The 2010 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers is going according to my wish list. It’s competitive, exciting, dramatic, star power filled, and seasoned with unique twists and turns thus far. More importantly, it’s all tied 2 games each going into Sunday nights game five in Boston. Dare I say, DELICIOUS.
As much as I had predicted a Lebron versus Kobe NBA Final, I was not disappointed when the Celtics and the Lakers were set to meet for the NBA crown. Star power was still in play big time and it’s the Celtics and the Lakers for crying out loud. RIVALRY baby! Come on, were talking Kobe, Gasol, Artest, Garnett, Pierce, Allen, Rondo, …you get the picture. Thanks to HBO once gain for showing us the Bird/Magic special this year. What a perfect appetizer and teaser for what were watching now.
Great players in the NBA Finals is what were used to and watching them step up there game on the biggest stage is what it’s all about. We expect greatness. However, though we’ve seen glimpses of greatness from some of the stars, it’s been the other ingredient that’s been the difference maker in the four games to date. That ingredient can be described several different ways with specific terms or phrases. Such as physicality,effort, hustle, desire, grit, determination, want to, got to have it, not going to be denied, or whatever else you can come up with. Whichever team has accomplished these the most, has won the game, so far.
The Celtics and Lakers are evenly matched for the most part and need their stars to make big plays. The Lakers took game one at home with an incredible display of grit, determination and hustle. It also didn’t hurt that Black Mamba Bryant had 30, Gasol 23 and Artest 15. More importantly, their defense was intense, they challenged every shot, and gave the Celtics fits in the paint and on the glass. The Lakers wanted it more and it was obvious from the get go. Advantage Lakers.
Game 2 was all about the Celtics showing their toughness and will to not be pushed around by showtime in LA. Secondly, going down 2-0 to LA is a death sentence. Third, enter Mr. “he got game” Ray Allen. Can you say sizzling hot from the field? Can you say en fuego? Allen went nuts and hit 8 of 11 three pointers, scoring 27 of his 32 points in the first half. Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo put on an amazing display himself completely controlling the game with a triple double of 19 points,12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals to lead the Celtics to 103-94 game two victory to even this series up 1-1 heading back to Boston for games 3,4,& 5. Finally, it was the Boston defense and rebounding that stood out. Tony Allen did a terrific job on Kobe, holding him to 8 of 20 from the field.
With the series tied at 1-1, game 3 became the biggest game of the series. The next game is always the biggest game of the series. Derek Fisher is a money player. Fisher always seems to hit big shots. He’s one tough son of a bitch too. Fisher took control of game 3 in the fourth quarter as the Celtics tried to rally from behind and hit big shot after big shot. Jumpers, bank shots, running one handers, and the icing on the cake after a Celtic miss was taking an outlet pass late in the game, the Celtic defenders semi loafing on the play, took off for the basket and beat three Celtics to the hoop, got fouled, made the basket, BALL GAME! Derek Fisher wanted it more that night. More than anyone else on the court. He finished with 21 points and the Lakers took back home court advantage with a 91-84 win and take a 2-1 series lead. BTW, Ray Allen still has not made a shot in game 3.
The Celtics knew if they go down 3-1 to the Lakers, this series is over. Kobe and his crew knew, even though they had captured back the home court advantage, it was time for the kill. Who had the most want to for game four? If the first quarter was any indication, it was going to be a war in the trenches, foul trouble would play a huge role and who would step up and make a difference? Glen “big baby” Davis has been a spark plug for Boston throughout. He’s nonstop energy and gives tremendous effort on the floor. Davis sparked the Celtics run along with little buddy Nate Robinson late in the third and throughout most of the fourth to “will” the Celtics to a series tying win. Davis had 18 and Robinson 12 in a critical stretch where neither player would be denied. The Celtics used that energy and production to power their way to 96-89 win.
Yes, it’s the Celtics and Lakers in the NBA Finals. Yes, we have Kobe, Gasol, Artest, Pierce, Garnett, Allen, & Rondo. All the stars are in place. But the other guys are the difference makers thus far. They don’t have the talent level as these superstars do, they have to rely on effort, want to, desire, will power, go to have it, be more physical, and whatever the hell it takes to win the game. Hmm? So, whose got next for game 5 Sunday night in Boston. It’s the all important series deciding game 5.
Will it be Derek Fisher or Lamar Odom? How about Davis or Robinson again? Maybe Rasheed Wallace or Jordan Farmer. Or maybe, just maybe one of the “Superstars” will have one of those games that NBA Finals are made of. Yummy! I can’t wait to watch game 5.
