Uncool beans
After what seemed like about a year's worth of waiting, the Lakers-Celtics Finals actually kicked off and not a minute too soon for purple and gold enthusiasts. But had folks have known of the 98-88 fall awaiting them, they'd have been willing to give the festivities 366 days to commence. The night began in optimistic enough fashion, with L.A. outscoring Boston, 30-23, in the second quarter to wrap up the first half up by five. Crisp ball movement led to 14 assists, allowing the supporting cast to keep the Lakers in the driver's seat even as Kobe Bryant's shots failed to drop. Little time elapsed in the third quarter before Paul Pierce took an inadvertent shot to his knee from teammate Kendrick Perkins, forcing the Inglewood product to take a wheelchair ride back to the locker room for an eval. The Celts cappie was writhing on the ground, figuring he was out for the series with a serious knee injury. You never want to see a player get hurt, but from a purely pragmatic standpoint, the development certainly wasn't one that looked to hurt the odds of a Laker victory.
Then came Pierce's emotional rescue.
He was gone for less than two minutes, but his triumphant (some would say, not necessarily "Truth-ful") return definitely energized the crowd and certainly helped the Celts, in that Pierce never missed a shot upon checking back in. In particular, a pair of back-to-back trey balls provided a lift as the third frame wound down. Then again, the PP moment may have been theatrical, but the true drama for the Lakers came with their offense began breaking down. After briefly regaining his shot during part of the third, Kobe's struggles with the jumper returned. The Mamba said it was a case of faulty bunnies. Others would praise a tenacious Boston D. But in any case, it was hardly the night we've come to expect from The New Jack Bauer.
For that matter, it wasn't the night we've come to hope for from the key players assisting Bryant. Save Derek Fisher, who made his mark on both sides of the ball, Kobe's fellow starters came through in fleeting moments but failed to provide consistent help down the stretch. Pau Gasol's 15/8 in the box score isn't exactly horrible, but he failed to rack a board until the second half, reminiscent of a presence often not felt enough. Felt more than a largely invisible and foul-saddled Vlad Radmanovic, but nonetheless, still not enough. As for Lamar Odom, he picked his share of fouls and played way outside of Phil Jackson's liking as the final minutes approached, #7 found himself pinned to the pine. Throw in the typically strong young bench getting shown up by James Posey and P.J. Brown and the Lakers were staring down an awful lot of upstream swimming. But even with several guys playing their "B" to "C" game, it wasn't like the Lakers didn't have their chances placed in front of them. Knowing so will stick in the good guys' collective crawl, even if they know it's all behind them now.
The Bill Simmons take on Paul Pierce. He may have toughed it out for one night, but how effective will the small forward be as the series progresses?
323, 310 or 213 based fridges probably won't find themselves sporting this report card.
You have to take your hat off to Paul Pierce - the man turned into a basketball god last night. His performance was on par with the greatest Finals performances ever, putting him up there with Bird, Jordan, and Russell.
Looks like the Celtic D and rebounding will be the deciding factor in this series.
I liked the quote by one of the ESPN commentators last night:
When he said he asked Phil Jackson back in the fall if he thought this lakers team was a title team, he consistently answered, "If we learn to rebound."
This is why SHACK brought kobee 3 titles - SHACK rebounds. Ga-Shawl and Odum are finesse playas who would rather stay outside the paint.
Congrats to Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Sam Cassell! These guards showed their superiority to laker guards last night.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 09:58 AM
This Lakers team is so good, even when they play completely awful they're still right in the game with a chance to win.
Their play last night was about a D-. Definite rust from the layoff, and a lot of terrible calls from the refs, especially in the 1st half.
Not to mention, it's tough to overcome a dude faking an injury and returning to the court. How much does Pierce get fined for that next year under the new flopping rules?
In game 3-5, the Lakers should trot out Andrew Bynum from the tunnel in a full Laker Uni sometime during the game just to get the crowd all riled up. Or maybe switch it up - have the Cap come out one game, Bynum another, Magic in the 3rd...
Posted by: Captain Obvious | June 06, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Fam,
It is a best out of 7 series! We still have that opportunity to make it happen. It is all on how the team and coaching staff responds. The Coaching Staff needs to show their Total Ring Experience and Comeback!
As far as this blog, it comes with both half sides. I honestly feel that we should just move on to the next game. We have a couple of days and await for a Dog Fight. Perkins is hurt and someone needs to go at Pierce
It's never easy.
Four the Hard Way.
Posted by: Charles | June 06, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Ga-Shawl is a softie who prefers the wrist-flick to banging in the paint.
Odum a Kwame at PF?
The Celtics were largely without Kendrick Perkins and the Celtics front line STILL dominated the hapless lakers.
Where was kobee? Yelling at his teammates becuz he needed 28 shots to score 24 pts.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Let's go C's!
Let's go C's!
Let's go C's!
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 10:06 AM
There are some many things that happened in this game that will not happen again! We will win GAME 2.
Posted by: ajax | June 06, 2008 at 10:08 AM
IPau's face is still smokin' after getting annihilated by an emphatic KG dunk. Whew!
How about we discuss the guard situation? Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Sam Cassell all played very well against a supposedly "more Finals experienced" laker guard lineup.
sasha is quickly learning that a healthy ray allen is not an injured manu! And Sam I Am! What a gutsy performance from the man who undoubtedly took delight in hammering the popular kids from LA!
Rajon Rondo is amazing - the guy is a heady playa, and he really made Derek Fischer look like an aged bench playa. Rondo made assists and took control.
Let's all take our hats off to the Celtic guards.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 10:12 AM
This was just Phil's brilliant stratagem. Boston's fans and the team itself are very susceptible to hubris. You lose a battle to win the war. Now Boston will be arrogant and think all they have to do is show up. But LA will punish them from here on out.
Supposedly Kobe was contained but he still had 25. You know , judging by his fury last night in the post game interview, that he will explode for 45+ a game hereafter.
Pau was great. His offense was too much for Boston and his D was solid. He was called for a cheap foul on a blocked KG shot. Rad also got tagged with cheap fouls.
Fish was great, too. We will adjust now that we've seen this Boston Pathetics team and lulled them into a state of complacency and overconfidence.
Also, I don't believe Pierce ever hurt his knee. That was a pathetic ruse to rouse the crowd and team. Worked once but now the tricks are used up.
Games 2-5 will go:
G2: Lakers 109, Pathetics 89
G3: Lakers 128, Pathetics 81
G4: Lakers 139, Pathetics 72
And to close out the series, the worst whipping in NBA history:
G5: Lakers 155, Pathetics 58
Remember your stupid Memorial Day Massacre, Celt fans? After that the LAKERS destroyed your stupid little Celtics.
Don't get arrogant. Even dumb Bob Ryan knows you guys are stupid and have a penchant for unwarranted cockiness:
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/06/06/remember_its_only_one/
Posted by: LakersUnstoppable | June 06, 2008 at 10:12 AM
I can handle a loss - no biggie. We lost the first game to Utah & San Antonio too, and came back so 'nuf said on that.
What I can't handle - and it actually made me throw up in my mouth a little - is PudgyPierce's fake injury. That whole crying thing, then the wheelchair, then the Rocky dance or whatever......C'MON.........
DUDE - you're from Inglewood man. You gotta represent better than that! You grew up loving the Lakers! Now that you're a Greenie Weenie have you totally lost it???? Come out with fire - with fight - with cajones. NOT with fake injuries and fake crying. This "Truth" nickname someone gave you is over. You are now "The Pudge".
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 06, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Paul Pierce is the real MVP.
Kobe Bryant is the wanna-bee MVP.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Hey PUDGE - one more thing - if you didn't know by now, you are no longer considered as being from Inglewood. You are the OTHER Red's love child.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 06, 2008 at 10:22 AM
So, do we think kobe is now going to "take over" in Game 2?
Doc Rivers, genius coach that he is, is banking on it!
The more frustrated kobee gets, the more he shoots. Look at last night - do you think Dwayne Wade or Steve GNASH would keep banging their heads against a wall like that when they were being stymied by a league-best defense?
28 shots to get 24 points?
This is the kobee that the great MIKE D'ANTONI loved to play. Let's see if kobee can get 50 points next game - would only take 70 shots at the current clip.
You really have to admire the coaching prowess of Doc Rivers.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Boston ain't no Utah or San Antonio.
Inglehood Pierce in the house.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 10:23 AM
That "performance" last night by Paul Pierce made me sick..It's actually typical Boston, believe it or not.. They took advantage of the situation to make it look worse and then they have him come out to fire up the crowd with the Rocky theme song? They carry him off the floor and then use a wheel chair? Give me a break! What a wimp!
Sure he got hurt..But it was obviously highly exaggerated to pump up the home crowd..Paul Pierce should be embarrassed for using a wheel chair and then playing 3 minutes later.
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 10:23 AM
The inside of the Boston Celtics sucks. Garnet made one shot out of 10 and floats to the outside because he's scared to be a man..
Congrats Boston fans! You have a 120 million dollar guy who puts back dunk rebounds.
Perkins is useless.. The Lakers had a chance at the end and that's all you can ask for in a road game.. Especially with Paul's pansy performance.
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 10:26 AM
LakersUnstoppable,
Does your butt hurt from riding the bandwagon?
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 10:27 AM
And Ray Allen? He HAD game.
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Sam Cassell is older than dirt. He hit 3 jumpshots and then sat down and iced his knee after a nights work. He sucks.
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 10:29 AM
justanothermambafan,
Pudgy Face Pierce will give you a big pudgy face smile when he's holding the Finals MVP trophy.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Let's all give a hand to Paul Pierce - his return was pure drama at its best!
He stole the show by taking a page out of his hometown Hollywood playbook!
Let's all bow to Paul Pierce for making last night one of the most memorable performances in Finals history! From the 4-point play, to the two consecutive threes, to the incredible comeback - wow!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Perhaps the SUNS would better represent the WC. These lakers just don't seem to get the whole rebounding-defense thing.
SUNS do have a better Finals record vs. the Celtics than the lakers, after all.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Lakers in five.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | June 06, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Overall the game was horrible. The Lakers did not look like the same team from the Western Conference Finals. In my humble opinion the bad of the game was...
1. Kobe's shot was flat
2. Pau had a decent first half but failed to show up in the second half
3. Odom was on the floor....really? The guy didn't show up
4. Lack to intensity
5. Bench didn't come through
6. Missing easy shots & free throws
The reality of this series is that Boston has the pressure to win the championship and the Lakers don't. Yes the Lakers wants to win now despite being short-handed, but the Celtics have been the favorites since they acquired Garnett while the Lakers were considered a mess. The Lakers can win this series if everyone shows up to compete. The Lakers played like crap and they only lost by 10 points. If Kobe plays like Kobe and his supporting cast shows up to play all 48 minutes then the Lakers will be crowned this season's NBA Champions. Until then, we'll see how this series goes.
I was so annoyed to hear so much about how PJ is 9-1 when the Lakers win the first game of the series. How many people remember when the Lakers lost the first game of the Finals to A.I. and the Sixers? The Lakers came back in Game 2 and the rest is in the books.....Lakers win 4-1. Never give up hope
Posted by: SFLakerGirl | June 06, 2008 at 10:36 AM
I enjoyed Posey clotheslining kobee last night by the arm - sent a nice message.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Kobe will shoot better next game.
Where is Ariza? We need his size/defense on Pierce.
Boston will relax after the game 1 win.
The bench will respond with more points and intensity.
Lakers win game 2, all of a sudden the media is burying the Celtics.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | June 06, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Paul Pierce coming out of the locker room - pure drama!
It may be time to admit the obvious - kobee could really use SHACK in this series.
SHACK rebounds, which Ga-Shawl and lamar do not. And SHACK is a physical man, whereas the laker bigs would rather jump shoot than play inside.
SHACK offered everything that kobee needs. But kobee needed more. He needed to lose a Finals on his own, without SHACK.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 10:39 AM
You can imagine if the internet was as huge in the 1980s, these same trolls would be excoriating Magic for his "lack of basketball IQ" in the 1984 Finals after key turnovers, and running out the clock when the score was tied! They'd be calling him "Tragic Magic", and snickering about how people could possibly consider him to be a great point guard with all the errors he made!
I'll leave you with this nugget from David Friedman at the 20 second timeout blog:
"The interesting thing about looking back at these championship series in detail is that there is an inevitable tendency to think that the great players of the past never committed turnovers, never missed shots and never made mental mistakes--but, as Part I made very clear, Bird, Magic and several other future Hall of Famers hardly played perfect basketball in the 1984 Finals. Championship play--not just in basketball but in any competition--is defined not by perfection but by heart and will and determination and the ability to maintain focus in spite of previous errors, bad calls and other real or imagined obstacles."
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | June 06, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Was Ariza MIA? How could Jackson leave him glued to the pine while Pierce continually torched Radman (and others)? Defense and rebounding win titles. Ariza was acquired mainly for his speed, heady play and D, all three qualities sadly lacking by the Lakes in Game 1.
PJ had better wise up soon and start thinking about using Ariza to counteract PP. Otherwise, this series is over in five games.
The Celts are wienies and none are bigger than "Doc" -- but they're going to win this series if the Lakes don't start hammering back.
Posted by: EMLakerFan | June 06, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Repost---sometimes these new threads are a pain
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning Everybody...
Well that didn't go so well did it?---but better than the ass whomping I sort of expected---like some have said, there is still a lot of hope because we played fairly bad and still had a chance to win etc....
To me the biggest factor in the loss was .....wait for it......MISSED FRICKING FREE THROWS! --for the love of all that's good and holy MAKE YOUR FREE THROWS LAKERS !!
and excessive fouling on the other end gave them a lot of free throws and they are a good free throw shooting team---both sides of the free throw issue needs to be addressed....
The other factors obviously, getting out rebounded (especially on the defensive end)---and we reverted to a jump shot shooting team with the shots unfortuanately going in and coming out all night---frickin' Leprechauns !!
EVERY time we ran the pick and roll we scored it seemed, and rather easily---WHY DON'T WE RUN THAT DOWN THEIR THROATS AND UP THEIR ASSES? WHY ? WHY? WHY?
And why for the love of Spam don't we run more screens for Kobe---the team just seems to rely on Kobe creating off the dribble (which he is fairly good at) but sometimes we need to send a series of screens to help him get to the rim---Indiana made that idiot Reggie Miller into an all star by constantly running screens until he was open for his jump shot etc---sort of the same could be done for Kobe with either an open jump shot or a slam dunk being the end result...
Lamar needs to show the hell up on Sunday---I thought Pau played pretty well, though a box out or two would have been helpfull...
MY PREDICTION: WHO EVER WINS ON SUNDAY WILL WIN THE SERIES. Game 2 is crucial to say the least...
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, STILL YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | June 06, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Laker Nation -- Chill out everyone -- It's a long series. These are the same celtic fans now that have been MIA for the past 20 years -- 20 years ago little Johnny was livin with his Maaa in the basement collecting unemploytment and chearing for the Celtics -- then between 1988 and 2007 lttle Johnny was livin with his Maaa in the basement collecting unemploytment and not chearing for the Celtics -- this year fat Johnny is still livin with his Maaa in the basement collecting unemploytment and chearing for the Celtics. Not much has change din 20 years--- Aaaah how you like them apples aaaahhhh --
Posted by: HmrHed | June 06, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Roll call!
Ray Allen - Rajon Rondo - Sam Cassell - Paul Pierce - KG - Posey - PJ Brown - Leon Powe - Doc Rivers
Check!
kobee? where did you go? sasha? lamar? ga-shawl? PJ?
Absent.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Okay, okay, okay. I want to make one thing extremely clear here. Just because we lost one game is no reason to sink to the level of the trolls. Think about it. Why should we lower ourselves by taking stabs at the Celtics?
I mean, sure Cassell's face would lose a beauty contest held for butts, but we only make ourselves look bad by pointing this out.
And of course, we could say Pierce is The Half Truth for faking that injury but that takes away from the fine game he played. Those kind of cheap shots...leave them for the trolls.
Another thing: You won't hear me saying that Danny Ainge looked more attractive when Ceballos threw that towel in his face. What's the point?
I'm actually glad we Laker fans don't sink to the level of the trolls. I know we have ammunition about No-Ring Garnett, and how, without cheating, the Celtics would have maybe only 9 rings. But those kind of sour grapes don't belong here.
I'm tired of hearing bad words associated with the Celts and their fans, like Crybabies and Dirty and Overrated and Uneducated and Backward and Inbred and Hypocritical and Ugly. Let's rise above it.
And finally, I'm as aware as the next guy that the Lakers will eventually win this series. But that's no excuse to gloat. I won't do it.
I just won't.
Posted by: Marty | June 06, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Game 1 of the NBA Finals garnered a 10.4 overnight rating. This has to be considered disapointing and begs the question, is the NBA a particular popular league if a matchup between it's two most storied franchises, coming from markets #2 (Los Angeles) and # 7 (Boston), gets a rating at least %50 lower than than that of of any NFL wildcard game this decade? Note, that ratings for finals tend to go downward after game 1 - until a game a game 6 and certainly a game 7.
While the rating is still relatively high for a finals game 1 - the highest game 1 rating since Pistons/Lakers 2004 - it's only %30 higher than last year's game 1, Spurs/Cavs, a series noted for it's miserable ratings.
Even in Los Angeles, the rating wasn't great in a historical context. A 22.8, down %22 from the 29.3 LA gave game 1 of Detroit/LA.
In Boston, the rating was 22.1. The rating for Red Sox/Rockies world series game 1 in Boston was 49.8.
The national "concern" for the NBA with the ratings are that this could possibly be "as good as it gets" for the league. Unless the New York Knicks somehow became an exciting, star laden, great team that faced the Lakers in the finals, one can't think of a better finals matchup for the NBA..
The confirmation here, is that without any ambiguity, the NBA stuck as the third most popular American team sport after baseball, and is not showing signs of moving up.
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | June 06, 2008 at 10:49 AM
By the way, VERY COOL television spot with Magic and Bird doing the split screen thing!
Posted by: Marty | June 06, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Let's all send our prayers to Paul Pierce and Kendrick Perkins for a swift and speedy recovery.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Anywho,
On a more serious note -- The Lakers have to figure out a way to loosen up the D without another inside scorer -- that will be tough. I'm hoping PJ can come up with something -- come on LO -- this team will be better next year, but there is no time like NOW.
On Pierce -- His nickname is the "Truth" -- but after last night I propose "Moderately Exaggerated" or "Completely Fabricated" -- Hey Pierce, Ronaldo called and he even thought your act was cheesy. Look for KG to go down on Sunday with a compound fracture of both legs and miraculously return in 2 minutes.
Posted by: HmrHed | June 06, 2008 at 10:51 AM
I used to be a fan of "Show Time" ,
but this Laker team will be done in NO TIME !!!!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I love this blog. So many player haters. Ray Allen haters. Paul Pierce haters. When the C's win, I'll be back to remind each and every single one of you bandwagon fanatics of your "C"heapshots.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 10:55 AM
EM,
The biggest Lakers problem last night was not their defense, it was their offense. Ariza's presence would have made the offense worse, and wouldn't have made that big a difference on defense.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 06, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Let's hope Paul Pierce comes back so they can still have their glimmer of hope they will win this series..The Boston Celtics are just full of pansies.
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Hey AK/BK,
Can you block BUTLER? Please? This f*****g *-bag is getting on my last nerve.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | June 06, 2008 at 10:58 AM
AK / BK,
Question -- any word on the Posey (?) foul on Kobe and another foul to the face of another Laker? Aren't those flagrant?
Thanks!
Posted by: teamn | June 06, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Celtics suck! They don't have a chance now that Paul "Pansy" Pierce could be out the next game..I think it's Boston playing "games" again though because they need every advantage they can get..This is Boston's last chance to win..Sam Casselll just got his senior card..Ray Allen is on his last legs.. This is their only hope to win..They suck!
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Doc Rivers? Doc Rivers?? Are you kidding me? This team has no chance with Doc Rivers as the coach.
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 11:02 AM
What's with all of the fake Laker fans?
I bet you Fakers only began to be "fans" 2 weeks before the playoffs started, then became real Laker "fans" when Kobe won the MVP.
The real MVP for the Lakers is the Memphis Grizzlies.
Inglehood in the house.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:02 AM
The only reason Doc Rivers has lasted this long is because he has an assistant who does tough defensive schemes.
Posted by: zen | June 06, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Ko-cry-bay-bee scored 22 points on 25 shots.
MVP!
MVP!
MVP!
Oh, did i mention that the Lakers LOST!!!
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:04 AM
These trolls remind me of how goldfish act when you drop some food in. They swarm around for awhile nibbling, but then they really don't live very long, do they? I'm sure the stench will be gone from the blog in a few days.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 06, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Old man Sam is the Man.
I love it when Sam I Am does the grabbing his nuts walk after hitting a big shot.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I like the way troll talking to himself. KEEP'EM HUNGRY GUYS!!!
Posted by: LAL_Fan | June 06, 2008 at 11:07 AM
i know we lost... and the 4th quarter wasn't very exciting...
but otherwise, that was an amazing game!
i especially loved the duel of the PGs. Derek Fisher really was just saving his best for last.
Gasol and Kobe were an amazing duo, and there was this point before half-time where i thought the Lakers truly had the Celtics figured out. Perhaps they did before the Pierce incident took them out of their zen-state.
The Pierce incident oddly seemed to take more out of the Celtics than the Lakers. As soon as Pierce was injured, Odom misses two freethrows, as if he was deflated at the idea of this series being anything less than legendary.
Yeah, I saw the Perkins thing too. Everybody tries to punk Odom, and oftentimes he punks himself. Hopefully the Odom story-arc has a happy ending.
Posted by: eddie brock | June 06, 2008 at 11:09 AM
DO NOT FEED BUTLER AND STARVE HIM AND GRUNTEE HE WILL GO AWAY..
Posted by: | June 06, 2008 at 11:10 AM
zen is a player hater.
Promote Doc's assistant I say.
Oh, did i mention that Lakers' LOST?
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Let's go C is hungry.
Hungry for fairweather Laker fans who's pampered butts hurt from riding the bandwagon for one full season.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Me like trolls.
Me like wanna-kobee Laker fans who do nothing but whine and make excuses.
Me like seeing the C's "C"ancel the Lakers.
Me like this blog full of prissy La-La fans from West Hollywood?
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:17 AM
It's always funny to see the trolls come out after their teams win. Like the Butler guy... he has like 1000 post about what an excellent job his team did on the Lakers. The series is not over and when the Lakers crush the Celtics in game 2 he'll just disappear. Butler the Keyboard Warrior.... So mighty.
Posted by: lakerfever | June 06, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Sooooo many cry-bay-kobees.
"I don't like what this guys' saying, please block the M-fudger"
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:20 AM
BUTLER;
"It may be time to admit the obvious - kobee could really use SHACK in this series.
SHACK rebounds, which Ga-Shawl and lamar do not. And SHACK is a physical man, whereas the laker bigs would rather jump shoot than play inside.
SHACK offered everything that kobee needs. But kobee needed more. He needed to lose a Finals on his own, without SHACK."
Actually, he'd fit in pretty well with you guys. Bunch of aging veterans selling their souls for a title. He'll give you lots of drama, not unlike pierce last night. And if the suns lose two in a row, he may ask for a trade which means he may be available.
Posted by: machiavelly | June 06, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Let's see - how long will it take for the zen master to adjust and teach his bigs to rebound?
Or teach his guards how to play in a Finals? They need to check out some film of Rondo or Cassell or GNASH and learn a thing or two - quick!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Posted by: Let's go C's!
"Oh, did i mention that the Lakers LOST!!!"
uuh.. yea..
here's guessing you weren't at the harvard graduation ceremonies this week. did i mention that i don't think you were at the harvard graduation ceremonies?
Posted by: machiavelly | June 06, 2008 at 11:27 AM
The lakers do have the Celtics figured out. I won't lie, but the injury itself got me out of whack when it happened. I did not even know how to feel, so I can imagine what it did to the lakers, plus it was on their homecourt. if that happened in LA, no way we lose our focus. But the Lakers do have the Celtics figure out, Kobe just have to make his shots. He had like five of his shots rimmed out.
I really hope that Phil has Kobe and Ariza on the court at the same time to guard Ray and Pierce. Phil should have had Ariza out there when Pierce started to get hot. I don think we can have Kobe chasing Allen alll day long. That is why I wouldn't mind if PJ starts Ariza over Vlad. If not he should give those two playing time together on the court (Kobe and Ariza).
I understand Ariza hasn't played in awhile, but we need a defensive guy because we can't defend Ray and Paul without having one player solely geared to play defense like the role Bruce Bowen has with the spurs. Im basically saying I will give up some offense for some defense, in this series anyways.
Posted by: wow | June 06, 2008 at 11:27 AM
10milliondollarzen,
They started the finals on a Thursday night at 5:30 on the West
coast and end a little after 8. That's why the ratings were so
low.
I know I didn't even get off work until 8, so all I got to see was
half of the 4th quarter.
They should have started it Sunday afternoon. I know that
would have been a quick turnaround from the end of the
Boston Detroit series, but if you want ratings, you've gotta
show the program when people can watch it.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 06, 2008 at 11:29 AM
lakerfever
C's win, who-who!
Laker's lose, doh!
Blue Cheese or Gouda with your Whine?
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:29 AM
- To state the obvious, Game 2 is a MUST WIN.
- When I saw Lamar's scared Billy Idol half smile on his face to start the game, I knew he was going to struggle. He had that same look in game 1 against the Spurs, and played like a nervous wreck. The good news is, he rebounded in game 2 and turned in several clutch performances in that series.
- If the refs are going to allow contact in the paint, why call those inconsequential fouls 30 feet from the basket?? I've always admired Dick Bivetta, but he has turned too senile to ref an NBA game. These tenured refs remind me of allowing 90 year olds to retain their drivers license without being retested. Dick needs to retire before there is an accident.
- All those shots that rimmed in and out for Kobe will fall in game 2.
- Paul Pierce's pathetic response to his um, "injury" easily made my top 5 in my Milwaukee Best Giant Beer Can NBA moments, just behind DWade's bawling for his mommie incident when he injured his shoulder. At least DWade was seriously injured.
- Luke is the king of garbage time. Against bad defenses, he will shine. Against good defenses, he will struggle. It’s a simple formula. Boston is the best defense in the league. Should Luke be getting minutes? You figure it out.
- Boston struggled against Atlanta because of Atlanta’s youth and athleticism. Playing Ariza over Luke would be a big lift for us. I can understand being hesitant to play Ariza (after the long layoff) against the likes of Peirce and Allen, but at least give him some minutes against 50 year old Sam Cassell for cryin out loud..
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | June 06, 2008 at 11:30 AM
wow,
Lakers' sure have my my beloved C's figured out.
Oh, did I mention that Lakers' lost?
Here's the C's defensive stragegy. Let kobe do all of the shooting and guard everyone else. I believe the 2004 Piston's deployed the same strategy and Kobe won the Finals MVP for Detroit.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | June 06, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Laker Truth,
Paul Pierce's injury is as serious as Ko_crybaby's alleged pinky injury which required dire surgury. I believe the surgeon who made the "professional" recommendation received a nice "consulting fee" for this services.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Butler...congratulations!!!
You have elevated your "blog" to the point that we can scroll right past you, because it is evident you have nothing worth saying. You post like you are in first grade! I don't know, maybe you are. If so, I commend you on your spelling.
Hats off to the posters who can look at a game, and a series, objectively and contribute thoughtful comments.
Posted by: spokanlakerfan | June 06, 2008 at 11:36 AM
The last game was a good reality test for some Lakers bloggers who unrealistically thought we would sweep. I think it will go something like this the rest of the way:
Game #2 Lakers win in a close game after having a big lead.
Game #3 Lakers win by 8-12 points
Game #4 Celtics win in a game like game #1 beating us on the boards
Game #5 Lakers win in a blowout
Game #6 Lakers win in a squeeker
This is all dependent upon everyone staying healthy. If Pierce doesn't play, the Celts don't sniff another win. If Perkins is out, it doesn't matter. He's a slow thug with no skills anyway.
Posted by: rdlee | June 06, 2008 at 11:40 AM
How about the play of Ray Allen?
I had no idea he could D up kobee so well. His shot was on, he played inside, and he contributed in all areas of the game - steals, blocks, rebounds, assists, points.
Cheers to Ray !
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Thanks for your prayers, Californians!
Paul Pierce will be playing in Game 2.
Go ahead, it's ok to cry.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 11:43 AM
"Oh, did I mention that Lakers' lost?
Here's the C's defensive stragegy. Let kobe do all of the shooting and guard everyone else. I believe the 2004 Piston's deployed the same strategy and Kobe won the Finals MVP for Detroit.
Posted by: Let's go C's!"
1) ok ima spell it out for you: y-e-s, y-o-u d-i-d m-e-n-t-i-o-n t-h-a-t t-h-e l-a-k-e-r-s l-o-s-t
2) as to the C's "defensive strategy", good luck with that. kobe ain't lebron.. he can shoot. you'll find out
3) Kobe never played for detroit, never won an finals mvp, and therefore never "won the Finals MVP for Detroit"
Posted by: machiavelly | June 06, 2008 at 11:43 AM
spokanlakerfan
Please scroll past my writing as well. Man, you sore losers sure smell bad.
I'll be around until game 6 when your Lakers lose at the Garden.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Kobe is real easy to defend....let him shot, shot and shot some more. Back off a little and let him shot jumpshots all day, every day and twice on sunday.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Guys - the trolls have been identified & wounded. Please proceed to the "starve" phase of the process!
I LOVE our chances on Sunday! Game 2 is ours for the taking, then no way we lose at home! The Meanie Greenie Weenies have given us their best shot & barely squeeked out a win - Lakers on the other hand had sub-par performances from most guys and were in it all the way - 'nuf said.
On another note - I didn't know ET had an older brother who played B-ball.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 06, 2008 at 11:47 AM
rdlee-iculous
Your assessment is, with all due disrespect, "ridiculous"?
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:47 AM
OK K BROS...enough is enough...boot this little ****head BUTLER out. i don't even want to read the posts anymore because every other one is diarrhea from his mouth. It's creating a chilling effect on the blog. exercise your authority please.
Posted by: chick penberthy | June 06, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Let's go C's,
I used to be one of those bloggers that would go back and forth with someone when they challenge me. But I am too old for that now. I make my point and leave it alone. You can take it or leave it. Just be happy you man got injured and recovered fast. I don't think Paul would be so stupid to act injured and then come back like he was really injured.
Like I said I wont go back and forth and let the lakers game plan speak for itself. Don't forget they were only down by four the last 4mins. They had you guys right there.
And don't forget that your team was in the panalty at least in the 6 mins mack during the last three periods of the game. That was another factor that made the laker lose. We put the C's in the panalty way too early.
Posted by: wow | June 06, 2008 at 11:49 AM
As a longtimed Laker fan, how do I assess the loss on the road to Championship?
The sky may have fallen on the first game but the good thing there are still three more games to redeem our chances and if they win on Sunday, it will be best of five series.
Avid fans often speculate of dynasty and immediate Championship in forums or when they’re in company of two or three fans at parties or during coffee breaks at the office, projecting a rosy scenario in 2008 and years hence. At times, it is just a wishful thinking with wandering assumptions without any clear cut evidences that this team is ready to dominate ALL teams in the playoffs. We give too much credence on hearsay and loose talk without verifiable results. "I am guilty of it and one of them." Of course, it is just the first game and there are still several tests in the offing. Dreaming dynasty at the onset is like charting the future of a first born of his future accomplishments with the highest and optimistic expectations beyond the realms of reality. Present situations are ignored that he is just a baby sucking milk but as proud parents we acquiescence the future before he walks, talks and acquires skill. Success needs the test of time, the acquisition of skills, the formation of right attitudes such as courage, perseverance, develop good habits that leads to perfection. When it is all said and done our baby needs to be lucky too and possesses the strong willpower to confront challenges along the way.
This is what I saw with our Lakers in these Finals. They are the best team in the West but they lacked courage, perseverance and determination to give their best in their first game against Celtics on the road. Sadly, immaturity lurks in, again on some players, witnessed the usual flair of braggadocio like their fans but come up short in actual test. We saw lackadaisical attitude like the tinges of the past that: 1). They’re short of extra efforts on rebounds, 2). Lack hustle plays in grabbing balls, 3) failed to help teammates on defensive assignments, 4) lack of courage to shoot the ball when given an assist 5) slow in getting back on transition defense, 6) control the post without incurring any fouls, 7) get one more offensive rebound to increase 2nd or 3rd chances, 8) sink those free throws, 9) lead the team to highest percentage shots, 10) implement defense by committee and/or rebound by committee to support ones or others inadequacies, 11) good defense that could alter shots of opposing shooters at the allotted time. These attitudes are perfected in practice sessions after long layoffs by reviewing tapes, honing skills, communicating to one another to deliver it during the performance. Those are the little things needed to attain success. Paraphrasing Sir Winston Churchill, he said: “It is no use saying, ‘we are doing our best,’ you have to succeed in doing what is necessary.” Whether we are in the 60's, 80's or in the Internet age, this kind of attitude don’t change, hard work and cunning smartness lead to success in any kind of profession. Premature celebration and going for the hoopla without the meat ready leads to failure on a big game day.
We will often hear, Game 1 is history and the Sunday's game is the future. If our players refuses to confront these issues entrusted upon them as an individual of finding cure on shortcomings and solve problem as a team by exchanging notes and ways to stop KG, Allen and Pierce rather than blaming themselves, if they don’t do those homework, then they are bound to commit the same old mistakes all over again. An old baseball adage say, “you can’t steal second base and keep one foot on first.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 06, 2008 at 11:50 AM
machiavelly
Kobe won the unofficial Finals MVP for Detroit by shooting the Lakers out of contention. In my book Detroit does not have an MVP because they play as a unit. Therefore, i deduce that Kobe is the true 2004 Finals MVP for shooting the Lakers out of 4 championships in 5 years.
I believe Phil Jackson, Shaq O'Neal, Karl Malone, Derek Fisher, Robert Horry, Rick Foxxy and Gary Payton were so happy with Kobe that they all left the Lakers after 2004.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Wow. The blog went downhill fast. It's like a warzone with bodies and explosions everywhere. Not entirely unexpected but it's nice that the casualties are contained to needlessly myopic Laker fans and the only bombs are being thrown by trolls.
The Lakers didn't play like "crap" or "horrible". Their easy missed shots weren't the reason why they lost. They actually took care of the ball and won the turnover battle. They didn't challenge Boston's inside presence. They didn't recognize that the refs were calling fouls on Boston in direct contrast to the Spurs series. Boston intimidating LA into taking jump shots is what kept them in the game. Their emotion swung the advantage in their favor. And LA playing Kobe-ball down the stretch was easy to defend.
Boston didn't look invincible on their home floor and LA spent so much time surveying the scene, gathering information and testing the water that they didn't realize it was a winnable game until too late.
I don't think that LA is going to win the rebound battle but they can work to keep the descrepency manageable. The worst thing they can do in game 2 is not come out aggressive. There's a fine line between not being worried and being passive. I love the energy that LA showed early on in game 4 where they beat San Antonio to every loose ball. That's what I'd like to see in Game 2.
Boston is an emotionally up and down team. The way to rip their hearts out is to show that their vaunted defense can't stop LA from scoring. The way to do that is to attack the defense and exploit Boston's undisciplined fouling. LA needs to put the ball in the basket or get to the free throw line every time down the floor.
Posted by: lakers_sth | June 06, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Chick Penberthy (and others who've asked),
We're not going to boot "Butler" or a Celtics fan simply for rampant anti-Laker chatter. Being a Lakers fan is not a prerequisite for commenting on this blog. Smack talking is part of the sports culture and should be expected. If you don't like what he (or anyone like him) is saying, don't egg him by responding and simply scroll past him. It's not that hard and it's the fairest way of handling the situation.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 06, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Okay sore losers, I've had fun fighting with you today. I'll leave you with a clip of the " most ridiculous fight ever filmed"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NI6iu7e91Y
I'll be back trolling after Sunday's beat down in in bean town.
Let's go C's!
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 12:02 PM
May the best one win!
Pierce felt a POP in his knee? And it's true. It happens to me sometimes, just standing into place and wanting to turn and POP, man it hurts! Can't walk for about 1 minute or 2. Than, all pain is gone. What is the cause? IDK never had my knees checked out and I don't wanna know. But I know how it feels, it's like a knife going right through it.
So as for the game, these 2 teams gave us a debut of a battle. Except I saw some real nice throws being missed, nice occasion to steel that never happened. As for Lakers, they foul a lot and that's how they win most of their games. Faking touches by OVER reacting the pain, yes they do, Game 4 with Spurs, remember Sasha, (OMG!) the big spun and hand in the face, What did hit him? a hammer, NO a PINKY!. Them too they over react in front on the camera. C'MON!
So May the BEST team of best players WIN!
GOOD LUCK GENTLEMEN.
Posted by: Zone | June 06, 2008 at 12:03 PM
letsgoc
it's just game 1...it's not like you already won the whole thing...you've got a long, long way to go...
Posted by: jgc711 | June 06, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Okay sore losers, I've had fun fighting with you today. I'll leave you with a clip of the " most ridiculous fight ever filmed"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NI6iu7e91Y
I'll be back trolling after Sunday's beat down in in bean town by my Celtics.
Let's go C's!
P.S. Mr "wow" I can respect your position. Good luck on Sunday, it'll be another classic Boston-LA mix up.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 06, 2008 at 12:07 PM
the best thing that happened with this loss is the coaching staff will be able to assess the whole scenario...they will be able to find out where they are lacking and where they need to improve...have faith in pj and company...he's one of the best in the business...
Posted by: jgc711 | June 06, 2008 at 12:10 PM
"
Chick Penberthy (and others who've asked),
We're not going to boot "Butler" or a Celtics fan simply for rampant anti-Laker chatter. Being a Lakers fan is not a prerequisite for commenting on this blog. Smack talking is part of the sports culture and should be expected. If you don't like what he's (or anyone like him) is saying, don't egg him by responding and simply scroll past him. It's not that hard and it's the fairest way of handling the situation.
AK"
My thanks to the moderators who allow a free-speech board. I am impressed that here is a venue that upholds the principles of a free press, the very foundation of America.
BTW, I am here in part because of the similar treatment we SUNS fans took last season when several laker fans trash-talked on the PHX SUNS boards. And people such as Mamba24 and Pig Miller continue to haunt our boards for some reason.
Thus my interest in a laker downfall. One thing you have to admit - laker fans are among the most arrogant and cocky of all fans. Thus, they really do invite some trash talk when things don't go their way.
Now, how about that Paul Pierce? Even Michael Jordan was impressed!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 12:10 PM
thanks for the quick response AK...
my tolerance for spirited debate and expressing divergent points of view is high. what is going on here is neither. my tolerance for the type of posting thats going on here is low. it has ZERO inherant value and the lowest form of smack.
Its your blog and your rules and i respect that. maybe i'm alone here but i find myself not wanting to read the blog when its filled with this sort of drivel.
thanks for all your guys' hard work,
chick penberthy
Posted by: chick penberthy | June 06, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Maybe I'm soft. Maybe it's because Pierce and I grew up in Inglewood at the same time. Or maybe it's just that I don't want the Lakers to win because of a key injury to the opposing team. But I really hoped Pierce wasn't injured seriously when he went down. My gf was surprised at my reaction. I guess I've been a fan long enough to know how seeing a key player go down like that just rips your heart out. Pierce looked like Bynum did clutching his knee and I was there at Staples watching that Memphis game, feeling the collective heartbreak of the crowd. If the Lakers can't beat a Boston team that's full strength (even though we're missing Bynum) then they don't deserve to win this year.
Posted by: lakers_sth | June 06, 2008 at 12:12 PM
James 1: 2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
It wasn't bad enough that the Lakers lost Game 1.
It wasn't bad enough that Paul Pierce did a full blown Willis Reed impersonation to give the green guys an extra shot of mojo.
It wasn't Luke's horrendous play that got me (OK...that was a BIG part of it!)
It wasn't Kobe's Detroit flashback induced shooting that sent me over the edge.
What sent me over the moon was the CHARACTER - or TREMENDOUS LACK THEREOF by certain members of this family during the Official Game Blog.
I have never seen a more faithless and disgraceful bunch of posers in my life.
I am not talking about the Blog Patriarchs - Faith, Mamba, LakerTom, Edwin, Jon K., heck why am I name dropping. Y'all know I ain't talking to you!
I'm talking to the posers who kept muttering TRADE PAU GASOL. The in-house trolls who kept calling him PAULA. The FAKERS amongst us who put the game in the refridgerator with 5 MINUTES LEFT!
WHERE IS YOUR FAITH!
WHERE IS YOUR STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE!
When the sun is shining, it's WE'RE #1, KOBE IS GOD, etc!
One slight hint of adversity and you fold like a cheap beach chair!
I can channel into the windows of Heaven and pray till I'm blue in the face. I can type the most eloquent and specific of instructions that I would like to see God bestow on our guys. I can praise Him till I'm blue in the face...
But, COME GAMETIME, if I don't maintain that postive energy and uplifted spirit, my prayers mean nothing. My words are empty. I'm wasting my time.
We started yesterday on CONFIDENCE AND FAITH.
We ended last night ARGUING AND CUSSING AT ONE ANOTHER!
IS THIS THE HEART AND THE SPIRIT OF TRUE CHAMPIONS???
Go back and read Mamba's Pledge of Laker Allegiance. WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS. WINNERS OF 14 CHAMPIONSHIPS AND, DESPITE LAST NIGHT'S LOST, WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO #15!
We know advesity! Paul Pierce's injury is not new to us. Andrew Bynum had THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO HIM! While Pierce ran back onto the court to get 1 shot of glory, AB walked to rehab - to get YEARS AND YEARS of glory.
Kobe yoked up 26 (mostly ill advised) shots full of adrenaline, jitters and that pesky desire to prove himself that got him in trouble 4 years ago and beyond. We know the results of his actions 4 years ago. We know the suffering we had to go through till he learned his lessons. A year ago he was ready to throw in the towel. But he ENDURED. HE PERSERVERED. And look at where God has brought him now.
My prayer for Kobe today: CHILLAX! You don't need to force your game, brother! You ARE the game. It is YOU. Let it breathe. Let it come to you. Conquer your fears and rise above this. You CAN LEAD US TO 4 STRAIGHT WINS. THE DOOR IS OPEN. THE SEEDS ARE IN PLACE. LET'S GO!
Pau will take this loss and discover that the same thing it took for him to conquer TD, it's gonna take the same thing to conquer KG.
LO knows what he has to do.
D-Fish knows what he has to do.
Hopefully Phil knows that now is the time to play Ariza instead of Luke.
AND WE KNOW WHAT WE MUST DO!
We have endured Butlers, Stevens, Tarugos, LA Guys, Sonnys, Cellos and every sort of troll known to man. Red's Love Child and his ilk are NO DIFFERENT!
BE ENCOURAGED!
STAY POSITIVE!
NO CURSING AND CRITICIZING YOUR TEAM ON OFFICIAL GAME BLOGS!
NO MATTER WHO LEADS AT THE END OF THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD QUARTERS, STAY POSITIVE! THE BATTLE IS NOT OVER UNTIL ONE TEAM WINS 4 GAMES!
Rick Friedman called it. THIS IS OUR TEAM, OUR TIME, OUR MOMENT, OUR DESTINY!
IT IS STILL ALREADY DONE!
BELIEVE IT!
KNOW IT!
...and if you don't believe or refuse to know, Clippers Blog kicks off in September. Go root them on.
LA TIMES LAKERS BLOG - NO POSERS ALLOWED!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 06, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Keep the trolls around, it will make our winning the championship so much sweeter.
I always believed Kobe would win another chip. I know many hear did/do too.
So answer this. Who would've bet against Jordan in any of his last 3 championships? No one right? Well that's the way I feel about this team.
No way, no how, no chance Kobe loses this. And no way was last night's game demoralizing by any stretch. The C's won't show it, but there's self doubt after last nights game. Considering the strong favoritism to the home team throughout the playoffs so far, it really should have been no contest for the Cs last night if they wanted to make a statement.
The Lakers are going to be champions in two weeks. Count on it.
We'll see you then Butler and Let's Go Cs
oh yea and paul pierce? Man I have kind of been thinking throughout watching the Cs play in these playoffs that he's a bit of a drama queen. Last night really capped it off. What a p**sy
Posted by: S.Tan | June 06, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Hey Marty well said.You say the Celtics would have only 9 rings without cheating? well by the sounds of it thats about all theyve got anyway...did you read that article that said they only gave an actual physical ring to a player if it was his first championship season for the celtics...
what was that about cheap?
Let it be said here that each and ever laker player will receive a ring early next season..yes even Kobe and Fisher who shouldnt be excluded for winning before.
The lakers will win this series - Phil and Kobe are just too good not to find a way to for Kobe to beat them.Things simply didnt go our way at times crucial moments in this game but theres nothing there to say we are not capable of winning in Boston.
The only thing that really concerns me is how out of synch we got both offensively and defensively the last minutes...but Im guessing this wont happen again.
Its always tough being the favoured team without home court advantage particularly if its your first year in contention.I still say lakers in six...maybe even 5.For one reason or another each member of that big three is shaky.Its there for Kobe to take control of.
Posted by: Kiwi | June 06, 2008 at 12:17 PM
HEY BUTLER aka KLBeast,
I knew you will post again as soon as the Lakers lose a game. Where were you when the Lakers beat the Spurs? You were gone for almost a week. I guess that will be your last post for the year because that will be the last time the Celtics will win a game again. You're not even a Celtics fan, only a basketball fan who hates the Lakers so much.
By next week you will be GONE (back) FISHING again.
Posted by: dacsila | June 06, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Lakers will win the next 4 games... Quote me on that
Posted by: Gino | June 06, 2008 at 12:26 PM
What a shame....Paul Pierce faking an injury just to be copy cat of Willis Reed. How can you be wheeled in a wheel chair and came back in 2 minutes and be able to play again? Paul you should be ashamed for what you did to your fellow Los Angelinian!
Posted by: dacsila | June 06, 2008 at 12:27 PM
"I don't know, I heard a pop" -- Pierce that wasn't your knee -- you were having flashbacks to you "gangsta" days --- frikin loser --hahaha.
Posted by: HmrHed | June 06, 2008 at 12:28 PM
We have to hand it to Doc Rivers for making the crucial adjustments at the half.
I noticed that the lakers looked very amused and in a party mood during the halftime cam. Like it was in the bag.
The Celts on the other hand, looked serious and determined.
Look what happened in the 2nd half.
Doc Rivers might just be the coach to break Red A's record 10 titles.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 06, 2008 at 12:29 PM
c,mon laker fans. it will not be easy but we are going to win it all. for either team to hink sweep is DDD. love carlos, boston forever in my heart.
Posted by: go celts | June 06, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Oh, it's my long-lost b*stard cousin, "Let's go C's"
Where have you been. We've been looking for you. You've been missing for 22 years now!! What have you been up to in that time. Let me update you on what we've been up to:
Playoffs 21 out of 22 years
9 Finals appearances
Soon to be 6 CHAMPIONSHIPS!!
5 MVPs, numerous hall-of-famers to-be...
Hall-of-fame coaches...
And now you win ONE game, let me repeat, ONE game at home that you were supposed to win anyway, and all of a sudden you come out of your 22 year coma??
Give me a break!!
Lakers in 5...
Posted by: Long Live Chick | June 06, 2008 at 12:30 PM