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Apparently the Lakers have transformed into Goliath during the playoffs while the Celtics have slowly faded into the little ol' David role, overachieving, ready to square off against the invincible Los Angeles Kobes.
Let's revisit the personnel and the cohesion of both teams to understand how remarkable it is that they both are in the finals. First, the Celtics, a team where pretty much NOBODY has played together before (Ok, Perkins and Rondo...). They have somehow channeled that UBUNTU and the "we before me" attitude to close out a team that has been together forever in the Detroit Pistons. To a lesser extent, the Lakers had to channel Mr. "ME" himself, Kobe Bryant, absorb the Bynum injury, and integrate Gasol, whom they stole from Memphis for nothing (imagine that Mr. Stern). The Spurs and Pistons were the antithesis of change, something the two teams meeting in the finals embodied this year. Food for thought.
Now let's get straight to the matchups. If I were Phil I'd put Kobe on Rondo. He'll save energy, he'll be able to do his best KG impression on defense, and he will stay away from fouls. So for Boston to even think about winning, Rondo and Doc have got to bring it. I say Doc because he's got to figure out what to do when Rondo struggles or gets into foul trouble. I doubt Fisher will bring as much pressure defensively, allowing House to play a bit more. This may be the biggest challenge for Boston.
Boston MUST, MUST, MUST go in the post early and often. Duncan did not have the luxury of a competent big alongside him (Oberto is trash, Horry is garbage, Thomas is alright) as Garnett does with Perk. I'm not a huge fan of Perk, but he is good enough to body Gasol, play solid defense, and grab boards. He should play well this series (IF Boston doesn't go small).
I've got the feeling that Doc will worry about adjusting to Kobe and everyone else, allowing the Kobes to become the aggresors. IF they are to win, they must make Phil adjust to them. Keep Perk and KG together to bully the paint. tell KG to crash the boards like he's never done and they will be successful. Gasol got owned by Duncan, imagine him trying to thwart off KG AND Perk. Odom will create mismatches on the offensive end, but down low, he's outmatched - no question about it.
Just a few random thoughts. LA is playing better and should win. That said, DaddyFatSax has got the Celtics in 7. Ray is back. Perk has too much confidence. Rondo has the behind the back ball fake. Pierce is amped. KG is crazy. Posey gots a ring. Let's get it.
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