Celts Face Toughest Test Yet—Guarding Kobe

[duncan228]

Celts Face Toughest Test Yet—Guarding Kobe (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=tsn-celtsfacetoughesttes)
SportingNews

Once they got through the game film showing Lakers guard Kobe Bryant make a mockery of the Suns’ defensive game plan—he averaged 33.7 point, 8.3 assists and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 52.1 percent from the field for the series—you’d have to assume that the Celtics would be somewhat concerned. After all, Bryant has gotten better with each passing round of this postseason, so he appears primed to pull out his best in the Finals. Given what he did to Phoenix in the Western Conference finals, that could only mean averages in the range of a triple double, perhaps with 40 or so points per game.

"The challenge is to win the championship," Bryant told reporters. "The Celtics are in the way. They feel the same way about us. Obviously this is a matchup that’s very easy to talk about. There’s a lot of things that people can write about and talk about."

Nothing, of course, is as easy to write about in this series as Bryant himself. He is playing with unmatched efficiency, his perimeter shots are falling, his passing is nearly flawless (he averaged just 2.5 turnovers against the Suns) and he even produced four blocked shots in the Lakers’ big win in Game 5.

But, if the Celtics are overly worried about Bryant, they are not showing it. "We have a lot of confidence in our defense," said wing man and defensive specialist Tony Allen. "We feel like, we have five guys who can play defense out there and so there is not any one player who is going to be able take advantage of us or beat us singlehandedly. We are always going to approach it like we can get the job done."

Perhaps with good reason. The Boston defense has had plenty of experience handling talented types here in the postseason. We’re not just talking All-Stars, either. We’re talking Olympians.

In fact, coach Doc Rivers and his staff are in the midst of a very interesting task. The Celtics’ defense will face an All-NBA first-team player for the fourth consecutive round of this postseason. Four rounds, four first-teamers—that hasn’t happened in NBA history (the league changed the playoff format in 1984). The only first-team guy they won’t face is Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant.

But they did face Dwyane Wade and the Heat in the first round. Then came LeBron James and his Cavaliers in the second round. Finally, it was Dwight Howard and the Magic in the conference finals. All along, the Celtics’ defense held up pretty well. They are allowing just 91.4 points per game, with opponents shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 32.9 percent from the 3-point line. They’re forcing a healthy average of 16.4 turnovers per game.

"That’s just how we stand with our D," Celtics forward Glen Davis said. "That’s trusting our defense and making sure we execute on D, most of all."

Bryant will be a different challenge. He has a far better supporting cast—starting with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom—than Wade. He has a much stronger Finals resume than James. And he’s far more offensive-minded than Howard will ever be. There are times when there seems to be no defense for Bryant. At one point late in the series against the Suns, Bryant made a 24-footer with Grant Hill in his face. As Suns coach Alvin Gentry recalled, "I said, ‘Good defense,’ to Grant. (Bryant) said, ‘Not quite good enough.’"

Now, it’s the Celtics’ turn to see if they can come up with good-enough defense to handle Bryant. Throughout the playoffs, they’ve been able to win despite keeping mostly single coverage on their opponents’ star player, withstanding individual damage in hopes of limiting the contributions of supporting players. That will mean that Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Tony Allen will all get significant time playing Bryant solo.

That might sound like an impossible task. But it’s worked for the Celtics so far.

[BRHornet45]

they face their toughest test yet trying to guard a whistle

[DesignatedT]

vice versa... kobe hasnt seen a d like boston yet.

[Ghazi]

Whistle and LeBron are tougher assignments than Kobe.

[Giuseppe]

If the refs continue to permit Artest to put his hands on people it'll benefit Kobe immeasurably.

T. Allen's ankle is supposedly dinged. Hope, hope.

Coleman on ESPN today said they'd put Fisher on R. Allen and put Kobe on Rondo.

[duncan228]

Star Stoppers: Kobe Is Just Celtics’ Latest Challenge (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=tsn-starstopperskobeisju)
SportingNews

Kobe Bryant is the fourth All-NBA first-team player the Celtics will see this postseason. Here’s how they managed the other three:

Round 1: Dwyane Wade
Strategy: The Celtics allowed Wade his individual numbers but effectively shut down the rest of the Heat. Wade averaged 33.2 points on 56.4 percent shooting. The rest of the Heat shot just 38.4 percent.

Round 2: LeBron James
Strategy: The Celtics did a good job of using Pierce and Tony Allen to keep James out of the paint and force him into perimeter shots. When James would look for teammates at the 3-point line, the Celtics harassed them into terrible shooting (27.6 percent).

Round 3: Dwight Howard
Strategy: With their own wide body (Kendrick Perkins) inside, the Celtics were able to play Howard straight and use backups Rasheed Wallace and Glen Davis to foul. The Celtics completely neutralized Howard in two of the six games, but he wound up averaging 21.8 points. The rest of the team, though, shot 39.8 percent.

[The Franchise]

If the refs continue to permit Artest to put his hands on people it'll benefit Kobe immeasurably.

T. Allen's ankle is supposedly dinged. Hope, hope.

Coleman on ESPN today said they'd put Fisher on R. Allen and put Kobe on Rondo.

That doesn't sound like a good idea. Kobe would have a better chance stopping Ray than Fisher. Neither of them are going to stop Rondo. All that setup is doing is creating two mismatches in the Celtics favor.

[milkshakeballa]

that doesn't sound like a good idea. Kobe would have a better chance stopping ray than fisher. Neither of them are going to stop rondo. All that setup is doing is creating two mismatches in the celtics favor.

wrong.

[kromediablo]

The whistles are going to let the Lakers take this game. Dont get me wrong Kobe does not miss a shot...i mean damn Kobe lit up the Suns at the end of game 6. But please the refs gave Kobe the benefit of the doubt on the foul calls. and gave the Suns no chance to make a come back with all those offensive fouls and traveling calls on Amare.

Chek out this post by Tim Donaghy for the Huffington Post breaking down the foul calls on game 6 between the Celtics and Magic.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tim-donaghy/orlando-vs-boston-breakin_b_594441.html

[mystargtr34]

Pretty stupid article IMO... LeBron is/was their toughest cover... as evidenced by Kobe's sub 40% shootings in the Finals against the Celtics two years ago. Kobe is great, but the Lakers have another huge weapon which the Cavs didnt have.

[21_Blessings]

Lebron shot sub 40% against the Celtics 2 years ago. And shot sub 40% against a terrible 2007 Spurs team that was curbstomped by the Lakers and Kobe the following year.

[Muser]

Bynum will be a harder cover IMO. 6/5 is gonna beast

[easy7]

Didn't the Celtics face the same challange 2 years ago? Just saying...

[pauls931]

wrong.

Hey dude, I never quite got the pic in your sig. He has 10 rings, but I don't completely get the context of the pic.

[lefty]

They didnt have any problem guarding Kobe in 2008

LOL Sportingnews :lmao

[Giuseppe]

Kobe was still in a Smush-haze in '08. Everywhere he looked he thought he saw Parker. There was that one time when Kobe thought Parker was safely ensconsed in south Florida, Kobe nonchalants out the Laker's locker room door at Staples and who does he come face-to-face with? Well, aside from his wife who was camped out-out there? Smush Parker comin' out the Clipper's locker room door after he just signed with them.

It was awful, like flashbacks of Vietnam.

Oh.

[Quit Hatin']

Why do guys think Boston all of sudden locks Kobe up. 2008 was a different story they had a kid named James Posey. Ya he made it difficult for Kobe, but he is not there anymore. Who's there now to stop kobe pierce and Allen both got mediocre defense. Kobe's been lighting up the last 3 meetings

[Ghazi]

Kobe has 72 points on 72 shots in the 3 times hes played v Boston since the Finals.

Not exactly lighting it up.

[Giuseppe]

If Kobe has to win this Finals for us we won't win it. The Celtics are not going to permit Bryant to win this. They just ain't. Somebody else is going to have to impact this series in order for us to prevail. Kobe will have his moments, his points, his impact, but, somebody else is going to have to answer the bell. Artest answered it Vs. the Suns.

We all know who Jackson & Bryant are eyeballing=Gasol. But, he took a step back Vs. the Suns.

We can't be tardy Thursday night. We have to go at 0-0.

If we leave California sans 2-0 our goose is cooked.

[21_Blessings]

Kobe has 72 points on 72 shots in the 3 times hes played v Boston since the Finals.
.

Also 3-0 in those games

[21_Blessings]

If we leave California sans 2-0 our goose is cooked.

Boston isn't that great at home this year. Nothing like in 2008 where they were unbeatable in the Garden all season.

[Ghazi]

Also 3-0 in those games

Regular season; who gives a flying fuck.

with a 1 pt win and 2 pt win to boot. Woopdi

Yall fucked, son. This Celtic team has already dispatched two teams superior to the Lakers.

[Ghazi]

jeez.... 21 is so scared.

Not even trying to convince us that the Lakers matchup well in this series.

Just trying to convince himself.

So scared :depressed. Have some confidence in your team man.

[21_Blessings]

Meanwhile the Lakers 28-3 @ home the last 3 seasons in the playoffs. Haven't dropped a game at Staples this post season. Boston has no chance in a game 6/7 in LA.

[Ghazi]

Meanwhile the Lakers 28-3 @ home the last 3 seasons in the playoffs. Haven't dropped a game at Staples this post season. Boston has no chance in a game 6/7 in LA.

Game 4, 2008 NBA Finals

tee, hee.

[21_Blessings]

Regular season; who gives a flying fuck.

You obviously do since ya brought it up. Dallas fan is used to pointing to regular season success so I laid it out in a way that you could understand.



Yall fucked, son. This Celtic team has already dispatched two teams superior to the Lakers.

:lmao 1st round exit to a 7 seed

[21_Blessings]

backdoor fucking sweep southbeach style :lmao

[Ghazi]

jeez. Nobody even brought up Dallas 21...

scared of Bron in Dallas next year, I guess.

Along with Boston this year.

So insecure... Lordy. :depressed :cry

[lefty]

Also 3-0 in those games
Regular season games

We are talking Finals here

[21_Blessings]

Bron to Dallas is the best possible outcome for the Lakers franchise other than to Bron to the Clippers. Sure fire way to watch the 2nd most talented player in the league rot away into irrelevance. :lol:

[mogrovejo]

Why do guys think Boston all of sudden locks Kobe up. 2008 was a different story they had a kid named James Posey. Ya he made it difficult for Kobe, but he is not there anymore. Who's there now to stop kobe pierce and Allen both got mediocre defense. Kobe's been lighting up the last 3 meetings

Geez... do these people actually watch games?

What's funny is that in 2008 every Lakers fans were saying that Kobe was absolutely unstoppable. Now they're falling in the same mistake.

To their credit, they're just regurgitating what Magic+Cavs fans also were saying just a couple of weeks ago.

[21_Blessings]

Mog can only talk about when the Lakers were missing two starters in 2008 because that's the only way the Celtics could ever defeat this current Lakers squad.

Shame the Lakers aren't missing two starters this time around.

[21_Blessings]

Not to mention chemistry. That 2008 core only played about 50 games together. The Lakers are so much fucking better than they were 2 years ago it's hilarious that anyone would even use a 2 year old example seriously. :lol

[mogrovejo]

Mog can only talk about when the Lakers were missing two starters in 2008 because that's the only way the Celtics could ever defeat this current Lakers squad.

Shame the Lakers aren't missing two starters this time around.

I'm not worried, you'll find some other excuse. Like you're finding now for the 2008 team when, at the time, you predicted the same stuff you're predicting now.

For example, if now Ariza has suddenly become a starter for the 2008 team, there's nothing that can save Lakers fans from their own fantasies.

Ariza was a guy who started 3 games for the Lakers in 2008 and averaged 18 mpg. Now we're finding out he was a starter and a key-cog in their line-up.

You guys live in your own world, it doesn't make sense for rational people to discuss with you.

[Ghazi]

Crucify em mog, send their asses to the tree of woe.

And Bynum being a starter is irrelevant. Odom is the finisher, and he played in those 2008 Finals.

[Giuseppe]

There are no excuses for the collapse in '08. The Celtics simply beat our brains out, Kobe included. Have we learned our lessons?

Kobe talks the talk. By the time we showed up there in '08 Kobe had been talking trash to the lion's share of those ringless humps for 10 years. They were absolutely lit, and out for blood. Kobe can usually back up his talk, but, they steamrolled his ass along with everybody else.

He, we, all of us are damn fortunate to get back to the scene of the slaughter, of our humiliation less than two years later.

Finish it.

[21_Blessings]

Ariza was still learning the offense when he went down. It was quite clear he was the best SF on the roster sans Kobe. Also quite clear he was the Lakers 2nd best perimeter defender. You have to be some kind of idiot to think Ariza's defense while healthy wouldn't have been a factor when you're playing Radmanovic, Luke Waltontina and Sasha heavy minutes :lol

[Giuseppe]

Crucify em mog, send their asses to the tree of woe.

Oh, my goodness, the tree of woe. If it comes to that, Mo, be gentle.

Holler, but, like don't hit.

[Ghazi]

Losses to teams led by Ben Wallace, KG, and Rajon Rondo in the Finals.

Ouch.


:lol MJ comparisons

[Giuseppe]

MJ had his own piccadillos.

[21_Blessings]

There are no excuses for the collapse in '08. The Celtics simply beat our brains out, Kobe included. Have we learned our lessons?
.

I agree. Boston was the better team and the only reason everybody was picking the Lakers was because of the way they skullfucked San Antonio. In reality Boston schooled an injured LA team once and the other without Pau in the regular season and was unbeatable at home. Not to mention the higher seeded of the two.

End o the day though you can't deny the FACT that the Lakers were missing their starting double double center and 2nd best wing defender was coming off a broken foot. Those are just facts.

[Ghazi]

Since when is Bynum a double double center in the playoffs?

:lol picking and choosing stats

jeez... Hakeem, Shaq, Duncan... Jordan, Magic...yes, these are the transcendent players that lead teams to titles.

And yet Kobe's gonna force us to include motherfucking BEn Wallace, KG, and Rondo in the same breath at these guys :lol :lol :lol

[resistanze]

double double center

lol.

[21_Blessings]

Bynum is 9.7/7 on one knee and limited minutes :lol More talent in one leg than Brenda/Erica combined :lmao

[resistanze]

Anyways, it's hard to pick against the Lakers in this matchup. But I'm hoping for a good series.

[21_Blessings]

lol.

You weren't loling when Bynum was pushing Bosh's shit in head to head :lol

[Giuseppe]

I agree. Boston was the better team and the only reason everybody was picking the Lakers was because of the way they skullfucked San Antonio. In reality Boston schooled an injured LA team once and the other without Pau in the regular season and was unbeatable at home. Not to mention the higher seeded of the two.

End o the day though you can't deny the FACT that the Lakers were missing their starting double double center and 2nd best wing defender was coming off a broken foot. Those are just facts.

21, I like you, you're peaches with me, but, I don't do injuries. That's part & parcel of the deal. Waiting for utopian conditions to exist at tip off for both teams is Walter Mitty'ish.

[mogrovejo]

Ariza was still learning the offense when he went down. It was quite clear he was the best SF on the roster sans Kobe. Also quite clear he was the Lakers 2nd best perimeter defender. You have to be some kind of idiot to think Ariza's defense while healthy wouldn't have been a factor when you're playing Radmanovic, Luke Waltontina and Sasha heavy minutes :lol

I think it'd have been a very minor factor because the Lakers offense would be even more underwhelming with Ariza in there - the Celtics would pack the lane even more than they did + Ariza isn't the kind of player that could have slowed down Pierce significantly, Pierce is too strong for him. When he guarded Pierce in the regular season game, Paul absolutely destroyed him.

And let's get real, Lakers fans were very high on all those guys 2 years ago. The bench was supposed to be one of the Lakers biggest advantages in the series, the 2nd biggest one besides Kobe.

You're just being revisionist.

[Ghazi]

Sup Revionist_Blessings

[resistanze]

You weren't loling when Bynum was pushing Bosh's shit in head to head :lol

I was actually. You talking about the same Bosh that like that fatshit center in Phoenix score 45 points? :lol

[resistanze]

Lakers C Bynum has knee drained

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ArgLT6ILcvSUsuND3f78Qv68vLYF?slug=ap-lakers-bynum

I'm telling you, once Bynum gets healthy he's gonna beast!

[21_Blessings]

I was actually. You talking about the same Bosh that like that fatshit center in Phoenix score 45 points? :lol

:lol

[21_Blessings]

I think it'd have been a very minor factor because the Lakers offense would be even more underwhelming with Ariza in there - the Celtics would pack the lane even more than they did + Ariza isn't the kind of player that could have slowed down Pierce significantly, Pierce is too strong for him. When he guarded Pierce in the regular season game, Paul absolutely destroyed him.

And let's get real, Lakers fans were very high on all those guys 2 years ago. The bench was supposed to be one of the Lakers biggest advantages in the series, the 2nd biggest one besides Kobe.

You're just being revisionist.

No you're just being revisionist. The Lakers had two STARTERS from their 09 championsihp team injured. It's a fact. The 2008 Boston feasted on a Lakers team playing two men down.

Acting like Ariza woudln't be a factor is extra retarded considering who he would be taking minutes from. Not only is Ariza a much better man defender than Luke, Vlad and Sasha his team defense is utterly fantastic. Offensively Ariza was a very smart, efficient roleplayer in the Lakers system. Something Vlad and Sasha weren't.

Like I said Mog you can stop living in the past. The 2010 Lakers will prove what happens when their full starting lineup is actually playing.

[mogrovejo]

Pierce vs. Ariza in 2008 - 33 points in 19 shots.

Ariza had already played versus the Spurs and he was available to play Boston. Jackson simply wasn't comfortable with another non-shooting there when the Celtics were already clogging the lane.

A guy who starts 3 games and averages 18mpg isn't a starter. I'm not sure how is this so hard to understand for you. I'm not really go to address your idea that he was a starter because later in his career he became a starter. That's just too retarded even for you.

[Mel_13]

Pierce vs. Ariza in 2008 - 33 points in 19 shots.

Ariza had already played versus the Spurs and he was available to play Boston. Jackson simply wasn't comfortable with another non-shooting there when the Celtics were already clogging the lane.

A guy who starts 3 games and averages 18mpg isn't a starter. I'm not sure how is this so hard to understand for you. I'm not really go to address your idea that he was a starter because later in his career he became a starter. That's just too retarded even for you.

:lmao

[21_Blessings]

Ariza had already played versus the Spurs and he was available to play Boston. Jackson simply wasn't comfortable with another non-shooting there when the Celtics were already clogging the lane.

He was coming off a broken foot. You're basically dumb.


A guy who starts 3 games and averages 18mpg isn't a starter. I'm not sure how is this so hard to understand for you. I'm not really go to address your idea that he was a starter because later in his career he became a starter. That's just too retarded even for you.

Ariza was the best SF on the roster without question. Phil won't start a guy consistently until he fully learns the system. And Ariza would have done just that if he never broke his foot. Ariza was the same player in 2009 playoffs as he was when he first came to LA. Only more experience with the triangle and a developed chemistry with his teammates.

What he brought defensively had a significant impact on the Lakers overall defense. Combined with a 7ft, 280 body in the middle you have a completely different team.

Take Perkins and Posey off the 2008 Celtics and you would have a completely different series.

[mogrovejo]

Ok, now we understand why you were predicting the Celtics to beat the Lakers in 08. You're even more of a moron considering that the Lakers won the title in a season where Garnett+Powe+Tony Allen were injured and Jameer Nelson was injured.

Let me ask you a few questions:

- are the Lakers healthy for these finals? Yes or no.

- is Kobe's supporting cast good enough to win a championship? Yes or no.

- is Phil Jackson still a top coach? Yes or no.

[21_Blessings]

I would never in my life pick the Celtics over the Lakers.

[21_Blessings]

Fact:

- Lakers had two starters injured in the 2008 finals. Celtics did not.

[mogrovejo]

Can you answer the questions?

[21_Blessings]

Can you admit the Lakers had two starters injured in the 2008 finals?

[mogrovejo]

You won't answer the questions. Fake bravado.

[21_Blessings]

You won't admit an obvious fact. False bravado.

Are you picking the Celtics to win this series mog? Yes or no.

The year is 2010. Not 2008.

[21_Blessings]

Are you picking the Celtics to win this series mog? Yes or no.

.

[21_Blessings]

:lmao mogrovejo talks a big game by bringing up 2008 every chance he gets but he won't officially pick the Celtics for the relevant series in 2010. What a fucking pussy :lol

[TheMACHINE]

they face their toughest test yet trying to guard a whistle

Whistle already has been eliminated in the first round...duh


The whistles are going to let the Lakers take this game. Dont get me wrong Kobe does not miss a shot...i mean damn Kobe lit up the Suns at the end of game 6. But please the refs gave Kobe the benefit of the doubt on the foul calls. and gave the Suns no chance to make a come back with all those offensive fouls and traveling calls on Amare.



how many foul calls did the Suns get compared to the Lakers last series? Please do tell then GTFO.

[TheMACHINE]

:lmao mogrovejo talks a big game by bringing up 2008 every chance he gets but he won't officially pick the Celtics for the relevant series in 2010. What a fucking pussy :lol

dude....give him time to sign up to his stats page that he pays for and let him look it up. :p:

[Quit Hatin']

I hope all you celtic fans and laker hating Celtic dick riders stay cuz this is about to be a long summer for you all. And we will make sure we own this place after it's all said and done, the invasion is almost complete, but many you will pussy out and never post here ever again. Ya I'm calling all of you out, after the lakers win the championship all you haters will have no argument.

O ya Quit Hatin' faggots.

[mogrovejo]

:lmao mogrovejo talks a big game by bringing up 2008 every chance he gets but he won't officially pick the Celtics for the relevant series in 2010. What a fucking pussy :lol

Are you retarded? I've said the Celtics were my favourites to win this series since they grabbed a Finals spot. I've picked the EC team to win the finals after the 1st round.

You, on the other hand, won't answer the questions.

[21_Blessings]

So you're predicting the Celtics to win in how many games mog? Give me LA in 6. But I wouldn't be surprised if it ended in 5.

And the Lakers are 2 starters healthier than they were in 2008.

[21_Blessings]

I've picked the EC team to win the finals after the 1st round.

"EC team". So you thought Orlando and Cleveland would have beat the Lakers in the Finals? :lol

But I'm still interested to know in your knowledgeable basketball zone defense workshop opinion how many games the Celts are going to take the title in? How many do they win @ Staples?



You, on the other hand, won't answer the questions.

I answered your health question. Your Phil Jackson inquiry has no relevance in the matter at hand.

[easy7]

I would never in my life pick the Celtics over the Lakers.

Damn, if you would have bet on the all the Lakers-Celtics finals you would be out of serious cash if you bet big, since the Celtics lead the series 9-2. Just saying...

[21_Blessings]

Damn, if you would have bet on the all the Lakers-Celtics finals you would be out of serious cash if you bet big, since the Celtics lead the series 9-2. Just saying...

I never gamble on Laker games. I wouldn't be able to watch/enjoy the game if I did. So I don't. Plenty of other shit to bet on.

[easy7]

I never gamble on Laker games. I wouldn't be able to watch/enjoy the game if I did. So I don't. Plenty of other shit to bet on.

You got a point there. Good luck to your Lakers.

[mavsfan1000]

Celtics have no answer for Kobe. It's pretty obvious there. Gasol will be huge as well. Celtics don't have the firepower to make this an interesting unlike the Suns.

[MiamiHeat]

where does duncan228 find the time to post the worst articles on ST?

are you even a Spurs fan, duncan228?

Kobe toughest cover?

The Celtics have had to go through Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.... you got to be kidding me.

[MiamiHeat]

and LOL at people pointing to Kobe vs the Suns

since when do the Suns play defense? They were ranked in the 20's in team defense.


this article should have been titled :

Kobe Faces Toughest Yet - A Real Defense

[TampaDude]

Lebron shot sub 40% against the Celtics 2 years ago. And shot sub 40% against a terrible 2007 Spurs team that was curbstomped by the Lakers and Kobe the following year.

2007 Spurs >>> 2008 Spurs
2007 Spurs = healthy
2008 Spurs = hobbled

BTW, had Joey C. not swallowed his whistle on the Barry foul by Fisher...and the NBA said it should've been a foul...then the whole WCF takes on a different tone...2-2 is a LOT different than 3-1. That series was hardly a curbstomping. What happened to the Lakers in the Finals that year definitely WAS a curbstomping, especially the closeout game.

Also BTW, the Celtics have a better record on the road than at home this year, so HCA doesn't mean much for this Finals.

[21_Blessings]

He traveled :lol

[21_Blessings]

What happened to the Lakers in the Finals that year definitely WAS a curbstomping, especially the closeout game.

Also BTW, the Celtics have a better record on the road than at home this year, so HCA doesn't mean much for this Finals.

The Spurs blew TWO large double digits leads to the Lakers. That was a way bigger curbstomping than the finals. The Lakers were coming off a first round exit the previous year. Great job defending the title San Antonio :lol :flag:

[TampaDude]

The Spurs blew TWO large double digits leads to the Lakers. That was a way bigger curbstomping than the finals. The Lakers were coming off a first round exit the previous year. Great job defending the title San Antonio :lol :flag:

The Spurs didn't blow a 24-point lead on their home floor and get assraped by 39 points in the closeout game. No comparison, dude...you're dreaming.