Walkin' in LA: a game 7 diary

I figured that if Christina Aguilera was coming back for a game 7 of the NBA Finals then I should as well. So, here we go…

8:05: Just another stellar pre-game show by the boys at ESPN’s NBA Shootaround. I wish Stu Scott just announced everything for ESPN.

8:06: Of course that last sentence was completely sarcastic

8:08: Lakers on the board 1st with a Derek Fisher 3 pointer. Not a good sign for the C’s since it was Fisher’s 1st 3 of the Finals

8:10: Mark Jackson just broke the unintentional comedy scale by saying that Rasheed Wallace was the best Power Forward in the league for 10 years. Go ahead use that information as you wish

8:13: I like that the Refs are letting them play certainly an advantage for the C’s

8:15: The C’s look a lot better out of the gate tonight and just as I typed that KG shot an airball.

8:20: The Lakers are pounding the C’s on the glass, which doesn’t bode well since who has ever won the rebounding advantage has won the game.

8:22: The C’s look like they have made a few defensive adjustments early with their help side D

8:23: The under looks like a lock. C’s up 17-13 going into a break

8:28: The Lakers have kept it close with the work on the O glass, but there offense doesn’t look good

8:29: Terrible call by Joey Crawford negates a Rondo basket and KG picks up his 2nd foul and that means we are also one step closer to Brian Scalabrine getting minutes.

8:33: End of 1 quarter and the C’s looked like the better team shooting 59% and holding Kobe to 1-7 shooting. LA is still getting to some loose balls and it will be interesting to see what happens when the benches come in.

2nd Quarter

8:40: Another offensive board for the Lakers, who have 11 up to this point.

8:43: If George Lopez is at the Lakers game then how will he make his show? Actually, stay at the game and enjoy yourself George

8: 44: Phil Jackson just said we took too many hard tough shots, that’s what she said…

8:45: Kobe and Gasol back off as the bench was not nearly as good for the Lakers thus far as in game 6.

8:46: All kinds of problems for the C’s on offense so far. Tied at 23

8:50: The C’s need to start making the Lakers 1 and done on the offensive end if the Lakers are going to shoot this bad

8:53: I hate to see the Finals end, but I will be so glad that I no longer have to see the “Grown Ups” ad where Sandler and company are talking about the NBA. Why does anybody employ David Spade? His career should have died when Chris Farley did.

8:58: Artest just buried a 3 to tie the game. I got to give him credit has only been somewhat of a liability on offense the past 2 games, not a total liability.

9:03: JVG talking about Jennifer Garner’s kid. Come on this is a game 7; get it together JVG, it’s just creepy.

9: 05: I am not going to see his was the best power forward, but Rasheed Wallace has been very solid tonight for the C’s

9:06: Double T’s on Pierce and Artest. Let’s see Ron go batshit crazy for his second T he is due…

9:08: Josh Powell and Brian Scalabrine both check-in at the same time. Are we sure this is a game 7 of the NBA Finals?

9:10: The C’s turn it over before they could get into their brilliant end of the quarter offensive set.

9:11: Ugly end to the half as neither team gets a shot off. I have to say Ron Artest carried the Lakers in the 2nd half. Kobe and Gasol have looked really mediocre so far. Pierce has been good for the C’s and it seems like Boston has been finally getting to the free throw line and to the basket. Should be a great 2nd half

Halftime / 3rd Quarter

9:24: Looking at MJ’s numbers compared to Kobe’s and it’s not even close… Followed by Magic Johnson saying that the Celtics are better off with Kendrick Perkins being injured in a game where they are getting slayed on the boards. Every time Magic just continues to amaze me with the things that come out of his mouth. Did he even watch the 1st half? Ladies and Gentlemen, your ESPN pre-game crew…

9:45: Tied up on the phone, but it has been a great start for the C’s in the 3rd quarter. Their defense has been really solid tonight.

9:47: I think LA needs to start getting Gasol more touches in the low block the C’s have no one to counter that.

9: 48: The Lakers are going on a run as the crowd is getting back into the game literally. It looked like the arena was half empty after halftime. 51-45 Celtics

9:50: Paul Pierce hit a huge 3. Good point by JVG on Lamar Odom not hustling back in transition, until that point I didn’t even know Odom was playing.

9:53: And on cue Odom to the rim for a lay-up. Damn reverse jinx

9: 55: Hey, Rondo hit 1-2 of FT’s. 50% is better than 24%. C’s up 6, 57-51

9:57: JVG hits right on the head this is a poorly played game on the offensive end. This honestly looks like a Mid-November game in terms of play on the court, but certainly not effort, which has been great by both teams.

9:59: It’s the end of the 3rd quarter and Boston has the ball, so here comes a terrible shot or not because it was a 24 second violation. I certainly hope Tom Thibodeau brings some better execution to the Bulls.

4th Quarter

10:01: To win the Lakers need some big shots by Kobe and to keep hitting the glass. For the C’s they need to keep moving the ball on offense and get out in transition because the 2nd part of the 3rd quarter they became a little to stagnant and isolation reliant on offense. It would also help if the C’s got a rebound.

10:05: Kobe on the bench to start the 4th. And I think it’s a gamble by Phil, but could pay off if others on the Lakers get going.

10:06: Artest for MVP and I am serious!!!

10:08: Can someone hit a jump shot? My 6th grade basketball team scored more points than this by the 4th quarter.

10:09: This game has been uglier than the BP Oil spill. The World Cup has had more offense than this game

10:12: Are we sure this is the Celtics-Lakers game 7 and that ABC is not showing a replay of the Pistons-Spurs NBA Finals game 7?

10:16: A lot of stones by Doc Rivers bringing in Nate Robinson here.

10:17: Ron Artest has put every Lakers fan through a gamut of emotions throughout this series.

10:19: It may not be well played, but this has been an intense game.

10:21: Rasheed Wallace picks up his 5th foul, but Gasol continues to choke from the line (2-7)

10:23: Derek Fisher continues to amaze with big shots. Will this guy ever go away? He’s the Keith Richards of the NBA

10:27: Doc Rivers wants movement, movement and more movement

10:28: This is the Lakers game to lose with 5 and change left. Lakers 66-64

10:32: It’s pretty bad when the teams in the 60’s were able to get to 100 points apiece in a game 7. These teams have been lucky to get to 100 combined tonight.

10:36: Kobe has shot terrible tonight, but it looks like he will finish strong.

10:37: Terrible decision for the Lakers to trap up top and leave Garnett all alone down low for the dunk.

10:37: The Lakers have been content just to draw contact and get to the line and I can’t say that has been a bad strategy

10:40: Ray Allen needs to hit a 3 or else the C’s are done

10:42: Huge post move by Gasol and this game looks to be cooked with the Lakers up 6 with 1:30 left

10:45: Rasheed for 3!!!! Followed by Artest for 3. Seriously he (Artest) should be the MVP

10:46: Another C’s 3 pointer, but they follow that up with putting Rondo on Gasol and he gets another Lakers offensive rebound. Just a terrible play by the C’s by not switching when they had the chance.

10:48: Adam Morrison is looking dapper again tonight in a black suit. He should just become an assistant coach at this point because he is halfway there.

10:50: Rondo hits a 3 and cuts it to 2.

10:52: Vujacic to the line… and he buries both shots

10:54: And it’s a Lakers winner. Artest should be the MVP. Queensbridge!!!


Well at least we got some drama out of game 7. You can’t say it was particularly well played, but it was exciting if you like free throws. All in all the 2010 NBA playoffs were rather disappointing and I have no one to blame, but myself. That’s a little harsh, but really there was only about 5 great games and some other decent games. The best series was probably the Lakers-Thunder series in the 1st round. In fact the 1st round was probably… Ok, Ron Artest just thanked his psychiatrist and doctors and about 30 other random people in the post-game interview with Doris Burke. He also started singing one of his songs. Ladies and Gentlemen, your should be Finals MVP. As I was saying the 1st round was probably the best round of the playoffs and that’s usually not a good thing for the NBA. I’ll probably post a recap and have some sort of playoff awards post during the weekend. And take it away Stu Scott…

A Diary of a Lakers blowout

Sit back, relax and strap it down. Getting ready for game 6 in my Farragut Academy Ronnie Fields jersey. I don’t know need to tell anyone what’s a stake tonight, so let’s get ready for Hell’s Kitchen, oh wait that’s right game 6 of the NBA Finals

7:55pm: Stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Christina Aguilera, who looked especially whorish tonight. Good times.

7:58: Hey wait the Lakers are using the CSI: Miami theme was probably echoed by some fan in the Staples Center, which is not a good thing for the Who’s legacy.

8:01: Breen, Jackson and JVG don’t look too excited for game 6.

8:03: Whoa, are we sure Pau Gasol is the best offensive big man in basketball? Big statement from Mark Jackson can’t say I agree

8:06: Phil says share the basketball it will work out. Don’t know if that was directed at Kobe or encouraging others to get Bryant the ball.

8:07: Lakers win the tap and Kobe misfires on a 3

8:08: Rondo getting into the lane early could be a good sign for the C's

8: 11: Rondo might want to stick to driving in the lane and not shooting jump shots because that was ugly.

8:12: The LA crowd is really lively tonight. I can’t remember them being this loud early in the game.

8:13: I think it’s a good move for Ray Allen to take Fisher in the post, it’s a huge advantage.

8:15: The Lakers are trying to get others involved early even my man Artest has a 3. 10-9 Lakers

8:17: Kobe looks like he has fresh legs tonight. He has been really aggressive early getting to the hoop. I’ll pass on a rape joke for now. Lakers 16-12

8:19: Our first commercial break of the night. If you’re a Lakers you have to like the way they have pushed the ball early on and have been getting some easy baskets on the break. Let’s see if they continue to do that.

8:21: Perkins helped off the floor for the C’s. Its not a huge loss on the offensive side, but Perkins is a tough defender and rebounder. I bet Doc wishes he dressed Brian Scalabrine now or not

8:22: Kobe is starting fast with 11 points already.

8:24: I get to say that Artest has been real aggressive on the offensive end so far and it has not been a bad thing for the Lakers. Although, you’re playing with fire if he just starts chucking up shots.

8:26: The game is being called real tight right now, which favors the Lakers and David Stern. Lakers 26-18 going into a break

8:31: Bench time for both teams. Let’s see how this plays out for both teams.

8:32: Here comes the Boston end of the quarter offense and again terrible execution with Nate Robinson losing the ball.

8:35: 1st Quarter thoughts: The Lakers come out with a lot of energy, which is no surprise. Artest actually contributed something on offense and Kobe looks poised for another huge game. The C’s looked sloppy at times on offense. Pierce is off to a slow start and that can’t seem to get a transition game going, which they need.

2nd Quarter

8:38: Nate Robinson throws an alley-oop off the backboard. Get him out of the game already, Doc.

8:40: The Lakers defense has been much better tonight. They are forcing the C’s into bad shots and making role players handle the ball.

8:42: Again Rasheed Wallace is called for foul that he thinks he didn’t commit. I have news for Sheed you fouled him. Lakers 34-22

8:43: The Lakers are beating the C’s to all of the loose balls and 50/50 rebounds. Not a winning formula if you’re the Celtics.

8:46: Great Johnny Most (dead Celtics broadcaster) and Chick Hearn (dead Lakers broadcaster) montage.

8:48: We may have a blow out on our hands. Lakers up 40-22. The C’s are settling for jump shots and have been 1 and done all night whereas all the Lakers have been aggressive going to the basket and either finishing or drawing fouls.

8:51: The Karate Kid remake being #1 at the box office just sickens me, you know what else sickens me typing that there is a Karate Kid remake.

8:52: I would make a Dane Cook comment, but it would be not be interesting or funny just like he is.

8:54: The C’s need a run to close out the half for their sake and my interest level in writing this diary.

8:56: The Lakers bench especially Jordan Farmar has been great tonight as Farmar throws down a dunk on the break.

9:02: I may want to start channel surfing because this is a blow out. Lakers up 49-29

9:08: Derek Fisher just picked up his 3rd foul, but that actually hurts the C’s because Fisher has done nothing tonight

9:10: Pierce has been all kinds of bad tonight with another failed drive to the basket and turnover.

9:11: The Lakers close out a dominant 1st half up 51-31. The Lakers have played with a great effort so far on all fronts and all players. Artest even has 10 points despite still some questionable shot selection choices. The Lakers are killing the C’s on the glass 31-13 and has pretty much made Boston a jump shooting team, with the exception of Ray Allen is not their game. The C’s need a great start to the 3rd quarter to get the game to a reasonable margin by the end of the 3rd to have any chance at all. And thank you for that last sentence Captain Obvious!

3rd Quarter

9:35: C’s strike first in the half with a Rondo jump shot and so far they are getting stops against a stagnant Lakers offense right now.

9:36: And now Bynum heads back to the locker room to join Kendrick Perkins for a drink presumably

9:37: Ray Allen misses a lay-up and Odom drills a jump shot. That is something that the C’s can’t afford right now if they want to comeback.

9: 41: The C’s look much better on offense this half, but can’t seem to get any stops still and chip away at this lead. Lakers up 60-42 going into a break

9: 46: Shannon Brown on a dunk off an out of bounds play and the Lakers bench is out scoring the C’s 21-0. Where were they in Boston?

9:48: Kobe is playing really smart in that every time it seems the C’s are poised to make run he is driving to the basket and either finishing or drawing a foul.

9:52: The C’s are hanging around that 17 point deficit mark all quarter and they can’t seem to get it any lower. Lakers 68-51

9:52: They said it on the telecast and I agree the Perkins injury has given Gasol a lot more opportunity to roam in the paint because no other Celtics player can push him off the block.

9:57: Rondo is 5-15 tonight and Vujacic just hits a 3. The lead is 22; Lakers 73-51

10:00: Much like the Celtics tonight I think I am going to half ass this diary and not do the 4th quarter. Great effort by the Lakers tonight on both ends of the floor and their bench really came out with a lot of energy. Pretty much everybody I called out on the Lakers (Artest, Gasol, etc.) has had their best game of the series tonight. It will be interesting to see the health of Perkins for game 7 and see what adjustments the C’s can make. It’s clear the Lakers are going to make Rajon Rondo beat them, so he will have to step in game 7 after a pretty bad game here tonight. If the Lakers can match this energy and execution on Thursday then they are going to be tough to beat. Can it at least be close? That is all I am asking for and of course maybe another Christina Aguilera national anthem

10:06: Yeah, I don’t even have the desire for random BS as filler for this 4th quarter.

I’ll have some thoughts on Thursday before the game, and I am still undecided about doing a running diary. Until then, but tonight is your night LA...

One more cup of Coffee...

Thanks to an inspired effort by Paul Pierce and solid contributions from Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett the Boston Celtics find themselves one win away from an NBA championship. Although, don't expect Kobe and the Lakers to roll over and just let that happen. With tonight potentially being the last game of the NBA season I figured I better get posting. Here are some thoughts about the series thus far and some things to look for tonight.



- I stated before that I thought Kobe would have a huge game 5 and he did, but did it really matter for the Lakers? There is no question Kobe needed to take over game 5 for the Lakers to win in Boston, but here lies the problem with Kobe taking over games it makes the rest of the Lakers stagnant. At one point Bryant scored 23 straight points for the Lakers, in that span the Celtics lead went from being up 1 to up 13. There is no question the C's are playing great defense, and that is contributing to some of the Lakers offensive woes, but let's face it no other Laker besides Bryant has stepped up his game to a championship level. The Lakers offense in game 5 was 4 guys standing around watching the 5th guy (Bryant) do all the work. And those were not easy shots that Bryant was hitting. In fact it is probably the 1st time in the 2 Finals series' against the Lakers that he truly got hot for an extended period of time. So, with no supporting cast help Kobe could have gone for 50 and it still would not have mattered. Speaking of the Lakers supporting cast.


- I don't what else I can say about Ron Artest on the offensive side of the ball other than he was getting cheered and encouraged to shoot the ball by C's fans every time he touched the ball. That's not a good sign. There is no question Artest has been a huge upgrade for the Lakers on the defensive end, but don't you think they would love to have Trevor Ariza back for his offense. It's just not that he is missing jump shots, it's that Artest has taken the 2nd most 3 pointers for the Lake show throughout the playoffs and is hitting at a 27% clip. Ouch! And that was the knock on Artest and a big reason the Rockets let him walk. He is settling for 3's when in reality he is a below average 3 point shooter. The other night in game 5 Pierce was lighting up the scoreboard and even at one time Kobe barked at Phil he wanted to guard him, so if Artest can't even do the job on Pierce then there is no reason for him to be out on the floor. Of course having typed all this watch Artest comes out tonight on fire and goes for 20+ points. Stranger things have happened.


- Another Lakers player that has disappointed is certainly Pau Gasol. It seems like Gasol has regressed again to the player we saw in the 2008 Finals and not the Gasol we saw last year in the Finals or throughout much of these playoffs. Some of that has had to do with the C's being able to double Gasol because the Lakers can't hit open shots. Another thing the C's have done a great job of is pushing Gasol off the block, but with a player of his caliber Gasol should not let that happen. Gasol needs to be more aggressive and step up next to Bryant to give the Lakers a legit 2nd scoring option and create some easier scoring opportunities




- On the Celtics front I would still be a little worried about Ray Allen's shooting woes since game 2, which have not seemed to get any better. However, Allen has resorted to posting up or cuts to try and get himself going, but sooner or later he will have to hit another big 3 for the C's. The C's also need the Paul Pierce of game 5 to show up to close out the Lakers. When Pierce is going that just makes the C's offense that much better, which at times in this series has really struggled. I mean the Lakers played pretty poor in game 5 and yet had a chance to win that game down the stretch save for a couple of missed FT's, lack of stops and bad call against them on 24 second violation. The C's need to make sure they keep moving the ball, attack the rim and don't just settle for 20 foot jump shots.

So, then onto some game 6 predictions...

- Will Boston's bench show up in LA? I don't think so. We saw some luster wear off in game 5 when Nate Robinson was clearly outplayed by Jordan Farmar. Tony Allen will still probably provide solid defense, but he continues to be a liability on the offensive end. So, it will come down to the play of Big Baby Davis and Rasheed Wallace, both of who can be a real wild cards for the C's in a good or bad way.

- The Lakers need the Lamar Odom that showed up in Boston to win this series. Odom was a non-factor in games 1&2, but played pretty solid in Boston. Odom was the only Laker that was a solid plus player in Boston (+16 +/-) and they are going to need that same effort from him if they plan on continuing their season.

- It will be interesting to see how the schedule works for both teams. Boston has won 2 of their games when there has been 2 days rest between games and are only 1-2 when there is one day rest between games. It seems the Lakers have the advantage, but I think the C's will be out for blood tonight and realize that they would be in trouble of this series goes 7.

- What Kobe will we see tonight? It seems that Kobe has been playing the role of facilitator in the early going of games to get his teammates involved, but I think tonight we will see him coming out gunning. I think in Bryant's mind he either takes the rest of the Lakers on his back to a championship or at least he will go down guns blazing.

- I think tonight will be an absolute battle and tonight's game will be the best game of the series. I think its imperative for Boston to weather the early momentum the Lakers will come out with and try and win this game in the 4th quarter with Pierce and Rondo. On the other hand the Lakers need a fast start and some shots to fall from the outside. If the Lakers can get some energy and shots from either Farmar or Shannon Brown or any other guards then I like their chances.

Prediction for tonight...

Once again I will be doing a running diary for tonight's game that will go up right after the horn sounds or Jeff Van Gundy says Queensbridge. Till tonight...

Just Another Game...

In the words of Bruce Buffer: It’s Time!!!!!!!!!. Hello and welcome to my live running diary for game 5 of the NBA Finals. This is obviously a huge game for both teams with the series tied at 2 games apiece. I kind of hinted at it on Friday in my post, but I think Kobe is going to have huge game tonight, an MJ like performance. So, I think it’s going to be a battle tonight. Here we go…

6:40pm: And on cue Jon Barry echoes my sentiments by saying that Kobe Bryant is going to have a huge game.

6:41: ABC really on the cutting edge with its music so far… Boston earlier and Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock take us to break. Did I spell EZ correctly?

6:47: Man this is a long commercial break. At least “Catch Me if you can?” is on TBS

6:50: Random information from Mike Wilbon and Jon Barry or more like stat sheets fed to them by producers. And Stuart Scott gets cut off as we head to another break. This night is off to a good start.

6:53: You know what’s terrible Charles Barkley is that there is no way in hell anybody would go to Taco Bell just for that $2 meal deal or just order 1 taco and bag of chips from that place. I think everybody that goes to Taco Bell at 2am is ordering a minimum of 4 items and has a BAC higher than 2

6:54: Now the Boston Pops for our National Anthem or better known as stuff that old white people like

6: 56: Bynum is in the lineup. Let’s see how long he plays

6:58: Really Celtics jumbotron piece? The first three players you show are Big Baby, Nate Robinson and Rasheed Wallace

7:00: Just a brilliant intro by ABC. I am seriously excited after that. Well done, ABC

7:25: Crap!! I got caught on the phone for the last 20 some minutes. Thoughts so far: Rondo is being real aggressive, which I like. Bynum has started real strong, but it looks like his knee is still bothering him. The C’s got off to a fast start, but the Lakers closed the gap and took the lead very similar to game 3. It looked like Boston could have blown the roof off the Garden early, but it looks like were settled In for a good one.

7:28: These ads with Sandler, Spade, James and Rock really need to stop

7:29: Great shots of Phil coaching in the Puerto Rican league and the CBA. Great disco shirts!

7:30: Ron Artest continues to cement his legacy as worst offensive player in an NBA Finals. C’s up 20-18

7:31: Let’s see which team can close out this quarter. Tied at 20

7:32: Pierce hoop for the C’s and draws a charge on the other end. 22-20 C’s

7:34: A Nate Robinson heave for the last shot of the quarter probably not the possession the C’s wanted. Kobe closes out a mediocre quarter and Gasol only took 2 shots and yet the Lakers are only down 2 points when it seems the C’s really out played them all quarter.

7:37: No way! It can’t be!! Yes, folks you see that correctly Adam Morrison is dressed for this game.

7:38: The C’s are getting great looks and so far have knocked them down. C’s up 24-20 to start the 2nd.

7:39: No Bryant or Gasol to start the 2nd. Let’s see how this goes…

7:40: LA is really hitting the offensive glass with a 6-0 advantage and some easy 2nd chance points. 26-22 C’s up

7:42: Nate Robinson is just so excited not just because it’s the NBA Finals, but because he no longer plays for the Knicks. C’s 30-22

7:43: Tom Cruise tries to prove he’s still a legitimate star by making a shitty looking PG-13 action movie. Tom the gig is up and that movie looks awful.

7:46: Nate Robinson is a turnover machine. Doc needs to bring back Rondo asap and he does. C’s up 30-26

7:48: Rondo was great drive to the rim and a reverse lay-up. C’s up 32-28

7:50: Hey oh! Artest drills a three to close the gap to 1. C’s up 32-31 as Mark Jackson poorly narrates a Rajon Rondo highlight as we head into a break.

7:54: JVG breaks down Kobe’s game so far, which has been more as a distributor than a scorer.

7:55: Garnett fouled hard then Rondo shoves Artest. Wait, huge flop by Artest and a Tech on Rondo and now a solid disagreement between JVG and Mark Jackson. I agree with JVG in that flopping should not be encouraged in basketball to draw calls. JVG getting gangster on this telecast calling out Queensbridge.

7:59: The Garden is rocking with the C’s up 41-37. Someone must have told them Aerosmith cancelled their half-time performance

8:00: This game is really out for the Lakers to steal. Kobe is 4-11 and it seems like the C’s are shooting the lights out. Yet their only up 4.

8:04: Bad officiating strikes again!! Rondo called for questionable push off. Otherwise the refs have not been to bad tonight. Although, I say that now there is still plenty for Joey Crawford to screw up.

8: 06: Runner by Rondo no good to end the quarter. Another bad end of the quarter possession by the Celts and they are leading 45-39.

8:08: The C’s are shooting 66% to LA’s 39%, but the Lakers have been pounding the offensive glass and getting to the line. This game is the Lakers for the taking if Kobe goes nuts in the 2nd half.

8:21: Here’s my guy Chris Connelly (sp?) doing the piece on Derek Fisher and my family. If tragedy strikes in sports there is an 85% chance that Chris Connelly will be there to report or narrate it.

8:25: This half needs to start so they game will be over by 10pm so I can watch the season finale of the best show on TV: “Breaking Bad”

8:28: Rondo opens the half with cutting lay-up off a pass from Garnett and Pierce bangs a 3. The C’s could really open up this game if they can get on a run. C’s up 50-39

8:30: Kobe needs to pick up his game and maybe that turnaround will be just the thing to spark it. 52-41 C’s lead

8:32: Ray Allen misses his 16th straight 3, but at least he is hitting his lay-ups.

8:35: Kobe is getting real warm to start the 3rd. He is in eff you mode right now, which means opposing defenders and young blondes of Colorado be damned you ain’t stopping him.

8:38: Kobe getting pissed out of the break and wants to guard Pierce, which means then there is absolutely no purpose for Ron Artest to be on the floor. Let’s see if Phil obliges him. C’s up 60-51

8:40: Turned on the Cubs-Sox game and fell asleep.

8:42: Kobe is turning in a quarter for the ages, but the Lakers can’t stop the C’s, who are still up 64-56.

8:43: I like Phil going with Walton instead of Artest . It should help out on both ends of the floor.

8:44: KG is putting on a clinic in the post tonight. This has been a weird game.

8:47: Fisher flops and doesn’t get the call and Allen scores in the post. Please stop with the flops. This is not soccer and you’re not European, Derek

8:49: Kobe may as well be playing 1 on 5 because he has gotten zero help and zero points so far this quarter from his teammates.

8:53: Pau Gasol goes hard to the rim for an And-1. I am pretty sure everybody got out of Gasol’s way because it looks like he has not showered in a month.

8:54: The Shrek (Big Baby) and Donkey (Nate Robinson) show is not in full swing here in game 5. In fact it’s been a bust.

8:56: Pierce has certainly showed up tonight in a big way for the C’s.

8:58 End of the 3rd, where Kobe killed it with 19 points, but the C’s still have the lead 73-65. Kobe was also on the bench at the end of the quarter, so will see if Phil is going to give him a rest.

9:02: The C’s are still shooting in 60% range, but the Lakers only down 6 after Gasol opens the quarter with a lay-up

9:03: Battle of the benches, except Kobe and Gasol still on the floor for LA. Score the 1st blow for Boston with that Rasheed Wallace 3

9:04: Even his own teammates don’t like him (Sasha Vujacic) as he failed to rotate on defense to stop Nate Robinson

9:07: I really like the way Pierce has played tonight. I have been waiting for him to do this all series.

9:07: And now the trailer for the best movie of 2010: “The Expendables”. This looks epic

9:09: All of these ABC summer shows look awful. I am going to hate my life (TV viewing at night) after the NBA Finals finish up.

9:11: C’s bring back in starters except for Rondo and Perkins, which is a lot earlier than they did in game 4. I think it’s a good move by Doc. Meanwhile, Phil benched Gasol and brought back Artest and Bynum, so let’s see how that works out.

9:14: The streak is still alive… Kendrick Perkins picks up a foul for a moving screen.

9:15: Artest open for 3??? Yeah, no thankfully for the Lakers Odom cleans up his mess. Artest is simultaneously bringing joy to all Celtics fans when he shoots and slowly killing every Lakers fan just a little bit with each shot. C’s up 81-75 heading into break

9:18: Crap, I jinxed it in my last blog post they just showed Spike Lee at the game.

9:20: The C’s really excel on the 1 on none fast break, then not so much in every other phase of the fast break. Maybe they can take some notes from Gabe Kaplan

9:21: Just realized nobody got that Kaplan reference. Check his imdb page I don’t have time to explain.

9:22: Ridiculous tip by Rondo on a missed 3. He has really been solid tonight. All of the C’s that needed to show up and elevate their game tonight have done so thus far.

9:23: Kobe just picked up his 5th foul and David Stern promptly called down to the scorer’s table to say that it will be his last called foul of the night. C’s up 87-75

9:25: Switched onto the Cubs game as they try to blow a 9th inning lead and I am not really surprised. Man, I hate baseball.

9: 29: Gasol knocks down 2 FT’s and gets to double figures. He is the only player besides Bryant to reach double digits tonight. And even he’s has been pretty average tonight.

9:31: Here comes the foul parade. Artest hits 1-2 for LA and Perkins fouled on the miss.

9:32: Perk misses both as the Zen master takes a 20 and looks down his bench for Bobby Hansen

9:35: Bryant fouled on 3. Hits all three 3 FT’s as somebody throws something on the court during his 3rd free throw.

9:37: Questionable 24 second shot clock violation goes the Celtics way as the refs say the ball hit the rim C’s keep possession. Why is that not reviewable? Wake up, David Stern this is the 21st century and let’s use replay on that call. It looks like the Lakers got screwed.

9: 40: Phil is saying the Celtics know how to lose in the 4th quarter. Great motivation, Phil. Exactly, how do you plan to execute that? Because it’s not looking good at this point

9:41: Artest fouled on a breakaway off a jump ball and misses both FT’s. Why is he in the game again? C’s up 87-82 with 38 seconds left going to a break.

9:44: Here comes the GNR and just an unbelievable play by Pierce to save the ball and insane finish by Rondo, who should have been fouled by Artest. C’s up 7 with 35 seconds left.

9:45: The Lakers let 10 seconds go off the clock before fouling Ray Allen. Not exactly a good game plan

9:46: Garnett hits 1 of 2 free throws. Lakers call TO down 6 with 8 seconds left.

9:48: I know they are only down 6, but it seems like the Lakers have never been in this game after the 1st quarter. Everybody besides Bryant has been terrible and that is certainly not a championship formula. I would send Artest back to Queensbridge for game 6 and possibly game 7 especially if he can’t stop Pierce.

9:49: 2 desperation 3’s fall short and that’s your ballgame 92-86 Celtics

9:50: The C’s really stepped up tonight. Pierce played his best game tonight and Rondo was great as well. The Lakers wasted a great game by Kobe, so let’s see if they can regroup back in LA.

9:51: The C’s can close out the series on Tuesday night and win a championship and myself a little bit of walking around money. Till then…

Meanwhile, Rick James...

What can you say it’s been a great ride; it’s been everything I expected and hoped for. There have been highs and lows, but in the end it paid off in a big way…

Of course those previous two sentences would be describing the Chicago Blackhawk’s run to the Stanley Cup and not in anyway the NBA Finals or the NBA Playoffs for that matter. Through four games we have been treated to really mediocre basketball, with terrible officiating and offensive performances that take us back to the peach basket days. Well at least we have the Celtics vs. the Lakers rivalry, right? And now onto to some random thoughts about the NBA Finals through four games:

- First things first the officiating has been awful thus far and probably won’t get any better. The NBA has always had problems with its officials, but I can’t remember where it’s been this bad for a four game stretch. And it is not just complaints from one team it has been both teams that have legitimate complaints about the officials. I think the problem lies in that for the most part you have guys in their mid 40’s and some in their 50’s trying to keep up with some of the greatest athletes in the world and their just not able to keep pace or put themselves in the correct position to make good calls. Replay has helped out the officials at times during these Finals, but not very much as far as the games have been called. I could spend the rest of this post talking about the atrociousness of the refs, so let’s move on.


- The rest of this series in large part will depend on the health of Andruw Bynum. When Bynum has been able to play big minutes and contribute in the finals or the playoffs in general the Lakers have been unstoppable. Bynum was huge in game 3, playing 40+ minutes and pounding the glass. It’s not a secret that whoever has won the rebounding edge so far has won the game (Lakers in games 1&3 and Celtics in games 2&4). So, if Bynum is unable to go and judging by the knee brace he came out in last night that even made Robocop look mobile compared to him it might be tough for the Lakers on the glass and the rest of the series. Checking into the game DJ Mbenga…. I am pretty sure that’s a situation all Lakers fans would love to avoid.

- This series has been really low scoring, which I guess is not surprising considering these teams play pretty good defense. However, the offense for both teams has been downright brutal. The Lakers have probably shot about 35 off-balanced 3’s with 2 to go on the shot clock. And the Celtics for their part have pretty much botched every fast break they have had save for a few 1 on none situations. Plus, I think it’s a safe assumption to make that Ron Artest might be the worst offensive player in the entire NBA. I would not even guard Artest and just invite him to shoot jump shots, which I don’t think he has hit one since the Thunder series. The Lakers have been become to stagnant on offense either relying on Kobe or Gasol or even Derek Fisher in game 3 to takeover. If this is the triangle they are running then Tex Winter is rolling over in disgust from his hospital bed. On the other hand the Celtics have been getting good looks, but just can’t buy a basket. Ray Allen went from looking like Jesus Shuttlesworth in game 2 to Jesus the taco cart salesman in games 3 and 4. It also gets pretty scary for Boston on the offensive end when you have Rondo, Tony Allen, Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace on the floor at the same time. There is three guys (Rondo, Allen and Perkins), who you really don’t want shooting an open jump shot and another guy (Rasheed Wallace), who you don’t want firing 25 foot jump shots every chance he gets. I can see that Doc Rivers wisely pretty much avoid such combinations in game 4. I think it’s safe to say that if you liked those Knicks teams of the 90’s then this Finals series is for you and to think we have not seen Spike Lee courtside yet...

- For all the accolades given to Phil Jackson over the years, there should be no shortages of criticisms given to Jackson for his coaching thus far. Jackson has practically killed the Lakers so far as in he has literally had most of his players playing 40+ minutes and by the end of the game it has showed. I have never seen Kobe Bryant in his career as passive as he has been during the 4th quarters of this series and I think that is due to fatigue. Kobe along with Gasol and Fisher have looked gassed at the end of games. I mean Kobe was 0-3 last night through 9 minutes in the 4th quarter and I blame Phil for that. Phil usually has rested Kobe at the end of the 3rd into the first few minutes of the 4th, but this series in particular he has failed to do that in the last three games. I mean if you can’t trust your bench against Nate Robinson, Tony Allen, Big Baby, Rasheed Wallace and Ray Allen then you don’t deserve to win the championship. Another thing is I thought the Lakers found a nice spark and ball movement with Luke Walton in game 3 and yet Walton played 0 minutes in game 4. I personally don’t like Phil Jackson, but I think he’s a great coach, although some of the decisions he has made during the Finals and throughout the Playoffs have left me scratching my head.

- This series is just begging to be taken over by Rajon Rondo and so far he has not been up to the challenge. Rando has been given a lot of rope with Kobe guarding him and the two games (2 & 4) he has decided to make him pay the C’s have won. I know Rondo is not a great jump shooter, but he has to be able to find his mid-range game and keep beating Kobe to the basket. However, when Rando has been able to get to the basket the Lakers if possible have made sure to foul him considering he is shooting 40% from the free throw line. Obviously, that may have something to do with Rondo’s aggressiveness or lack thereof, but he needs to be a playmaker for the C’s to win the title. And would it hurt to hit a few free throws?


- Unfortunately, for Paul Pierce and Lamar Odom’s productivity the series is going back to LA. I think after 4 games that my pick of Lakers in 7 is in jeopardy (My wager of Celtics in 6 is still in play, so that’s what really counts). I think the Celtics have been the better team so far and if they win game 5 will warp up this series in game 6. Although, for that to happen they will have to withstand an upcoming legendary performance by Kobe in game 5. I think with the extra rest between game 4 and 5 that Bryant will come out firing and look at this game as a close out game. The only question is will anybody else on the Lakers play Robin to his Batman. Derek Fisher already bolstered his low income housing version of Robert Horry in game 3, but will he be able to pull himself up to a middle-class working version of Horry by series’ end? The C’s need Paul Pierce to show up and have a big game. Pierce showed some signs of life in game 4 and the C’s need more of that aggressiveness in game 5. I mean Pierce even resorted successfully to posting up Artest to get on track and I think we should see more of that especially if Garnett or Ray Allen cannot hit open shots. I mentioned Lamar Odom earlier in this paragraph and it should be noted that he has been great since this series has shifted to Boston, but the rest of the Lakers bench may have well just stayed in LA save for Bill Walton’s son, who played good in game 3. I guess that would be the counter argument to leaving Kobe and company in the game, but sooner or later you need to find a spark from your bench and if they don’t get much of a run that won’t happen. By the way I think Shannon Brown has a streak of like 10 going for the worst of the night on ESPN’s daily dime page. Congrats, Shannon at least you’re excelling at something in these playoffs. Boston’s bench has been solid and pretty much won the C’s game 4 with their spark in the 3rd quarter all the way to the 4 minute mark in the 4th. Boston has had the obvious bench edge, but will these guys continue to excel back in LA, especially knocking down shots.

- For all the complaints and the lackluster nature of this series we do have an NBA Finals series tied at 2 games apiece with two of the most storied franchises in the game. I really hope we get some legendary games the rest of the way, so that I will have some interesting to watch and write about. I plan on doing a running diary for game 5 and probably have short recaps and previews before all the remaining games. Until next time…

Celtics vs. Lakers: Enough Said

Welcome back, Welcome back, Welcome Back




I started off this blog to chronicle the 2010 NBA playoffs and muse over the NBA of my youth. So, it figures that we would be treated with the 12 meeting in the NBA finals by the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. I barely recall the 1984 or 1985 Finals, but the 1987 NBA Finals (along with MJ), was the birth of my basketball fandom and first finals series I remember and first crushing loss I had as an NBA fan. The recent vintage of Celtics-Lakers in 2008, was a good series and a ratings success for the NBA. Since the 1984 finals each team has won twice against the other, so this so to speak is the rubber match. And with the finals starting tomorrow I figure I better rip through some predictions and a breakdown ala Dr. Jack style. Away we go…

Coaches

Doc Rivers (Bos: 1 NBA championship) vs. Phil Jackson (LAL: 11 NBA championships)

The odds and history is certainly stacked in Phil’s favor, although Rivers delivered one of Jackson’s two losses in a Final. Doc does a great job of getting his players up and along with Tom Thibodeau does a great job coaching defense as the Celtics have the lowest PPG allowed per 100 possessions in the playoffs. Jackson is the Zen master and all that bullsh*t, but he still knows where to put his guys in crunch time and is statistically the best coach in NBA history. Rivers and Jackson are two of the better coaches in the league, so I don’t think either will be totally out-coached. There are certainly some interesting match-ups in this series and it will be interesting to see how Rivers and Jackson handle those as the Finals go on.

Slight Advantage: Phil Jackson (LAL)

Bench

Neither team is going to blow you away with the talent coming off their bench, with the possible exception being Lamar Odom. However, with the way Andrew Bynum is playing, Odom is practically a starter on the Lakers and could be before the end of the Finals. Boston has some injuries with Glen Davis, Tony Allen and some age at play with Rasheed Wallace. The Lakers have perennial no-shows or spark plugs in Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown. Obviously, somebody will surprise us and have a huge game off the bench, but nothing is really jumping out at me. Can we split the Phoenix Suns bench between both teams to generate some excitement?

Advantage: Wash

Starting 5

Point Guard

Rajon Rondo (BOS) vs. Derek Fisher (LAL)

The 2010 playoffs have been a coming out party for Rondo and he’s been spectacular throughout with the exception of some stretches during the Magic series. Say what you want about Derek Fisher, but he still delivered in some key spots for the Lakers. However, it’s going to be tough for Fisher to stay with Rondo and I think he can really exploit some of Fisher’s weaknesses. The big caveat to all of this is the health of Rondo, who is banged up after the Conference Finals and if he is not at full go then there is not much of an advantage here for the Celtics. Whatever the case is I still reserve the right to hate Derek Fisher and make old jokes about him.

Advantage: Rondo (BOS)

Shooting Guard

Ray Allen (BOS) vs. Kobe Bryant (LAL)

Allen is a hall-of-fame shooter and has had a decent showing in the playoffs and hit some big shots for the C’s. Although, Kobe has been just outstanding in these playoffs and still can arguably be considered the best player in the NBA. Bryant has really stepped up his game on both ends of the floor and has practically carried the Lakers through the playoffs. Allen is a nice player, but were talking about the Black Mamba here.

Advantage: Bryant

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Small Forward

Paul Pierce (BOS) vs. Ron Artest (LAL)

This is probably the most intriguing match-up in the Finals. In 2008 the Lakers had no one that could match-up with Pierce, so they had to put Bryant on him, which caused Bryant to exert a lot of effort on both ends. Say what you want about Artest on the offensive end (he’s been brutal), but he has been just tremendous on the defensive end. He completely took out Jason Richardson of the Suns and played Kevin Durant really tough in round 1. On the other end you have Pierce, who has been shooting really well in the playoffs and is the C’s go to option in crunch time. I think were going to see Artest and Pierce mixing it up a lot throughout the Finals. And by my calculation Artest still owes us a blow up this season, so what better stage than the NBA Finals. The outcome of this match-up may determine who ultimately hoists the Larry O’Brien trophy and gets to say Queensbridge.

Slim Advantage: Pierce (BOS)

Power Forward and Center

Kevin Garnett & Kendrick Perkins (BOS) vs. Pau Gasol & Andruw Bynum (LAL)

The reason I included both of these match-ups together is because I basically see this as a wash. Gasol is the more accomplished half of the Lakers duo and Garnett is that of the Celtics duo. Perkins and Bynum are interesting because you never know what you will get out of either player. Perkins may have 4 fouls and 2 T’s before you even blink an eye and Bynum tends to disappear quicker on the court than drugs in front of Lindsey Lohan. Gasol was real average in the 2008 Finals and the C’s feel pretty good about this match-up because they feel they have played well against Gasol and can limit him on the court. Garnett needs to be a presence down low for the C’s, especially on the offensive end, where Boston has struggled at times during the playoffs.

Advantage: Wash





Random things to watch for:
- If Fisher struggles on Rondo, does Phil put Kobe on him?

- The Lakers have not lost at home yet in the playoffs, so with the 2-3-2 format does Boston have to get a split and then sweep at home to have a chance?

- If Kendrick Perkins gets another technical foul then he is suspended for one game in the playoffs

- Will Jack Nicholson be alive for the entire series?

- Does Boston break out a zone? Don’t think so…

- Will Larry Bird bum rush Magic Johnson on the set of ABC Finals coverage? We can only hope…

Prediction

As a former minority stakeholder in the Boston Celtics (yes, you read that correctly) it’s very difficult for me to pick against the Celtics, especially considering I hate the Lakers. Nevertheless, I think we will be treated to a great series in another chapter of this great rivalry. It pains me to say it, but I think the C’s have no answer for Kobe and Gasol takes his game to another level. Although, I hope I am wrong I must say…

Lakers in 7