Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers

[army of nobunaga]

I would predict the Lakers. For these reasons:

1) Kobe is the best most inspired player in the game now.
2) Gasol is playing better than he was two years ago.
3) The Celtic stars are all getting older.
4) The Lakers have home court.
5) Rondo's back will probably hurt worse in the next few days than it did during the Celtics' last game.
6) Paul Pierce needs to shave.

Rondo's back is the key to the whole series IMO. If he can play inspired ball and isn't hurt badly the Celtics have a good chance. If he isn't 100% I say Lakers in five or six, if he plays well it goes seven.

You may not like him... But Kobe is one of the best players in the history of the game. One of the top ten. Actually I would personally put him in the top 5.
He has one of the best work ethics in basketball. He lifts weights religiously. And he wants to win every damn game. I think next year the lakers are going to put on one of those legendary bull-like seasons where they lose like only 10 games.

[army of nobunaga]

I will say this... KG for some reason historically rises to the challenge... If he is still has the same fire, I think this may go to 7.

[jimboston]

Got to love that officiating in game 2....looks like Stern wants $$$$$ making sure the series goes to 6 or 7


Not sure what team was going to win but some of those calls made sure the Celtics got the win...absolutely disgusting calls

I saw some pretty bad calls in favor of LA.

[MTIceman41]

Got to love that officiating in game 2....looks like Stern wants $$$$$ making sure the series goes to 6 or 7


Not sure what team was going to win but some of those calls made sure the Celtics got the win...absolutely disgusting calls

I saw some pretty bad calls in favor of LA.

Crucial fouls putting Kobe in foul trouble late; out-of-bounds by Celtics that gave them the ball back...I would not say Lakers were favored...however most people will agree that the officiating is injecting too much say in the games regardless of who it may/may-not favor...Let them play basketball!

[jimboston]

It's over in 5... the series will never even make it back to LA.

The new Boston Garden doesn't have the same impact on opposing teams as the original... but it's enough to affect the chumps from LA that play in today's game.

All Boston needed to do was to take one away from LA and bring it home.

I honestly doen't think the way the series is set with the first 2 in LA and the next 3 in Boston is any advantage to LA. It would be more advantageous to have it be 2,2,1,1,1 instead of the 2,3,2... sure you have a couple more chartered flights... but that's chump change.

[jimboston]

Got to love that officiating in game 2....looks like Stern wants $$$$$ making sure the series goes to 6 or 7


Not sure what team was going to win but some of those calls made sure the Celtics got the win...absolutely disgusting calls

I saw some pretty bad calls in favor of LA.

Crucial fouls putting Kobe in foul trouble late; out-of-bounds by Celtics that gave them the ball back...I would not say Lakers were favored...however most people will agree that the officiating is injecting too much say in the games regardless of who it may/may-not favor...Let them play basketball!

The "crucial foul" comment is BS. He should have gotten that 5th foul earlier but they never called him for it.

The one out of bounds you refer to... I would agree it was out by the Celtics... but they did a slow-motion review!!!

You could argue that the Laker's player pushed the Celtic's player's hand there... there-by causing the ball to go out.

I don't know... why not complain about the slow-motion review instead???

Even if LA got that... the game was over already.

BTW... if you are a coach and your player is holding back in the last minutes because he is afraid of getting fouled... don't you think you're better off putting in a player who will actually play??? Or maybe... tell Kobe to push it... better he push it an foul out in the last 30 seconds... instead of hold back.

Dumb playing... dumb coaching.

[xxtig12683xx]

Got to love that officiating in game 2....looks like Stern wants $$$$$ making sure the series goes to 6 or 7


Not sure what team was going to win but some of those calls made sure the Celtics got the win...absolutely disgusting calls

I saw some pretty bad calls in favor of LA.

Crucial fouls putting Kobe in foul trouble late; out-of-bounds by Celtics that gave them the ball back...I would not say Lakers were favored...however most people will agree that the officiating is injecting too much say in the games regardless of who it may/may-not favor...Let them play basketball!

The "crucial foul" comment is BS. He should have gotten that 5th foul earlier but they never called him for it.

The one out of bounds you refer to... I would agree it was out by the Celtics... but they did a slow-motion review!!!

You could argue that the Laker's player pushed the Celtic's player's hand there... there-by causing the ball to go out.

I don't know... why not complain about the slow-motion review instead???

Even if LA got that... the game was over already.

BTW... if you are a coach and your player is holding back in the last minutes because he is afraid of getting fouled... don't you think you're better off putting in a player who will actually play??? Or maybe... tell Kobe to push it... better he push it an foul out in the last 30 seconds... instead of hold back.

Dumb playing... dumb coaching.

and you are who to call one of the greatest coaches in any sport of all time dumb? lol


-tig

[Army of GOD]

Kobe played like s***. Even when he wasn't in foul-trouble, he was still taking bad shots...trying to do too much I suppose.

And I think it was stupid of him not to be aggressive at the end of the game even with the fouls. I think it's better to take the chance and possibly foul out but play aggressively instead of just throwing the ball at the basket every time you get it.

Rondo and Allen were just on fire this game...Allen getting a record amount of 3s and Rondo getting the first triple-double in the finals since 2003.

[MTIceman41]

Got to love that officiating in game 2....looks like Stern wants $$$$$ making sure the series goes to 6 or 7


Not sure what team was going to win but some of those calls made sure the Celtics got the win...absolutely disgusting calls

I saw some pretty bad calls in favor of LA.

Crucial fouls putting Kobe in foul trouble late; out-of-bounds by Celtics that gave them the ball back...I would not say Lakers were favored...however most people will agree that the officiating is injecting too much say in the games regardless of who it may/may-not favor...Let them play basketball!

The "crucial foul" comment is BS. He should have gotten that 5th foul earlier but they never called him for it.

The one out of bounds you refer to... I would agree it was out by the Celtics... but they did a slow-motion review!!!

You could argue that the Laker's player pushed the Celtic's player's hand there... there-by causing the ball to go out.

I don't know... why not complain about the slow-motion review instead???

Even if LA got that... the game was over already.

BTW... if you are a coach and your player is holding back in the last minutes because he is afraid of getting fouled... don't you think you're better off putting in a player who will actually play??? Or maybe... tell Kobe to push it... better he push it an foul out in the last 30 seconds... instead of hold back.

Dumb playing... dumb coaching.

Ya your name has Boston in it...your analysis is interesting...but in my opinion your opinion is wrong

[Calidus]

basketball, yAAAAAWWWWWNNNNN


the nba has much credibility as professional wrestling

the games are fixed

lakers will probably because David Stern says so.

i lost interest after the 80's

Sorry but I got to respond to this. I agree that it is possible for refs to sway the game, but I don't care what you say...it will always be up to the players and the coaches (mostly players though) to win the games. You ask any player at that level if they are "throwing the game" or not.... yeah I'd like to here a confirmation on that. Nobody wants to look like they suck at that level...with national t.v. and probably large international as well watching.

I'm not suggesting you were saying that, but if you were or if anyone thinks that...well the above is all I got to say about that.

Even if refs do sway the game a bit....It's about pure talent of the players...and how they work together. If a team wins a championship, it's because they were the better team. Why do you think there are 7 games? I think it's to prove they can win consistancy and on any court or in front of any crowd rather.

The only major sport that plays one game in the final is football and I guess soccer internationally. Both of these sports are usually played in a neutral area for the final. Also they do this simply because... well you tell me how you feel after playing 7 games of football within 2 weeks.

Also no matter how much I dislike Kobe as a person...I think the Lakers will win the series.
Phil Jackson is just too good of a coach, being from Chicago I would know that (Yes, even Jordan would probably say he learned a thing or two from him).

Plus he could use some rings on his toes now

Oh, just to add...I do agree that many of the celtics players are getting old- at least KG for sure.

[angola]

For those complaining that the calls went in Boston's favor, it is always good to remember that the Lakers took 15 more free throws than the Celtics in Game 2.

Kobe was out of rhythm by being in foul trouble, much like Ray Allen was in Game 1. Don't foul and then you won't be in foul trouble.

The refs have been awful to both teams the first two games.

All I know is this: The Lakers bigs have owned the Celtics the first two games, yet it is 1-1.

I would be a tad nervous as a Lakers fan, frankly.

Though the Celtics haven't played well at home this season, so who knows.

I'd like Celtics in 6, but I expect Lakers in 7.

[jaimito101]

lakers own the middle, especially if bynum plays big minutes, big baby and garnet are being picked on and looking like young schoolgirls.

pau+ bynum had 13 blocks in game 2! you think people are going to keep charging the middle with these guys patrolling?!! If you own the middle you own the game.

jesus was uneliavable but understand this was a NBA finals record! these kind of performances dont come by that often, even he wont be expecting another of these games soon... and thats too bad for the celtics, cause thats what they need to win this.

still staying with lakers in 6

[angola]

lakers own the middle, especially if bynum plays big minutes, big baby and garnet are being picked on and looking like young schoolgirls.

pau+ bynum had 13 blocks in game 2! you think people are going to keep charging the middle with these guys patrolling?!! If you own the middle you own the game.

jesus was uneliavable but understand this was a NBA finals record! these kind of performances dont come by that often, even he wont be expecting another of these games soon... and thats too bad for the celtics, cause thats what they need to win this.

still staying with lakers in 6

Don't forget Allen torched the Lakers for seven 3-pointers in Game 6 in 2008, so he has a history of lighting up the Lakers.

But yes, the Lakers bigs have controlled the series and unless that changes, the Lakers will win the series.

Garnett has looked awful, though Big Baby has played great. Perkins hasn't, but Baby is out there hustling, scoring and stretching the defense - as has Wallace.

Hell, Wallace has played the best defense against Gasol in the series.

[Army of GOD]

Looks like the Lakers are gonna take the series-lead.

[angola]

After that shit-astic performance by the Celtics, they deserve to lose at home, in five.

What a disgusting effort.

Ray Allen, from hero, to goat. 0-for-13. Really? I mean, really?

Pierce hasn't done anything this series.

Oh, and Garnett finally went off and they still lost, way to go Pierce and Allen. Way to go.

[oVo]

Celtics start game three on the attack with Garnett finally getting it going and the Lakers take an early timeout to regroup. Boston then seems to call off the dogs, bench their aggression in the paint and surrender their lead by taking a lot of short jumpers. Can't say for sure it was the Laker D that altered the Celtic pace and shot selection, but it's a done deal and moot point now. Looking forward to game four... no idea who will show up. Had Garnett gotten a little support from the rest of his team, they'd have run away with last nights contest. Guess LA deserves some credit for shutting them down when it mattered.

The slow mo replays in the final two minutes are kind of strange, but did manage to correct the possessions. Fisher takes over at crunch time, the Celtics wilt and the Lakers collect a well earned win.

Some weird calls for & against both teams, with invisible fouls called
and blatant fouls missed.

[xxtig12683xx]

So sad Boston, so sad....at least they put Nasty Nate in early. Key for LA last night was the re-emergence of Lamar Odom.


-tig

[MTIceman41]

So sad Boston, so sad....at least they put Nasty Nate in early. Key for LA last night was the re-emergence of Lamar Odom.


-tig

Game was all about Fisher being the only clutch player from either team...Garnet looked good...

But ya...the Officiating got a little scarry..both teams were getting crap calls, phantom fouls, make-up calls...thats something everyone would agree on I think

[Army of GOD]

Haha. Allen almost (ALMOST!) went from the best shooting finals game ever to the worst (0 for 14 is the worst).

[MTIceman41]

Haha. Allen almost (ALMOST!) went from the best shooting finals game ever to the worst (0 for 14 is the worst).

Law of averages...kind of like CC...you know if you kill 8 in a row...crap dice will be coming soon...haha

Game 3/4 together still averaged 40% for 3 pointers...but ya best night then worst night...craziness

[jaimito101]

true... i was wondering if that was a coaching mistake. I mean true Allen is great shooter, MOST of the time, but he is also a known streak shooter. Doc should have taken him out, certainly after a 0-10 he should have known it wasnt his ray's day.

[army of nobunaga]

So sad Boston, so sad....at least they put Nasty Nate in early. Key for LA last night was the re-emergence of Lamar Odom.


-tig

Game was all about Fisher being the only clutch player from either team...Garnet looked good...

But ya...the Officiating got a little scarry..both teams were getting crap calls, phantom fouls, make-up calls...thats something everyone would agree on I think

Fish was the smartest kid in a biology lab I taught. I pretty much let all of his b-ball friends cheat off of him. I could never catch them, but I didnt try to hard.

I like to see how far he has gone. Strong friggin work ethic.

[ViperOverLord]

So sad Boston, so sad....at least they put Nasty Nate in early. Key for LA last night was the re-emergence of Lamar Odom.


-tig

Game was all about Fisher being the only clutch player from either team...Garnet looked good...

But ya...the Officiating got a little scarry..both teams were getting crap calls, phantom fouls, make-up calls...thats something everyone would agree on I think

Fish was the smartest kid in a biology lab I taught. I pretty much let all of his b-ball friends cheat off of him. I could never catch them, but I didnt try to hard.

I like to see how far he has gone. Strong friggin work ethic.

Nice story. Fictional I presume.

At any rate, the interficials are having too much of an impact on this series. I no longer have any joy about it.

[ViperOverLord]

For those complaining that the calls went in Boston's favor, it is always good to remember that the Lakers took 15 more free throws than the Celtics in Game 2.

Kobe was out of rhythm by being in foul trouble, much like Ray Allen was in Game 1. Don't foul and then you won't be in foul trouble.

The refs have been awful to both teams the first two games.

All I know is this: The Lakers bigs have owned the Celtics the first two games, yet it is 1-1.

I would be a tad nervous as a Lakers fan, frankly.

Though the Celtics haven't played well at home this season, so who knows.

I'd like Celtics in 6, but I expect Lakers in 7.

The refs have been awful to both teams the first two games.

That is what the NBA would like you to think. You can point to one or two calls that didn't go the Lakers way. But the reality is they've been calling love taps, phantom fouls and flops all series to take away momentum from the Celtics and put key players in foul trouble. It's been terrible. I'm tempted to not even watch anymore. And I'm certain that I wouldn't if it was not my Celtics in the Finals. And this coming from a fan who's number 2 team is whoever is playing the Lakers. I didn't watch 1 minute of the Magic/Lakers. I was certain that the same type of crap was going to happen then.

[army of nobunaga]

yedit.. this noones buiswack