


LOL at the "we'll force Rondo to take jump-shots". I mean, are Lakers fans like Rosen so obtuse and detached from the real world that they actually believe that they're the only ones who thought about that? That Cleveland and Orlando actually didn't want Rondo to take jump-shots?

[LnGrrrR]

It's amazing how the Celtics managed to make the finals with such a weak team.

This is exactly what I was thinking. I'm not saying it'll be a cakewalk for the Celtics, but he's making it sound like Artest will score more than Pierce in the series, among other oddities.

Nice work exposing his horrible predictions Mogro.

[hitmanyr2k]

mogrovejo just took a steaming pile of shit on that article :lol Is Charley Rosen ever right? This does seem like 2008 all over again though. The Lakers rip through all of the cupcake pretender western conference teams and everyone is kissing their ass. Meanwhile the Celtics have taken on the much more physical East teams who actually know a thing or two about defense.

The showtime Lakers of the 80's used to go through the weaker finesse western conference as well while the 80's Celtics had to battle through the superior Eastern conference. Nothing has changed.

[Cuppycake Gumdrop]

Charley Rosen is a known Phil Jackson nuthugger, what do you expect? He predicted a Lakers ass whipping in 08 too.

[namlook]

The showtime Lakers of the 80's used to go through the weaker finesse western conference as well while the 80's Celtics had to battle through the superior Eastern conference. Nothing has changed.

Yeah that explains why the Lakers won 5 and the Celtics only won 3. :lmao

[hitmanyr2k]

Yeah that explains why the Lakers won 5 and the Celtics only won 3. :lmao

Celtics always had the tougher path to the Finals. Other than the Rockets I can't name one Western conference team in the 80's that actually played good defense.

[namlook]

Celtics always had the tougher path to the Finals. Other than the Rockets I can't name one Western conference team in the 80's that actually played good defense.

Sounds like wahwah crying to me. The Lakers took on the best the West and East had to offer and won 5. Celtics just couldn't hang with the Lakers in the 80s.

[Boston Pancake]

Sounds like wahwah crying to me. The Lakers took on the best the West and East had to offer and won 5. Celtics just couldn't hang with the Lakers in the 80s.

lookit fuckstick, everyone knows the Lakers tanked on purpose in 86 because they were scared of getting their ass beat by the Mighty Boston Celtics.

[TD 21]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lakers-celtics-nba-finals-matchups-53010

Ray Allen (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/ray-allen/71300) vs. Kobe Bryant (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/kobe-bryant/71272)

Inevitably, the focus of both the media and the Celtics (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/team/boston-celtics/71076) defense will be on Kobe Bryant. But, even though Boston managed to control LeBron Jameshttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2_11pxw.gif (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lakers-celtics-nba-finals-matchups-53010#), subduing Kobe is an entirely different story. This is because, although LBJ knows how to accumulate MVP numbers, he still doesn't fully understand how to play the game.

Notice that virtually all of LeBron's passes are meant to be assists. Not simple reverse passes, or passes that lead to assist-passes, but only home runs. Also, aside from his shaky outside shooting and his powerhouse attacks on the rim, LeBron has no middle-game. Not to mention his dismal performances in critical playoff games.

Kobe, on the other hand, is the only player, alive or dead, who can reasonably be mentioned in the same breath as His Airness.

As such, there's no way that Ray Allen, Tony Allen (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/tony-allen/209383), Paul Pierce (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/paul-pierce/71124), Kevin Garnett (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/kevin-garnett/71306), or even Tom Thibodeau can hope to hamper Kobe's offensive explosions. In order to somehow dim Kobe's brilliance, the Celtics will have to come up with drastic defensive schemes. But doubling him -- whether on the catch or on the move -- is dangerous because he's such an unselfish and alert passer, and because the Lakers move so well without the ball. And playing a zone is heresy in Boston. The Celtics will simply have to overplay Kobe on one side or the other and try to force him into help areas.

Good luck.

At the other end of the equation, Kobe has the quickness and the determination to find his way around and over the perpetual screens that the Celtics must necessarily set to generate good looks for Ray Allen. Should Kobe get hung up on one of Kendrick Perkins (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/kendrick-perkins/141039)' marginally moving screens, Pau Gasol (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/pau-gasol/71502) has the length to reach into Allen's kitchen from a distance if a switch is called for. Plus, Perkins isn't much of a threat when rolling after screening, so LA's baseline rotations will be elementary.

Rosen's mysterious love affair with Bryant continues. It used to be he couldn't stand him. Since '08, there's seemingly no one in the history of the game he loves more. He did a complete 180 on Bryant and Duncan, for that matter, in '08. Despite the fact that from all accounts Duncan is precisely the type of player he likes; while Bryant is the exact opposite.


Paul Pierce vs. Ron Artest (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/ron-artest/71148)

The Lakers' other lopsided matchup pairs Ron Artest against Paul Pierce (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lakers-celtics-nba-finals-matchups-53010#) At age 33, the Celtics' money man has lost his million-dollar first step. Moreoever, his game is frequently reduced to chump change when facing a defender who's stronger, but still has quick feet and quick hands. Artest has all of these qualifications, along with a mean streak and an almost-maniacal desire to be the ultimate stopper. This means that Boston's routine top-of-the-key clear outs for Pierce won't yield the same dividends that they normally do.

At the other end, Artest can bull through Pierce on his way to the hoop and the offensive glass. The Celtics will smartly challenge Ron-Ron to knock down open shots while they point their defense at Kobe. And if Artest can repeat his Game 6 accuracy, the Lakers could sweep.Artest vs Pierce is a lopsided matchup in the Lakers favor? This old man is such a blatant Lakers fan that he doesn't even attempt to conceal it anymore. Just saying flat out ridiculous things. Pierce may not be the same consistent scorer he was two seasons ago, but Artest isn't the same defender he was then either.


Kevin Garnett vs. Pau Gasol

Garnett is another Celtic who finds himself on the short end of a Finals matchup. Gasol has the size and the tricks to bury KG in the low post, while Lamar Odom (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/lamar-odom/71262) is likewise taller, longer, quicker, and much younger. How much help can Boston afford to provide Garnett?

Meanwhile, Garnett is well past his prime and has been reduced to being little more than a jump shooter. He's certainly capable of dropping mid-range and turnaround springers, but he'll surely give up more points than he scores.Odom is taller and longer than Garnett? Since when? Odom is 6-10 and long, but Garnett is 6-11 and longer (though it's well known that he's actually really a 7-footer; in fact I once heard he's actually 7-1)

Not that he's wrong about Garnett's decline, but he's also made it abundantly clear over the years that he can't stand him and when Rosen can't stand a player, he can't analyze them without that bias being in effect. No matter what Garnett does in this series, even if he turns back the clock for a game or two, he'll still take a shot or two or make a backhanded compliment at him.


Rajon Rondo vs Derek Fisher

Rondo has nearly every conceivable advantage over Fisher. Quickness, speed, rebounding prowess, creativity in the paint, along with an incredible defensive presence. But does any right-minded NBA fan still insist that Fisher is the Lakers weak link?

(http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/rajon-rondo/410839)Fisher's mastery of the triangle offense enables him to find open spaces from which to launch his super-clutch jumpers. And he's also the NBA's best position-defender at the point.
For sure, Rondo will wreak his usual havoc, but Fisher will also make his mark knwon. After all, on the heels of dealing with Steve Nash, guarding Rondo is a picnic -- one with lots of ants crawling all over everything in sight, but a picnic nevertheless.

In the end, the Lakers will dare Rondo to make jump shots. The question will be, can he make them?Rondo is one of the five best PG's in the league at this point. He won't be a "picnic" for anyone to guard.


Kendrick Perkins vs. Andrew Bynum (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/andrew-bynum/339151)

Kendrick Perkinshttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2_11pxw.gif (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/lakers-celtics-nba-finals-matchups-53010#) is more polished than Andrew Bynum, who has exceptional hands but unexceptional footwork. Setting bulwark screens and boxing out are Perkins' primary duties on offense, while Bynum will get several chances to score in the pivot — chances that Perkins will simply overwhelm.

However, guarding Gasol won't be quite so easy for Perkins. Yes, he bullied Gasol in 2008, but the Lakers' longsome center — he's listed at 7-1, but by personal experience he's at least 7-3 — had been with LA for less than half a season back then. These days, there are several more triangular options that Gasol can go to, including face-ups and operating from the high post.

Actually, Rasheed Wallace (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/rasheed-wallace/71394) is better suited to properly defend Gasol. However, any potential Odom-Wallace pairing also favors the Lakers because LO is comfortable playing defense in 3-point territory and should also be able to escape Rasheed's clutches with his speed, quickness, and full-court versatility.Just like he can't stand Garnett, he despises Bynum. He's frustrated with him, because he knows if he came close to maximizing his considerable talent the Lakers would be close to unbeatable...which is Rosen's wet dream.

Gasol is "at least" 7-3? Since when? He's listed at 7-0; not 7-1, like Rosen claims. I buy that he's 7-1, but he's definitely not at least 7-3.

As usual, excuses galore for Gasol. "Only been with the Lakers for half a season"? But I thought then it was "he's a perfect fit, who's made a seamless transition"? Now in retrospect, because that bitch got pushed around and discouraged, he makes excuses for him.

The Battle of the Benches

Other important backup and/or off-the-bench matchups include the following:

• Jordan Farmar (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/jordan-farmar/410849) versus Ray Allen at the point, with the former being too quick and the latter being too smart. Also, Farmar's streaky shooting and penchant for making mistakes gives Allen the edge.

• Farmar versus Nate Robinson (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/nate-robinson/339173). Can Robinson be trusted to produce positive results at this level of competition? A few treys, perhaps, but he's sure to get discombobulated by the triangle offense.

• Shannon Brown (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/player/shannon-brown/410847) is a wildcard at both backcourt spots. He's another spotty spot shooter, but he can jump and touch a star. Trouble is that Brown is so dunk-conscious that he commits too many charging fouls.


The Finals word

In the long view, Odom's scoring potential trumps whatever points Boston's subs can manage. If the Lakers defense is most vulnerable against screen/rolls, the Celtics don't normally employ as many as either Phoenix, Utah, or Oklahoma City. The Lakers' younger legs will run them into more easy scores, but the longer periods between games will benefit Boston's high-mileage pedal extremities.

Boston's defensive rotations will have to be impeccable, and Ray Allen will have to shoot the lights out for the Celtics to play on even terms with LA. Both possibilities are well within the realm of probability.

But ultimately, there's no getting past the reality that Kobe has both the will and the way to dominate the series, which is why the Lakers will triumph in six games.Isn't this the exact type of ignorant comment Rosen made two years ago going into this series? As if the Celtics collectively DON'T have the will and the way to dominate this series, no, only Bryant does. The ironic thing is, the Celtics are the exact type of team he loves; while the Lakers are the exact opposite. Yet he's such a Jackson and now Bryant homer that he's seemingly forgotten that.

There's good reason for picking the Lakers and ultimately, they probably will win. But to act like the Celtics have to play out of their minds and get lucky just to compete with the Lakers is ridiculous. They're eminently capable of beating them.

The Celtics have always had similarities to the Spurs (at least since they formed this nucleus) and now they have one more...they get no respect. Without home court, they just beat the two teams with the best regular season records, in less than seven games no less and at worst, those two teams were thought of as top three teams entering the playoffs. Many were saying at the time that they were the top two teams. Yet it's all about the Lakers, as always.

[namlook]

lookit fuckstick, everyone knows the Lakers tanked on purpose in 86 because they were scared of getting their ass beat by the Mighty Boston Celtics.

LOL. Looks like Lakers winning 5 in the 80's has hit a sore point with Masshole.

[ChrisRichards]

Mogrovejo owned this thread rofl.

[TinTin]

:lmao @ op's asshole falling out, ava devine style

[Mikesatx]

I hope Boston wins only because I hate the Lakers more but the Lakers have too much for Boston.

[namlook]

:lmao @ op's asshole falling out, ava devine style

:lmao at Spurs having their asshole handed to them by the Suns, Traci Lords style.

[TampaDude]

:lmao at Spurs having their asshole handed to them by the Suns, Traci Lords style.

:lmao at the Lakers getting assraped by the Celtics, prison style.

[silverblk mystix]

One thing that has NOT changed since `08...

The lakers are still SOFT

and the Celtics are still a tough defensive minded team

this won't be as close as everyone thinks

Celtics in 5---but counting the REFS factor---Celtics in 6

lol at people thinking that Artest makes the lakers tougher

[21_Blessings]

'08 Lakers > '10 Lakers

How dumb are you Ghazi, really :lol

[21_Blessings]

:lmao at the Lakers getting assraped by the Celtics, prison style.

:lmao at the Spurs getting assfucked by the Suns, missionary style.

[lefty]

Here is my detailed analysis:

The Celtics will shit on the Lakers

[TampaDude]

:lmao at the Spurs getting assfucked by the Suns, missionary style.

That's okay...they owed us one after all the gangbangs we laid on them over the years. :lol

[DazedAndConfused]

A part of me is laughing at how pathetic Spur fans are that they would jump to the CELTIC bandwagon of all teams. The Celtics epitomize douchebaggery in ways nobody else can match. If you want to go cheer for KG "I'm gonna bully deez niggas" for an entire series then be my guest. I'd rather eat shit mixed with throw up.

Back to the topic at hand. The Celtics don't have the personnel they once did. Their defensive mindset will be the same, but they can't put the same kind of pressure on the Lakers that they did in '08. Even if they could, the Lakers are much better equipped to handle it. They have Bynum, Artest, and more importantly a mindset that they aren't going to be bullied around by the Celtics.

Since '08 their head to head record is 3-1, in favor of LA. The only loss coming in a game in which Kobe Bryant didn't even play. I still stand by my original analysis. The Celtic's offense will be their demise. They won't be able to put up enough points to hang with the Lakers. This Finals goes 5-6 games max.

[LnGrrrR]

Since '08 their head to head record is 3-1, in favor of LA. The only loss coming in a game in which Kobe Bryant didn't even play. I still stand by my original analysis. The Celtic's offense will be their demise. They won't be able to put up enough points to hang with the Lakers. This Finals goes 5-6 games max.

And how many points did you win this year's game by? 20? 30? I'll let you look it up. :p

[21_Blessings]

And how many points did you win this year's game by? 20? 30? I'll let you look it up. :p

And how many points did the Celtics beat the Lakers by without their best player?

The Lakers punked the shit out of the Celtics last season ending both double digit win streaks. Both games had playoff atmosphere and it was quite clear which team had the match-up advantage.

Now it's even more apparent with Ron in LA. Pierce is scared shitless.

[Shastafarian]

:lmao at the Spurs getting assfucked by the Suns, missionary style.

Do you know how sex works?

[21_Blessings]

Do you know how sex works?

And after the Suns were done Spur fan, the greedy cocksuckers that they are, eagerly slurped Phoenix's shitty cock for the entirety of the Lakers series.

[Shastafarian]

And after the Suns were done Spur fan, the greedy cocksuckers that they are, eagerly slurped Phoenix's shitty cock for the entirety of the Lakers series.

So, no then?

[namlook]

Since '08 their head to head record is 3-1, in favor of LA. The only loss coming in a game in which Kobe Bryant didn't even play. I still stand by my original analysis. The Celtic's offense will be their demise. They won't be able to put up enough points to hang with the Lakers. This Finals goes 5-6 games max.

The part most people still don't get is the Lakers defense is vastly improved from 08. Looking forward to the Lakers defense vs the Celtics offense matchup. The Celtics will find out they are not the only ones that can defend.

[21_Blessings]

So, no then?

You're a virgin. We get it.

[Shastafarian]

You're a virgin. We get it.

Am I? It seems you're the one who doesn't know how sex works.

[21_Blessings]

No that would be you actually

[Shastafarian]

Whatever you say Rati

[Muser]

lol missionary anal

[Shastafarian]

I mean I guess you can equate anal sex with assfuck. But that's not how he meant it :lol

[Ghazi]

How dumb are you Ghazi, really :lol

That Laker team played much better than this years, it's pretty much a fact backed up by statistics :D. Just because some of the names are nicer (Glassy/Artest > Rad/Turiaf) doesn't change that fact.

This was the weakest edition of the Lakers in the past 3 years... and this will become obvious when they struggle to generate offense against the Celtics.

[mogrovejo]

A part of me is laughing at how pathetic Spur fans are that they would jump to the CELTIC bandwagon of all teams. The Celtics epitomize douchebaggery in ways nobody else can match. If you want to go cheer for KG "I'm gonna bully deez niggas" for an entire series then be my guest. I'd rather eat shit mixed with throw up.

There are an awful lot of reasons to not root for the Lakers (their captain is a rapist, for pete's sake), but what kind of person cares about that? If the entire world was rooting against the Celtics I couldn't care less. Do you think it matters on the court? Only the typical girlish insecure Laker fan to care about fans from other teams rooting for or against them. Put your hormones under control already.

By the way, have you already written your customary "if the Lakers lose I won't be here to take it like a man because I'm just too much of a pussy" thread?

[Ghazi]

Lakers post Gasol in 2008 when he played: 36-11, +7.83 margin of victory..counting playoffs too.

[Ghazi]

There are an awful lot of reasons to not root for the Lakers (their captain is a rapist, for pete's sake), but what kind of person cares about that? If the entire world was rooting against the Celtics I couldn't care less. Do you think it matters on the court? Only the typical girlish insecure Laker fan to care about fans from other teams rooting for or against them. Put your hormones under control already.

By the way, have you already written your customary "if the Lakers lose I won't be here to take it like a man because I'm just too much of a pussy" thread?

:lol :tu

[Baseline]

Hey Moron, that wasn't "Lakers Celtics Analysis" as your thread title suggested. You thread title might as well have been, "My myopic analysis of the Lakers series with Boston, a team that my chronic yellow-vision will not enable me under any circumstance to entertain the thought of losing to...for the following inane and ill-conceived reasons."

Your opinion of your team is so inflated that it's mindboggling that you even bother to post. But even more scary is your underestimation of your team's opponent in this series. That's the opponent your team got curb stomped by in 2008, losing by 39 in the decisive game. Also, that was a game in which your hero decided to fold his tent and scurry home like a scared puppy.

If that hurt in 2008, I can't wait to see how this year feels, because your weak and fluffy team will fare no better.

Enjoy the Finals, you slithering, brainless idiot.

And please, feel free to put me on your ignore list twice, in case you ignore the first listing. Just like you're ignoring the fact that your team is vastly overrated.

[DazedAndConfused]

This isn't 2008 anymore and that is what people are forgetting. The Celtics aren't nearly as dominant a team defensively as they were in '08 and their offense has gotten considerably worse IMHO.

The NBA is all about matchups, especially the playoffs. It doesn't matter how hot you are and how well you are playing, if you don't matchup well with another team then odds are you aren't beating them 4/7 games.

The matchups that favored the Celtics in '08 simply don't exist anymore.

-Pierce being guarded by Radmanovich and Walton
-Gasol being guarded by Perkins
-KG being guarded by Odom
-KG being 100% healthy and dominant defensively
-Boston's bench (Cassel, Posey, Brown, Powe)
-Celtic's HCA

None of these advantages exist anymore. NONE OF THEM. Not a one. The Lakers have basically neutralized every single one of these advantages, and it shows in their 3-1 record against Boston since the '08 Finals...with the only loss coming in a game in which Bryant didn't play.

I'm not saying these games won't be close, but ultimately the Lakers will prevail because they are the better team and more importantly the matchups favor them this time around.

If someone wants to debate on actual basketball points, feel free to let me know. All I see around here is a bunch of smack talk by idiots whose teams have long since been bounced out of the playoffs.

[Ghazi]

lol @ everyone saying "it aint 2008 anymore"

yet back in 2008 ALL Lakers fans thought they were winning the series before it started.

We're seeing similar unjustified confidence this time around.

The Celtics aren't as good as 2 years ago, but neither are the Lakers.

[Ghazi]

Oh, and lol @ bringing up the 3-1 REGULAR SEASON record against the Celtics :lol, especially when all 4 of those games could've gone either way.

[Muser]

Go Lakers!

[21_Blessings]

Not only is this Laker team significantly better than its 2008 counterpart. You're actually witnessing the transition into Dynasty mode.

[Ghazi]

Not only is this Laker team significantly better than its 2008 counterpart. You're actually witnessing the transition into Dynasty mode.
:lol


:lol

You were so high on that 2008 team you thought they were gonna win it all... AFTER they fell behind 0-2.

Can't backpedal now :)

[21_Blessings]

If this Laker team went down 0-2 I'd call backdoor fucking sweep just as fast.

But that's not happening this year. They have 4.5 starters playing instead of 3 like in 2008.

[Ghazi]

no repeat, no dynasty bitch

[namlook]

no repeat, no dynasty bitch

At least he can talk about the possibility. Mavs need to focus on not getting bounced by a low seed while the Lakers are focused on a repeat.

Looking forward to bumping all of these trash talking posts once the finals are over.

[ezau]

Yeah that explains why the Lakers won 5 and the Celtics only won 3. :lmao

The Celtics vs. Lakers rivalry stands at 9-2 right now. Wow, talk about owning that Laker ass.

[namlook]

Some more point to ponder:

1) Perkins has terrible hands. You want the ball handler passing him the ball off a pick-and-roll because there's an excellent chance he'll fumble it.

2) Both Perkins and Big Baby have trouble finishing in traffic. Neither elevate well, both have troubles with length and both tend to miss or get blocked.

3) Ray Allen does not have the speed he used to have in terms of breaking to the basket, but he has a super quick release.

4) The Celtics use plenty of moving screens to give the ball handler distance, and in fact use them more than back in '08. That's what gives Ray Allen separation, and given that Fisher doesn't fight through screens, Allen is going to get plenty of good looks.

5) Garnett is still a decent help defender, but he no longer has the strength or quickness for quality man defense. Pau is stronger than back in '08 and quick. Lamar is just as quick, has a better shot and might even be a tad stronger than '08. Garnett's physical "recovery" was badly oversold by the sports media as a feel good story. While he's playing his best ball since the injury, that isn't saying much. He's a shell of what he used to be back in '08.

6) Pierce doesn't have the explosive first step nowadays, but is skilled enough to draw or sell contact. He generates a ton of "reputation" calls. It is worth noting that the Celtic offense bogs down when they start relying on his isolations. If Artest can draw Pierce into a pissing match, and if Rondo can be denied access to the paint, it'll lead to more Pierce isolations.

7) Pierce (not Allen) is also their most dangerous player when there's little time left on the clock. Deny him the ball late in the shot clock.

8) Perkins will get himself into early foul trouble. He loves to push off close to the basket and like all Celtic bigs he uses moving screens. Lakers defenders need to sell those moving screens.

9) Make Kobe's life easier by setting picks on Rondo whenever possible. Rondo is much more important to their offense than back in '08, and there were signs he was wearing down in the last games against Orlando. Make him work and wear down those legs.

[ezau]

:lmao at the Spurs getting assfucked by the Suns, missionary style.

Missionary anal? You're easily the dumbest poster here.

[Giuseppe]

Missionary anal?

Don't knock it till you try it. Booty holes be tighter that way.

[crc21209]

This isn't 2008 anymore and that is what people are forgetting. The Celtics aren't nearly as dominant a team defensively as they were in '08 and their offense has gotten considerably worse IMHO.

The NBA is all about matchups, especially the playoffs. It doesn't matter how hot you are and how well you are playing, if you don't matchup well with another team then odds are you aren't beating them 4/7 games.

The matchups that favored the Celtics in '08 simply don't exist anymore.

-Pierce being guarded by Radmanovich and Walton
-Gasol being guarded by Perkins
-KG being guarded by Odom
-KG being 100% healthy and dominant defensively
-Boston's bench (Cassel, Posey, Brown, Powe)
-Celtic's HCA

None of these advantages exist anymore. NONE OF THEM. Not a one. The Lakers have basically neutralized every single one of these advantages, and it shows in their 3-1 record against Boston since the '08 Finals...with the only loss coming in a game in which Bryant didn't play.

I'm not saying these games won't be close, but ultimately the Lakers will prevail because they are the better team and more importantly the matchups favor them this time around.

If someone wants to debate on actual basketball points, feel free to let me know. All I see around here is a bunch of smack talk by idiots whose teams have long since been bounced out of the playoffs.

1. Home-court advantage in the Finals is OVERRATED with the 2-3-2 format.
2. I think the MAJOR difference between last year's LA title team and this years LA team is that Ariza was a better fit for LA than Artest is. Ariza played his ass off on D, and made most, if not all of his wide open 3-point attempts during last years playoffs..something Artest hasnt been able to do this year.
3. True the C's do not have Posey to throw on Kobe, but you have to remember they used Pierce on Kobe for a good amount of time during that series as well, and he did a pretty damn good job.
4. True about KG not being the same, but then again...he wasnt a force to be reckoned with in that 08' Finals series to begin with anyway...he mostly roamed out on the perimeter by the FT line shooting jumpers anyway...Pierce was the Finals MVP, not KG.
5. Bynum might as well be on the bench again like he was in 08', because he has been pretty damn bad in these Playoffs anyway. The guy clearly isnt healthy, and occasionally he will have a good game..but he wont be THAT much of a difference maker this time around...
6. Boston's bench may not be as good as it was in 08', but Boston and LA's bench are somewhat even in this series. Boston has Sheed, T. Allen, Davis, and perhaps even Nate coming off the bench now. The Lakers have Odom, Farmar/Brown, and occasionally Walton and Vujacic....not the greatest bench in the world either...

[ezau]

Don't knock it till you try it. Booty holes be tighter that way.

I bet anybody's fuck stick's gonna get bent like copper wire when you try doing it

[Giuseppe]

I bet anybody's fuck stick's gonna get bent like copper wire when you try doing it

It looks easy in the books at Borders.

[daslicer]

I think Nate Robinson could be a big x-factor if he gets playing time. He's a quick small PG the type that gives the lakers problems ala Aaron Brooks, Ty Lawson, Westbrook. This guy will be huge energy spark whenever he comes off the bench and can change the tempo of the game in favor of the celtics.

[namlook]

I think Nate Robinson could be a big x-factor if he gets playing time. He's a quick small PG the type that gives the lakers problems ala Aaron Brooks, Ty Lawson, Westbrook. This guy will be huge energy spark whenever he comes off the bench and can change the tempo of the game in favor of the celtics.

That's a possibility. Not sure Doc trusts him enough to play him though.

[namlook]

This year, Artest vs Pierce:

Pierce: 40% FG, 36% 3P, 4FTA, 2.5TO, 13PPG

Last year, Pierce vs Lakers defenders:

Pierce: 46% FG, 43% 3P, 9FTA, 5TO, 21PPG

If Artest duplicates that defense in the finals, Lakers definitely win.

[Giuseppe]

Artest is so close to what Odom has led him to that it ain't even funny at this point. Artest has to close the deal now. He showed he could close in the Phoenix series.

Finish it.

[kromediablo]

This years playoffs was a real bummer...I wont be watching the finals all that much now that the spurs and suns are out. The calls on Amare traveling, and other offensive fouls that wouldnt have been called if the lakers had the ball. seriously ridiculous.There isnt a veteran or first timer this year worth rooting for...like a Nash, Hill, Howard, McDyess..etc. well you get my drift.

[Giuseppe]

You're bettin' the wrong horse with Amare. He didn't get off the canvas till it was 0-2. Then he could function. You got to function at 0-0....that's where the rubber meets the road.

[LnGrrrR]

You're bettin' the wrong horse with Amare. He didn't get off the canvas till it was 0-2. Then he could function. You got to function at 0-0....that's where the rubber meets the road.

Yup, and I'll be disappointed if either team doesn't show up from the get-go Thursday night.

[kromediablo]

You're bettin' the wrong horse with Amare. He didn't get off the canvas till it was 0-2. Then he could function. You got to function at 0-0....that's where the rubber meets the road.

i get what your saying...but still how often does an offensive foul get called so late in the game on a bump clearing space, or a traveling. this was at a point when suns were clearly gaining ground. and how can the refs not call a technical foul on Kobe when he slapped gentry after the fadeaway shot making it 107-100. this is taunting foul had it been any other player...this game is becoming more entertainment than an athletic competition.

[namlook]

and how can the refs not call a technical foul on Kobe when he slapped gentry after the fadeaway shot making it 107-100. this is taunting foul had it been any other player...

You want a tech called when Gentry was laughing and enjoying it? :lmao

[kromediablo]

You want a tech called when Gentry was laughing and enjoying it? :lmao


It is a taunting foul call...whether he enjoyed it or not, (maybe he did enjoy it ..lol...oKKKAY)...but it is still a taunting call.

[namlook]

It is a taunting foul call...whether he enjoyed it or not, (maybe he did enjoy it ..lol...oKKKAY)...but it is still a taunting call.

That's not going to be called if the person on the receiving end is in on it and laughing.

[mavsfan1000]

Lakers in 3. Celtics don't even show up for game 4.

[Giuseppe]

It is a taunting foul call...whether he enjoyed it or not, (maybe he did enjoy it ..lol...oKKKAY)...but it is still a taunting call.

That's just sour grapes.

It was between the men there. It don't get much better than that.

[TheMACHINE]

i get what your saying...but still how often does an offensive foul get called so late in the game on a bump clearing space, or a traveling. this was at a point when suns were clearly gaining ground. and how can the refs not call a technical foul on Kobe when he slapped gentry after the fadeaway shot making it 107-100. this is taunting foul had it been any other player...this game is becoming more entertainment than an athletic competition.

lol complaining about refs when the Suns got more calls in every game. :lol

butthurt



HEADLINE: "SUNS LOSE SERIES TO LAKERS DUE TO UN-CALLED TAUNT" :lmao

[TheManFromAcme]

lol complaining about refs when the Suns got more calls in every game. :lol

butthurt



HEADLINE: "SUNS LOSE SERIES TO LAKERS DUE TO UN-CALLED TAUNT" :lmao

...followed by a "League officials to review"


:lol

[DJ Mbenga]

It is a taunting foul call...whether he enjoyed it or not, (maybe he did enjoy it ..lol...oKKKAY)...but it is still a taunting call.

what are your thoughts on nate robinson in game 6? he probably would have had 30 technicals right?