I think one key difference could be that the "big 3" on the Celtics are two years older. Depending on how long the series goes, there are a couple of stretches where games are played every other day. Potentially, this could hurt the Celts more than the Lakers imo. Rondo has improved tremendously, Big Baby is more of a factor, Wallace adds to the Celtics depth. I don't follow LA enough to comment on how they have improved, but I still see the Celtics as the "tougher" team here. Lakers do have revenge, and I think they will be highly motivated to win this time around. Lakers definitely have the fire power to beat the Celtics, but will they get rattled by aggressive D? If I was the Lakers, I certainly would try to goad Perkins into getting a T so that he has to sit out a game. I see this series as a toss up. I'm hoping it goes 6 or 7.
Lakers have home court this time.
Bynum will be able to play about 20 minutes a game. He is an improvement over Ronni Turiaf.
Artest will guard PP, not Radmanivich and Walton. PP was the series MVP last time.
Lakers add Shannon Brown
Rondo is now a top 5 point Guard.
KG isn't the player he was 2 years ago. He is now more of a jump shooter and won't be able to bang away in the low post like he could 2 years ago.
The Celtics don't have the low post scorer anymore. They're now more about letting Rondo drive to the hoop and create an open shot for a teammate, or running someone off screens to get shots.
The Celtic bench isn't as good.
Celtics are playing about the best ball I've seen them play this year.
Bynum will be able to play about 20 minutes a game. He is an improvement over Ronni Turiaf.
Artest will guard PP, not Radmanivich and Walton. PP was the series MVP last time.
Lakers add Shannon Brown
Rondo is now a top 5 point Guard.
KG isn't the player he was 2 years ago. He is now more of a jump shooter and won't be able to bang away in the low post like he could 2 years ago.
The Celtics don't have the low post scorer anymore. They're now more about letting Rondo drive to the hoop and create an open shot for a teammate, or running someone off screens to get shots.
The Celtic bench isn't as good.
Celtics are playing about the best ball I've seen them play this year.
I think the Celtics bench is pretty good.
I just think they wear down quicker now. They have a lot of big bodys to throw at the Lake Show.
Just don't finish as strong as before. More of a build a lead sustain type rather than come from behind.
In 2008, I swear that was the best 2nd half team you ever saw.
I just think they wear down quicker now. They have a lot of big bodys to throw at the Lake Show.
Just don't finish as strong as before. More of a build a lead sustain type rather than come from behind.
In 2008, I swear that was the best 2nd half team you ever saw.
Great post funk. Celts have struggled most of season putting teams away. They get a big lead in 2h and stop playing the way they got the lead. They get pass happy and shoot a low quality shot with a tic left on clock.
They need Sheed to be a factor in the low post. He still has the ability to make guys look silly with his moves. Too bad he fancies himself as a 7 ft Ray Allen most of the time.
They need Sheed to be a factor in the low post. He still has the ability to make guys look silly with his moves. Too bad he fancies himself as a 7 ft Ray Allen most of the time.
Rondo has emerged and you would think that gives Boston an advantage, but I believe the Lakers take the series and the title this time.
I think we'll see Perkins, Big Baby, Wallace & others in foul trouble much of the time...
I think we'll see Perkins, Big Baby, Wallace & others in foul trouble much of the time...
