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.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Lakers Defeat Celtics, Force Game Seven

The Los Angeles Lakers evened the series on their home court Tuesday night, beating Boston 89-67. The NBA Finals is now at a 3-3 tie.

Kobe Bryant had another huge game for the Lakers with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 steals. Lamar Odom (8 points, 10 rebounds) and Pau Gasol (17 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists) also came up big for the defending champion Lakers. Ron Artest (15 points, 6 rebounds) also put together a good game after looking lost for much of Game Five. The major difference this game was the play of the Lakers bench (25 points). The Celtics bench, which has been terrific throughout the series behind the play of Glen Davis and Nate Robinson, did not score until the fourth quarter when Robinson converted a reverse layup.

The pivotal moment in the game occurred when Celtics center Kendrick Perkins went down with a right knee sprain just under seven minutes into the game. He did not return, and will be re-evaluated for Game Seven on Thursday. His status at this point is uncertain. However, this injury will force Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, and Shelden Williams to play big minutes to help defend the Lakers big men. Because of the fact that Los Angeles already has a large height advantage, the unavailability of Perkins would be a huge hit to Boston's defense.

Looking ahead to Game Seven, my original prediction of the Lakers in seven still remains a possiblity. It also the most likely, especially if Perkins is unable to play. However, he will probably play through the pain as it will be Game Seven of the NBA Finals. The difference? The Lakers have the best closer in the game in Kobe. After the debacle in the 2008 Finals, I don't see it happening again. The Lakers will not allow Boston to win in a Game Seven on their homecourt. The Lakers will be your 2010 NBA Champions.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Paul Pierce is Talking....Again

"Bring Out the Brooms!"

We all remember this statement made on Pierce's twitter page by a supposed "hacker" after Boston went up 3-0 against the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. I'm fine with confidence. In fact, when I play basketball, I'm a huge trash talker. After Pierce declared the sweep, Orlando won two straight. He awoke a sleeping giant in Dwight Howard who exploded and had ridiculous performances in the next two games. Fast forward to this morning.

"We aint coming back to LA!"

Hmmm. Paul Pierce. When you were younger did you ever touch the stove while it was on? Because my guess is that you touched it again when it was on a week later just to see if anything changed. You're not a quick learner. I mean come on this just happened. You thought Dwight Howard was dangerous? Try Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom. Notice who's at the front of the list. Kobe Bryant...heard of him? You just walked past the stove and went to swim in the furnace didn't you? Little hot in there? Yeah I thought so.

At least you've had a big impact on the Finals so far! Oh wait. Ron Artest has shut you down. You've been quieter than the city of Cleveland when Jordan sunk the shot over Ehlo. I would remain just that...quiet. You see, you're little Jack climbing the beanstalk to get to the championship trophy at the top. Only problem is you were running your mouth on the way up. Whoops. Guess you better climb quickly to escape the LA giant that is now racing after you. Bad news for the Celtics...Rondo's the only one quick enough to out run him. I'm calling a doctor now so that there will be a wheelchair on hand just in case you need it.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Lakers Take Finals Lead 1-0

While I was watching Game One of the NBA Finals, I received a text message from one of my friends who can't stand Kobe. That could be an understatement; he absolutely despises, loathes, and finds fault with every trip down the court that Kobe is a part of during a game. It read, "LeBron has one more year to prove his dominance...if not then it's Kobe". I couldn't help but chuckle to myself and responded with "To hell with next year, turn your TV on. If it's on, watch closer." LeBron has had seven years to prove his self-proclaimed "King" status. He's failed. Kobe is in the final games of the best playoff performance of his already prolific career. Analysts are saying he could be considered the greatest Laker ever if he wins this title. Nothing changed Thursday night in Game One with the Lakers beating the Celtics 102-89.

Bryant continued his domination finishing with 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Lakers big men used their length to their advantage once again. Pau Gasol had 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks, and Andrew Bynum finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Gasol and Bynum also stepped up to Phil Jackson's comments earlier this week proclaiming that the Lakers' big men must play more physically. Toughness was questioned, and the Lakers wouldn't stand for it. Defensive specialist Ron Artest (15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) did an excellent job with his primary job of the series: limit Paul Pierce's (24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists) effectiveness. After nine points in the first quarter, Pierce was held to just two more in the second and third quarters combined.

The Celtics remained close throughout the game, but they were "outworked" according to head coach Doc Rivers. Watching ABC's broadcast of the game, Rivers was often "wired" and said that the Celtics were never playing completely together as a team, and he was right. The Celtics did not bring the same intensity that they had throughout the playoffs, and the team never really looked like they trusted each other tonight. Ray Allen (12 points) was in foul trouble with five personals by the end of the third quarter. Rajon Rondo finished with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists and was easily the most effective Celtic tonight. The Celtic bench that has been so clutch throughout the playoffs? Well, they played like a typical bench and were almost non-existant. The most inspiring Celtic stat tonight? Center Kendrick Perkins remained with six technical fouls (one away from an automatic suspension after the seventh). Rasheed Wallace did pick up his fifth "T" tonight, however.

Looking forward to Game Two, what can we expect? With another game at LA, my prediction is another Lakers win and a commanding 2-0 lead. The Lakers are too good at Staples Center and will not drop a game at home this postseason.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Lakers Remain Unbeaten at Home in Postseason

The Los Angeles Lakers successfully defended their home court against the Phoenix Suns earlier tonight. This will force a decisive Game Six which will be held in Phoenix on Saturday. Kobe Bryant was one assist away from a triple-double with 30 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 blocks. Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, and Lamar Odom all scored in double figures for the Lakers. The key for the Lakers tonight was limiting Amare Stoudemire's impact on the game. After Stoudemire erupted in Games Three and Four, he scored only 19 points and had 4 rebounds in Game Five.

With 3.5 seconds remaining, the game was tied 101-101. Phil Jackson and the rest of Laker nation had just witnessed Ron Artest put up an ill-advised three point jump shot just 51 seconds ago when he could have opted to run out the clock. This allowed the Suns to tie the game with a Jason Richardson three pointer. On the inbound pass to Bryant, he quickly turned and fired strongly contested three pointer. It didn't touch the rim, but Ron Artest grabbed the offensive rebound and shot a lay-up to win the game at the buzzer.

Now the series heads back to Phoenix where anything could happen. The Suns have played their best basketball at home this postseason, and I don't see anything changing for Game Six. I think that if the Lakers are looking to end this series in six games, they must take the Suns fans out of the game early. Squash any hope of winning the game and take every last ounce of life out of the Suns. However, this will be difficult to do, and my gut tells me that this series will need the full seven games to be completed.

The Courtside Report Homepage