The Boston Celtics are back to their A game after a questionable season. They've gone 11-3 in the playoffs so far, shocking these so-called basketball analysts across the country by defeating Lebron James' Cavs, and currently on the brink of sweeping the defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic. Let me tell you why I think this Boston Celtics will beat the Lakers, and how this 2008-2010 "dynasty" is on the same level as the 1996-1998 Bulls.
First, these finals will be the Celtics greatest challenge, but I still think they'll win. The Lakers are loaded with all-stars and every year they are playing better defense. Kobe may have lost a step or two, but he won't need it with Pau Gasol taking honors as the best power forward in the game right now. The Lakers are one of the most talented teams in history, but Boston will beat them because the Lakers lack the mental discipline to play at the highest level consistently. Even with the addition of Ron Artest (one of my favorite players) and the development of Bynum, the Lakers still go through stretches of mental breakdowns (courtesy of Lamar Odom & their younger players) and reliance on one-on-one offense. You don't see that happening with the Celtics. They are the most unselfish team I've ever seen, perhaps too unselfish at times. They play suffocating team defense and their communication is beyond excellent. Sometimes I think they're telepathic. Offensively they are always moving and who they go to is never predictable. It's truly an honor to watch them. It's an art really- poetry in motion. That being said, I feel these finals will be one of the best in history. Boston will win in 6 or 7 games.
Secondly, they are on the same level as the 1990s Bulls because they would have won it all last year without the injuries. That's a potential three championships in a row, provided they win this year of course. Obviously, they won in 2008 after absolutely humiliating some of their opponents (including the Lakers in the finals). They started the next season 29-2 before the injury to Kevin Garnett mid-season, then went through some epic playoff battles that showed how much heart they have. This year they started 25-4 before apparently becoming bored with the regular season and resting their stars to make a healthy playoff run. Clearly this idea paid off. Now they are back to blowing out the best teams in the league at the right time. And they're doing it without a superstar, which is even more astounding. It goes to show how selfless and balanced they are; how they don't rely on any one man to lead them to victory. That's how basketball should be played. It should not be played by going to the same guy every time down the floor. So, Cleveland, Orlando, bonehead media & Kobe Bryant fans... Learn a lesson and stop putting so much pressure on your best player. Teams are designed for players to use one another, not stand around waiting for something to happen.
Here is the 2010 Boston Celtics roster. Pretty much everyone does their role perfectly. The Boston Celtics have everything you need in a team. Center- Kendrik Perkins. Hard fouls, rebounds, blocks, best center defender. Power Forward- Kevin Garnett. Post-up offense, one of the best help defenders ever. Small Forward- Paul Pierce. Crafty offense, clutch, smart defense. Shooting Guard- Ray Allen. Best shooter ever? Clutch, extreme endurance wears out defenders. Point Guard- Rajon Rondo. Very fast, calls balanced plays, misdirects defense, opportunist on defense (led the league in steals), phenomenal rebounding for a guard. Backup 5- Rasheed Wallace. Hard fouls, outside shooter, post up. Backup 4- Big Baby Davis. Hard fouls, agile, strong, shoots well, rebounds well, clutch. Backup 1, 2, 3- Tony Allen. Great defender, good cutter.
No comments:
Post a Comment