Lakers came out with no energy whatsoever tonite bro , if you watched the game you saw that .
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I watched the game -- they had all the momentum in the world going into the 2H. They'd cut the deficit to 6 despite surrendering 27 points to Allen, and the Celtics have a penchant for blowing big leads.
If the same situation comes up at Staples again, I'd back the Lakers again.Comment -
everyone using the same avi as lb, so confusing.Comment -
maybe your right ..I didnt see Lakers winning the game after 1H ..that was meComment -
pathetic calls on kobe what a b!tch job by the refs, so what if lakers were given 15 more FT than boston, kobe and lamar playing with no restrictions is worth more than the 15 FTSComment -
D stern wants this series extend to 7 thats for sure ..all that money and stuffComment -
Thanks LB !!!!!!Comment -
Funny thing is that that comment by Gasol made KG play like Ray Allen in game one...and Boston won this game. Maybe Gasol is right, and KG is more of a perimeter player.Originally posted by shari91On another topic, I'm sitting here Skyping with a friend who's laughing at me because I told her to take Boston every which way possible after that Gasol comment. I ended up +2x for the day. Her +13.
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KG is done and i also hate him for unsportmanshipComment -
take boston here on out and i believe that they may even be getting points in game four after they win by 8+ in game three.Comment -
back to the drawing board for kobe and the lakersComment -
The refs need to just let both teams play. The Lakers got a lot of calls in the first game and then Boston got the 50/50 calls in game 2 along with some phantom calls. Hope they let them play next game...then that will determine who the best team is for sure.Comment -
Looks like Bos takes the seriesComment -
wow keep up the good nba final picks
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I hate the 2-3-2 format. Can someone explain why the NBA uses this system?Comment -
wheres goatie ????? last article posted...celtics 4-1 ats off a loss in this years playoffs.
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Ray-Ray and Rondo.
No, that wasn't some bad 1970's sitcom but it was the short-and-sweet story line of the Boston Celtics' win at the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday Night at the star-studded Staples Center.
While Boston's Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo sliced-and-diced the 5 ½-point favored Lakers en route to a 103-94 road victory, the folks at this game knew Game 2 didn't exactly come equipped with a "laugh track".
If you were the Lakers - or their rather spoiled fans - than you were not giggling about all those NBA Finals-record triples that Allen was throwing in as he nailed eight trifectas (in 11 attempts) and absolutely stole the first-half show when scoring 27 of his game-high 32 points.
The Lakers also weren't chuckling aloud when it came to their shabby way of defending do-it-all Celtics point guard Rondo whose stat line - that's 19 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 2 - was only told part of the story.
No doubt Rondo - who played 42 action-packed minutes (he sat the first six minutes of the fourth quarter) - supplied mucho energy to the Celts who had spent the days between their 102-89 loss in Game 1 and this next game verbally kicking themselves for playing a horrible opener. Rondo's heroic play - especially everything he did in that 16-4 end-of-game Boston run - might just turn out to be the difference between Boston winning an 18th NBA title in the end ... or notComment -
Because it gives lower seed team a better chance than 2-2-1-1-1 format and reduces long travel time between east and west coasts. My opinion is it intends to let final winning game on home court occur more likely, which is either game 6 or 7. I guess this is what NBA and higher seed market want it to happen.Comment -
2-3-2 format is stupid. Disadvantage for the better record team.Comment -
Thats what i kept saying to everyone before but all these know it alls disagreed. I said in this particular year it was a huge advantage to Boston cause they are so good on the road. Unreal how a league allows the team with a worse record to have 3 of the first 5 games at home.
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Lakers +3 (3x) GM 3.
Lakers ML +135 (3x)Comment -
nice to see the early playComment -
nice to see the early playsComment -
Bos all day game 3 all dayComment -
It's just the way it worked out. I believe if Boston lost last night, no one would have raised the issue. Additionally, if Cleveland had gone all the way, this would also be a non-issue. If the coaches don't like this format, they can always play the position game. All they have to do is winning enough games to be in the playoff, and then blast their way to the Finals. Being a Celtics fan, I'm loving it. Winning last night game was HUGE.Thats what i kept saying to everyone before but all these know it alls disagreed. I said in this particular year it was a huge advantage to Boston cause they are so good on the road. Unreal how a league allows the team with a worse record to have 3 of the first 5 games at home.Comment -
LB - nice calls on celtics and the over. I like the picks for game 3.Comment -
Lakers figure to get one game...is this the one ???Comment -
lakers ml +125Comment -
Thats what i kept saying to everyone before but all these know it alls disagreed. I said in this particular year it was a huge advantage to Boston cause they are so good on the road. Unreal how a league allows the team with a worse record to have 3 of the first 5 games at home.
Wouldn't Boston rather play 3 of the first 5 on the road then? Seems rather contradictory.
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I think Boston will win hands down game 3. But the line only -2 something is fishy. You would think Boston's first game at home they come out on fire and with intensity and blow out the Lakers. But that -2 line I don't know...Bet To WinComment -
your boy Phil Jackson showed what an idiot he was last night
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Cause Sleep is the Cousin of DeathComment -
LB if you're expecting LA to win game three then you better be expecting Odom to have 15 and 12, otherwise LA will lose you know that rigiht?Let’s just get into the keys and the important parts.
Boston is the same deadly half-court defensive team they were in 08. The 1 serious flaw with the Celtics defense that can be exploited is their transition D. The Lakers are a half-court offensive team. But think about who they have played in the Playoffs thus far. OKC, Utah, and the Suns—all fast-paced offensive teams that like to run with the rock. I think you know what I’m getting at. I was saying that for the Magic to win games they need to push the ball, Wario didn't figure it out til game 4. Magic won 2 straight.
Boston has played all half-court teams this playoffs. The Heat, the Cavs, the Magic. The Celtics wouldn’t be able to handle a fast-paced Suns team. They would wear them out over 7 games. Although some say the Lakers haven’t been tested defensively, they are a defense-in-progress, and playing against three of the best offensive teams in the league only made their defense better over the last month. Have the Celtics been challenged defensively? They guarded Lebron, but that's because Lebron doesn't have a jump shot like Kobe. D Wade destroyed the Celtics in that series. If only he had a few DECENT players....
MATCHUPS
KOBE VS. CELTICS: In 08, Kobe was too aggressive. Trying to drive and get to the rim too much. Celtics were trapping him hard when he tried to drive. Kobe will conserve his energy for the end of these games, watch. He will shoot jumpers as long as theyre testing him. . Kobe is going to start each game taking lots of jumpers, then they will realize how deadly he is from mid range and not give him space. They're finished once they try to body him up on the elbow.
*Ray Allen and Toney Allen will guard Kobe in this series.
Lets just omit this as well: Boston is not tougher than the Lakers. Mentally, the Lakers are tougher this year than they were in 08, the Celtics can get rattled easily offensively before they regroup. Physically the Celtics are tougher.
Artest vs. Pierce: Artest is one of the best covers in the league on Pierce. No strength advantage for Pierce. Artest has some of the quickest hands in the league, he knows Pierces move its a step back jumper from either elbow. Artest knows this move, whats good about Artest even though hes still not a great defensive player is that he stays down on pump fakes. Pierce will have a few huge games in this series, most likely game 3 in Boston IMO.
Artest has all the confidence in the world after that pussy buzzer beater. I knew it when I bet the Suns game 6 that Artest would be my biggest fear Hes going to be a BIG factor in this series.
Rondo vs. Kobe/Fisher/Brown: Fisher will guard Rondo to begin with, I wouldnt be surprised if Phil put Kobe on Pierce in the beginning to conserve his energy and put Ron on Ray Allen, but Kobe will make that decision himself. When Fisher is out of the game, Kobe will guard Rondo. Has anyone ever seen Kobe Bryant play defense when hes trying? Kobe will shut down Rondo. Rondo plays off the pick and roll, but playing against Kobe will intimidate him trust me. Hell hesitate to knock down the jumper.
The great thing about Rondo is that he can create his own driving lanes. He doesnt need a lane he just makes his own. Rondo better not get too fancy with the Ball against Kobe though unless he wants to get swiped. Rondo will get his against Fisher and Brown all day. I dont know when Kobe will demand to be put on Rondo. Maybe wel see it in Game 1.
There is one play the Celtics like to run in Key situations. Let rondo dribble left from the baseline area off two screens, one from ray and one from KG. KG then sets a pick for Ray and Rondo find him at the top of the key for a 3 usually.
KG Gasol: KG not the same as he was in 08. Same intensity, same focus, not the same athletically. I think KG is going to get lots of looks though off Rondo pick and Roll and Gasol will be left stranded in the lane at times. KG will play well this series. Gasol can shoot over the top of KG any day. Hes too long and KG has lost the lift in his legs.
Other matchups:
When Odom and Gasol are in the game, Rivers will use Perkins/Sheed and KG/Davis. Sheed is a solid Cover on Gasol, and Odom and KG will get the better of one another at different points in this series. Big Baby will also guard Odom throughout this series. But that is a huge mismatch in Odoms favor. When Phil sees that matchup he will tell Odom to bring the ball up the court and just take Davis off the dribble from the 3 line.
Bynum vs. Perkins/Sheed: Bynum will be solid offensively in the first 2 games of this series. Hes rested, and hes being directed to say his knee just feels okay. Hes ready to go at least for game 1-2. Perkins has a nice matchup on the offensive end, but the Celts won’t give it to him in the post .Perkins can take Bynum in the post any day if he wants.
Sheed vs. Odom- when Sheed is in the game Odom will guard him. Sheeds only advantage here is taking Odom in the post. Odom can guard him on the perimeter. Sheeds post game is nothing. It used to be amazing.
Vujacic/Bryant/Artest/Shannon Brown on Ray Allen: Ray Allen is going to have a BIG series. Vujacic is going to play huge minutes in this series because Phil likes his peskiness against Ray. Shannon Brown is not very good at running through screen, Ray Allen will destroy Brown, so im not even sure if Phil will toy with this idea. Kobe will guard Ray limited minutes to conserve his energy.
Celtics Bench: Marquis Daniels blows. If he plays any time in this series I wouldnt be surprised because Rivers is the worst coach in the NBA at using his bench. Ive been saying for so long why arent they playing Nate Robinson? He’s instant offense. Sure enough Marquis and Tony getting injured was a blessing in disguise for the Celtics because Rivers finally played Robinson. Robinson will play great in Boston. Sheed has been discussed. Tony Allen is just for defensive purposes, but is a solid offensive transition player. Michael Finely is washed up. **Michael Finely will hit 1 big shot for the Celts in a game. Big Baby discussed.
Lakers Bench: Vujacic will play big minutes to stay with Ray defensively. Phil will go with whoever is hot Brown or Farmar, they will both play against Nate Robinson. Powell will play minutes against Big Baby/KG. Nate Robinson is a very good defender. He might irritate these guys at different points in this series. Luke Walton will play a bit as well, hes a solid facilitator. Brown is too big for Robinson though. I think hell ask for it in the post a lot when theyre both on the floor together. Odom is a big factor for LA. Lets just say that when Odom plays well the Lakers are tough to beat.
Once the Celtics realize they cant guard Kobe the same way as they did last time, theyre going to get lost defensively and start leaving those guys for open 3s. You're not going to be able to collapse on Bryant this time, he knows where the help is coming from and will just go away from it, hes studied film for the last 2 years probably every night.
Fisher: Fisher will have a solid series. Hit a few big shots like always. Rondo defense cant really be used to Boston’s advantage guarding Fisher, Farmar, or Brown 1 on 1. Instead of shutting down a player like Mo Williams or Jameer, who need to play great for their teams to win.
**Boston will switch to the zone at some point most likely. I would be very shocked if Boston comes out with a zone to begin with, but they have definitely looked at some of the things PHX was doing. Either way, LA learned to play against an effective zone, and Boston will come out man to man game 1. Rondos speed is a big problem for Fisher and Farmar, but Bryant knows how to play him, speed becomes irrelevant when your giving the guy the jumper. Boston doesnt know any better than to play the same defense they have been playing this whole playoffs and what they played against Kobe in 08. They will make adjustments accordingly.
WHAT WILL PHIL DO?
-Lakers will fade the triangle offense at times
- Iso at the elbow with Bryant. Two man pick and roll with Kobe and Gasol/Odom on one side of the floor. If Kobe just goes away from the help hell have that running jump shot he likes so much.
- Why is Phil trying to get in Garnettes head? Come on Phil, youre not going to get in Nets head with those comments.
- Use Odom big minutes and let him basically run the point against a slow KG or Big Baby.
- Get Bynum going early
- Dont slow the ball down. Run with the ball. Get into your offensive sets very quickly.
What Will Rivers Do?
- Play Big Baby and Nate Robinson 1 and 2 off the benc
- Lots of pick and Roll sets Garnett/Big Baby and Rondo/Robinson
- Isolations for Ray Allen at times
- Try to establish KG early
- Pierce isos on the elbow as usual, Perkins/Sheed will usually set a pick for him because he's not looking to really pass off the pick and roll. He's going to the hole.
- How do you get the Lakers to collapse in paint if Pierce can't draw a double and neither can Rondo?
- Slow down the ball: take great, efficient shots, be patient on offense
- Not go for too many offensive rebounds. Get back-- transition D.
Are the Lakers a better team than they were in 08? Yes. Gasol is now a champion. Artest is much better than Ariza. Artest will prove a lot of people wrong this series. Bench has the experience and the ring. They lost Rodmanavic, no one else important. The Celtics should have swept the Lakers in 08 the way the Lakers played. Everything they did was forced.
Are the Celtics a better team than they were in 08? Yes. Rondo is much better than he was in 08. But KG is worse. Pierce and Allen are the same. The Celtics bench is worse IMO. James Posey was a huge part of that Celtics team as was Leone Powe. The only good addition this year was Nate Robinson. Sheed is too inconsistent. Posey and Powe brought it every night they were the leaders off that bench.
The Celtics are dogs though, and they thrive on being dogs. For those that think the Celtics will go down in 4 or 5 or maybe even 6 should consider this.
Rivers>Phil (no, Phil is no zen-master. They both know how to inspire their guys, but Phil is weird and doesn't make adjustments as good as Rivers)
Celtics Bench = Lakers Bench
Gasol and KG will be solid all series
Odom will outlay Big Baby and Sheed
Ray Allen will have a big series
Pierce will struggle at times. He will have big games and he will have horrible games.
Artest and Fisher will have a solid series
Rondo will struggle at times
Kobe will hit 1-2 game winning shots this series or huge clutch moments in the last minute.
Kobe>CelticsCause Sleep is the Cousin of DeathComment
