Lakers Repeat as Champions, Bryant Named MVP

In yet another chapter of the most historic rivalry in the NBA between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, defense and physical play dominated throughout. The Lakers ended up squeaking out the win beating the Celtics 83-79 after trailing for much of the second quarter and all of the third quarter.

However, the length of the Lakers eventually took a toll on the Celtics' post players. Pau Gasol had another huge game for Los Angeles having 19 points and 18 rebounds. On a night when Finals MVP Kobe Bryant (23 points, 15 rebounds) struggled for most of the game by shooting 6-24, Ron Artest helped Gasol by scoring 20 points, hauling in 5 rebounds, and swiping 5 steals. Artest and Gasol were easily the most effective players for the Lakers tonight. Even though the Lakers bench only scored 9 points (seven by Lamar Odom), defense was the game changer, especially down the stretch. Derek Fisher added 10 points for the 2010 Champion Los Angeles Lakers. Phil Jackson won his 11th championship, and received a $2 million dollar bonus because of the victory. This win was Bryant's and Fisher's fifth championship each.

Boston came out hot early, but couldn't contend with the Lakers rebounding and length on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Rasheed Wallace had an exceptional game filling in for the injured Kendrick Perkins. Wallace had 11 points and 8 rebounds, but ended up fouling out in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Glen Davis also had the task of helping on defense down in the post. He grabbed 9 rebounds and had 6 points. No other Celtics bench player scored in Game Seven. However, the rest of the Celtics' starters all scored in double figures which helped the Celtics to have a chance to win the game at LA down to the final minute. Paul Pierce had 18 points, Kevin Garnett had 17, Rajon Rondo had 14, and Ray Allen had 13.

Amidst coaching rumors concerning next season, Phil Jackson stated in a postgame interview with ESPN's Stuart Scott that he would most likely decide on his future within the next week.

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NBA Finals Game Seven Preview

Game Seven of the NBA Finals. What could be better? The NBA Finals almost never last the full seven game series. In fact, the last time that seven games were needed to decide a series was in 2005 in which the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Detroit Pistons. These kinds of matchups are as rare as a Dwight Howard three point field goal. This time though, there's history involved. There are no deeply rooted rivalries between the Spurs and Pistons. This matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics will be yet another chapter in the NBA's most historic rivalry. The three keys to victory for each team are listed below, as well as the one thing that is sure to cause each team to lose.

Los Angeles Lakers Keys to Victory

1. Don't allow the Celtics to run their offense in transition. Stop the fast break.

Rajon Rondo is the catalyst for the Boston Celtics. If he is having a good game, the Celtics will have a good game. In order for the Lakers to effectively shut down the Celtics, they must first shut down Rondo. Kobe Bryant has done an excellent job at defending Rondo this series for the most part, but in Game Seven he must be completely focused on the defensive end and not allow Rondo to get into any type of rhythm. The Celtics love to run in the fast break offense, especially when the bench is in. Rondo, Nate Robinson, Glen Davis, and Tony Allen are all effective in the fast break. Yes, Glen Davis. Any sort of hustle player like Davis is at home in the fast break because he will look for missed layups to rebound and then put back for the score.

2. Establish a post presence early and go to the post often.

With Kendrick Perkins unable to play in Game Seven, Rasheed Wallace or Glen Davis will likely start in his place. With the height advantage that the Lakers have with Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom, they should pound the ball inside as much as they can within the first quarter. Get the Celtics in foul trouble. Force Shelden Williams to play extended minutes and reap the benefits. Gasol has to play with a purpose in Game Seven. Although he had an excellent game in Game Six (one assist away from a triple double), he has been known to play soft in the post or just not show up in big games. He is the best post player on the floor. This is the time to prove it. The Lakers are catching a huge break with the unavailability of Kendrick Perkins. They should use this to their advantage.

3. The bench play needs to be at an all time high.

This is last game of the season. There's nothing left to lose. The bench needs to come out with fury, and put together another offensive on-slaught as they did in Game Six. Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar, and Shannon Brown will be called on to defend Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, and Nate Robinson at sometime in the game. Focus on defense. These players cannot get into a rhythm while the starters rest for Los Angeles. On the offensive end of the floor, hustle will be a key. Farmar has done a phenomenal job of sacrificing his body throughout the playoffs. Lastly, Lamar Odom cannot disappear. Although his stat line was not the greatest last game, his presence was felt by the Celtics. He must keep up his defense, and look to be aggressive on the offensive end and score.

The Lakers will lose if they do not focus on defense and therefore allow Boston to hang around. The Lakers have home court advantage in Game Seven of the NBA Finals, and they need to use this to their advantage. Come out with ferocity, and step on the Celtics while their down. Don't allow them to ever think that they can compete in Staples Center. Game Six was an excellent example of this mentality. They never gave up and kept shoving the ball down the Celtics' throats all night. With Perkins out, this should come even easier to the Lakers. Just don't take Rasheed Wallace or Glen Davis for granted in the starting lineup. Both players are more than capable of being sparks for huge offensive runs.

Boston Celtics Keys to Victory

1. Don't allow another player to become involved other than Kobe Bryant.

This is probably the most important thing for Boston. You know Kobe is going to have more than twenty points, and probably more than thirty but live with it. Don't allow another player like Gasol, Odom, or Ron Artest to get involved early. Artest was hitting shots early and developed confidence throughout Game Six. Gasol had a great game. Allow Kobe to take his shots. Don't become discouraged when he knocks them down because he will. Focus on alienating Bryant, and don't let any other Lakers get in a rhythm at the offensive end. If so, it could be a long night in LA for Boston.

2. Paul Pierce must step up big.

With Perkins being out, toughness and rebounding is lost for the Celtics. However, if Paul Pierce, the obvious ringleader of the Celtics, can get hot Perkins won't be missed. Look at Game Five. Bryant went off in the third quarter, but Pierce was able to match him shot for shot. Pierce is a future hall of fame member, and he knows it. He could go down as one of the greatest Celtics of all time if he could slay the LA Lakers in the Finals not once, but twice on their home court. He would be instantly a name that was Celtics legend. Make sure that Pierce gets good looks early so that he can develop a comfort level that will grow throughout the game.

3. Help inside on defense.

Once again, I will bring up the fact that the loss of Kendrick Perkins is a huge loss for the Celtics as a team. I can't stress enough the importance of Perkins to the interior defense. He alters shots, and doesn't shy away from contact. However, with Gasol and Bynum having height advantages on Garnett, Davis, and Wallace, other players like Ray Allen and Pierce must look to help out in the post area. Gasol can be easily frustrated, and this should be a main goal of the Celtics early on.

The Celtics will lose if the bench doesn't arrive to play at a high level. Through Game Five, Robinson, Davis, and Tony Allen had all played a pretty good series. Then Game Six happened. No field goals until the third quarter happened. When playing at another team's home court in front of screaming fans, the bench has to step up big. Especially in Game Seven of the NBA Finals. The bench players cannot fail to show up again like they did in Game Six. A plus for the Celtics is the activation of Brian Scalabrine, who will help to stretch the floor on the offensive end.

My Prediction

The Los Angeles Lakers will win Game Seven and be crowned the 2009-2010 NBA Champions. I'm sticking to my original prediction, but will offer a little more insight as to why I'm picking the Lakers. Most importantly, Perkins is out for the Celtics. Secondly, the best closer in the game, Kobe Bryant, will not allow a Game Seven loss to their most hated rival. Even though he downplays the rivalry, you know it's in his head. Look for the Lakers to win by more than ten in a pivotal Game Seven.

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Lakers Celtics Game Six Preview

Heading back to Los Angeles down 3-2, Kobe Bryant put it best. "It's simple. We have to win Game Six on Tuesday, and then we have to come back to work on Thursday and win Game Seven." That pretty much sums up what the LA Lakers will need to do in order to complete their run and win consecutive NBA Championships. Phil Jackson, head coach of the Lakers, didn't seem worried when the scenario of two must win games was brought up to him in a recent press conference stating, "Isn't that how a 2-3-2 series is set up? That the team with home court advantage has to win the last two games?".

That's easier said than done for the Lakers right now, though. Previously untouchable at home, the Celtics won Game Two at Staples Center to originally tie the series 1-1. These next two games are not expected wins for the Lakers by any stretch of the imagination. Boston is playing at such a high level, and the Celtics are confident that they could win either Game Six or Seven in Los Angeles to win the NBA Championship. So, what will happen in Game Six, and what adjustments will be made by each team?

For Los Angeles, the game plan is simple. Play defense. Stay between your man and the basket. The Lakers could not get stops in Game Five, which severely hurt them down the stretch. Too many easy layups were given to the Celtics. Also, someone other than Kobe Bryant has to step up and carry some of the weight. NBA analysts are contemplating the idea that even if Boston wins the series, Kobe could still win the MVP. That has to tell the rest of the Lakers something. Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom need to have nights where they are legitimate threats on the offensive end while shutting down (or at least containing) the Celtic's big men on the other end of the court. Bynum is hurt, and he is experiencing excruciating pain at this point in the season. However, he will have to try to play through his knee injury and become a factor on both ends of the floor for the Lakers to experience success. Also, Kobe must guard the Celtic player who is having the best game as long as he does not give up too much size (any player at the small forward position or smaller). Lastly, if I was Phil Jackson, I would seriously consider trying to bait Celtics centers Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace into technical fouls. Go for a double technical, and eliminate at least one of them for Game Seven (preferably Perkins).

Boston has a different game plan. Don't play big like the Lakers will attempt to do. Play small. Glen Davis has had a spectacular series as has Nate Robinson. Both are smaller players for their respective positions, but they have come up huge for the Celtics in critical stretches. At least two of the Big Four must have great games. Get either Rondo, Pierce, Allen, or Garnett involved early and often and watch the offensive explosion take place. Don't force up shots, but at the same time expect improved defense from the Lakers. Their main concern on the defensive end of the floor is obviously Kobe Bryant. If they can successfully contain him, it will force another Lakers player to step up and shoulder the load. The Celtics need to approach Game Six as a must win game because I don't think that the Lakers will lose a Game Seven against their most hated rivals at home. Finally, Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace must play smart and avoid any technicals so they can be available for Game Seven if needed.

My prediction is that the Lakers will win this game, but it will be close. If Los Angeles wins this game, they will win the series in my opinion. I'm sticking to my original NBA Finals prediction and saying Lakers in seven games.

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Lakers Regain Home Court Advantage with Game Three Victory

Bad news for Paul Pierce, the series will be heading back to Los Angeles after the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 91-84. Maybe Paul Pierce will learn his lesson this time, although I doubt it. Don't awake a sleeping monster. Pierce continued to be a non factor in the series with 15 points. Ray Allen did not have a field goal in the game going 0-13 from the floor. Kevin Garnett had his best game of the series finishing with 25 points and 6 rebounds.

The Lakers regained home court advantage despite excellent defense on Kobe Bryant by Tony Allen. Even though Bryant went 10-29 from the floor, he still managed to find ways to score finishing with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Despite the seven point victory, Derek Fisher was the only Laker who played at a consistently high level for the night. He made shots when they counted, capitalizing on the pick and roll with Bryant because of the fact that the Celtics did not want to switch the screen and have Rondo guard Bryant. Fisher finished with 16 points while shooting fifty percent from the field.

The Lakers survived many Boston runs, one late in the game that was made by the hustle and tenacity of Glen Davis. Davis finished with 12 points and 3 rebounds. Perkins did not pick up his seventh technical, so he will be able to play in the next game. The Lakers' size advantage was once again a factor especially on the defensive end of the court. The Lakers finsihed with seven blocks.

After this game, I still predict Los Angeles to win another game while in Boston. This will result with a 3-2 series lead heading back to home court. If this happens, I then believe that the Los Angeles Lakers will win in six games instead of my original prediction of seven. However, if Boston takes the two remaining games on their homecourt, the series will go to seven games.

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A New Coach in Chicago, GM in Cleveland, and Point Guard in Minnesota?

Below is a list of six short stories from around the NBA:

1. Del Negro Out, Thibodeau In

A much anticipated move by the Chicago Bulls was reported today in the fact that there will be a new head coach next year. Tom Thibodeau, the assistant coach to the Boston Celtics, has reportedly accepted the job although an official announcement will have to wait until after the NBA Finals. Thibodeau was also interviewed by the New Orleans Hornets, but opted for Chicago instead. He is largely recognized for the defensive intensity that the Celtics bring to the court. What else does this move mean for Chicago? No John Calipari and LeBron James package deal will occur in the Windy City.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers Done With General Manager Ferry

Another move that happened Friday that didn't surprise anyone around the league was the Danny Ferry will no longer be the general manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers next year. His replacement will have no say in basketball operations. It's all about LeBron at this point, and owner Dan Gilbert will give him everything he asks for if he intends to stay. (More on LeBron later in this article.)

3. Marquis Daniels Should Play In Game Two

Marquis Daniels, reserve shooting guard for the Boston Celtics, will likely play in tomorrow night's game against the Los Angles Lakers. Daniels hasn't played since suffering a concussion in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals. The impact that he will have on the Celtics' game plan is simple. Not much to contribute to the offensive game plan, but Daniels will allow Boston to have one more reserve defender to take on Kobe Bryant for Game Two should Ray Allen get in foul trouble again.

4. Garnett Has "Lost A Step"

This is a classic case of the media blowing another quote out of proportion after taking it out of context. Pau Gasol praised Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett, but also noted that he has "lost a step" since the 2008 NBA Finals. Of course he has. All players lose quickness and agility with age and Garnett is no different. Gasol wasn't maliciously attacking Garnett. He simply said that Garnett is now more of a jump shooter rather than the post up player he once was. Garnett is obviously still a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. No harm meant by Gasol.

5. Shaquille O'Neal Takes on Spelling Bee Champion

Last night at the national spelling bee, Shaq challenged last year's champion to a spell off in the near future. He will be allowed two misspelled words, and will likely need both life lines. I'm just curious if this will come before or after his UFC Match?

6. Ricky Rubio Could Play in 2011-2012

Ricky Rubio, the Spanish point guard, was recently quoted as saying that he could arrive in the NBA for the 2011-2012 season. However, he did not limit his options to just playing in Minnesota. Rubio said that he would come over to the United States, but the Timberwolves (who drafted him number four overall last year) would have to improve from their 15 win season this past year or he would consider going with another team. If I worked for the front office of the T Wolves, I would try to sign a free agent or two this offseason so that the guy can showcase his stuff on my homecourt. Rubio will be an excellent passer and point guard in the NBA, but he also must improve his outside shooter to be a legitimate offensive threat.

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Magic Rout Injured Celtics

A decisive Game Five victory by the Orlando Magic is sending the series back to Boston. I believe I owe the Magic an apology so here it goes. I'm sorry to the Orlando Magic and the team's fans. I doubted your heart, tenacity, and will to win this series after falling behind 0-3 in such poor fashion. However, in the last two games, this team looks like a whole different ball club. Dwight Howard has re-established himself as a legitimate inside threat scoring 21 points, pulling down 10 rebounds, and rejecting 5 shots. Jameer Nelson also came up big leading the Magic with 24 points while managing to distribute 5 assists. The Orlando Magic also shot 13-25 from behind the arc and finally broke out of their series long shooting slump. Game Six will be played on Friday in Boston.

Although the Celtics will be playing in front of their home fans, they could possibly be playing without starting center Kendrick Perkins (possible suspension), reserve power forward Glen Davis (concussion), and reserve shooting guard Marquis Daniels (concussion). Although Daniels has fallen out of favor with Boston head coach Doc Rivers, Perkins and Davis leave two big holes to fill if they miss the next game. Perkins has done an excellent job defending Dwight Howard thus far in the series, and Davis normally helps him out down low. If both must sit out for Game Six, Rasheed Wallace, Kevin Garnett, and Shelden Williams will probably be summoned to shut down Superman. I'm not sure how effective they will be as Howard has a significant height advantage on all three players. The Magic have creeped one step closer to being the only team in NBA history to come back from a three game deficit and win a series. The pressure is at an all time high for Boston. Either protect your home court or return to Orlando for a potentially historical Game Seven.

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No Brooms for Boston

The Orlando Magic have won Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals in overtime 96-92. Jameer Nelson hit back to back three point jumpers in overtime which was a huge momentum swing for the Magic, and Dwight Howard had a superman-sized game with 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Paul Pierce had 32 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics, but his effort was not enough to close out Orlando in four games. The Magic won when they needed to and in Boston no less! Many people had questioned the Magic's desire, Howard's leadership, and the overall approach to this series after they fell behind 3-0 and opening the series with two losses on their home court. I will be the first to admit that I was one of these people. I still do not believe that Howard is a legitimate offensive threat night in and night out. He caters to what defenses want him to do. Howard has an excellent hook if he can go over his left shoulder, but Celtics center Kendrick Perkins has defended him extremely well and all but silenced Howard through three games. His Game Four performance was impressive, and I'm looking for Orlando to ride this momentum as they return home. I believe that the Celtics will eventually represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, but look for the Magic to win Game Five at home. No NBA team has ever come back to win a series after starting down 3-0, but like Kevin Garnett once said, "Anything is possible!"

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