Our blog can beat up your blog
With Finals Fever! in full swing, we thought it might be fun to check in with our doppelgangers over at the Boston Globe, who collectively run the Celtics Blog for the Interweb version of that rag. (They tell me it's a major paper. I've never heard of it.) Each day both blogs will address a topic of major import, and while we might not equal the epic blog vs. blog throwdowns of the Magic/Bird days, we'll do our best. Blog-o y blog-o. Feel free to comment. (Full disclosure: I envy their font...)
Today's topic: Can the Celtics stop Kobe Bryant? Thanks to Gary Dzen of the Globe for his response. Mine follows right behind it.
BK
GARY DZEN: BOSTON GLOBE
The Celtics can stop Kobe Bryant. They already have.
In the previous two meetings this season between the Lakers and Celtics, the C's held the league's MVP to 9-of-21 shooting in Boston (28 points, 3 assists) and 6-of-25 shooting in Los Angeles (22 points, 6 rebounds). Not exactly domination.
Look. No one is going to truly stop Bryant. He's the league's most dangerous player, capable of taking over a game by himself. Kobe can average 30 points per game this series -- it would be a surprise if he didn't. He's the best player in the Finals, hands down. But the Celtics have proven they can limit both Bryant's points and his ability to get others involved.
The Celtics have already been through this. Remember LeBron James? The 23-year-old dynamo was supposed to run ragged over the Celtics defense because the Celtics did not have an individual answer for him. And while James averaged almost 27 points per game against the Celtics in the conference semifinals, Cleveland couldn't get over the hump. In fact, James' best individual game (45 points, 6 assists in Game 7) was a Cavaliers loss, propelling the Celtics to the next round.
Defense wins championships, and the Celtics have been the NBA's best defensive team all season. In the playoffs, Boston is holding opponents to 87.3 points per game on 42 percent shooting (by contrast, the Lakers are allowing 99.5 points on 43 percent shooting).
Kevin Garnett was the league's defensive MVP, but the Celtics' D thrives as a unit. Kobe will see Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and James Posey on the perimeter. When Bryant drives, he'll meet Garnett and Perkins in the middle. And the Celtics finish their rotations better than any other team, meaning Bryant won't be able to pick apart the defense by finding open teammates every time down.
So give Kobe his 30. But don't expect that to be enough. And if you're expecting 50 from the league's MVP, think again. These aren't Larry Bird's Celtics. They're better, at least on the defensive side of the ball.
BRIAN KAMENETZKY: LAT (Really, at this point should I have to explain that?)
Short answer? No. But don't feel bad, nobody can. The better question is should they?
It's been my contention that one of the greatest mistakes an opposing team can make is to overplay Kobe, and focus their attention on shutting him down. First of all, it's hard to do. He has been able to kick it into another gear that most teams can't handle, even when they throw bodies at him. But more importantly, the Lakers offense is far more efficient and effective when Kobe is able to distribute as well as score. The days of Kobe consistently working to beat double and triple teams while the rest of his guys hang out and scope the crowd for a-listers are over. Always a good passer, Kobe has done a great job this season of recognizing that the extra man is coming, and delivering a pass to the open man. Because the Lakers are, as a team, such good passers, that almost always leaves them with space to run their offense and find an open shot. When they play well offensively, they get to the rack and create looks in rhythm, leading to more made baskets and better defense on the other end (transition D isn't a strong suit).
Instead, I think the Celtics would be better off playing the Lakers as straight as possible, trying to make Kobe one-dimensional. Don't give him the opportunity to be a scorer and a distributor. Make him take the bulk of the shots and cut off the angles he'll get off doubles to feed Gasol and Odom for easy trips to the hoop. Besides, even with double teams, Kobe still can rack up points if he's on.
While the Spurs didn't get crazy on Kobe, they did do something that the Celtics would be wise to emulate - that would be keeping him off the free-throw line. They conceded a lot of buckets that might have otherwise turned into and-ones, and in this case discretion turned out to be the better part of valor. Keeping Bryant off the line can be the difference between him dropping "only" 30 and blowing up for 45.
To a large extent, with the Lakers you have to pick your poison. It always looks bad to see Kobe shred a defense, but if he takes 35 shots, the Lakers are less likely to win. When they get balance, they're almost impossible to stop.
The comparisons to Lebron are invalid. They backed off of him, daring him to shoot from distance. And he didn't come through.
Try that with Mamba. I fing dare them to. Please, go under the screens and concede the shot....
Posted by: karyanr | June 02, 2008 at 10:00 PM
What a fantastic idea! Thank for doing this, guys.
There's no way anyone on this team can stop Kobe. It's not going to matter, though - because Kobe isn't going to score a ridiculous amount of points. Kobe will score a ton of points in exactly one game (either the first or the last) and spend the other four games tossing lobs to Gasol and dishing to Sasha and Fisher for wide-open threes.
What the Celtics may or may not have done to LeBron has no bearing on this series for two important reasons: 1) Kobe can hit jumpers and 2) Kobe has people to pass the ball to who can hit jumpers.
The thing that is going to kill the Celtics, the thing they have no answer for is well-executed team basketball. The Celtics seem to think that they will defend their way to a title, but we've already gone through the Jazz and the Spurs and their much-touted defenses. The fact is, the Celtics aren't going to score enough points to make this a series.
Posted by: SBPimp | June 02, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Forget stopping Kobe - the Celtics have to find a way to close games out. They look afraid to shoot and are vulnerable to turnovers in crunch time. That coupled with Bryant's ability to dominate in crunch time is a bad combination for Boston. The Lakers have to ensure the first 40 minutes of the game are close - that's the big difference. Boston's "big 3" have to try & do it themselves fro 48 minutes.
Posted by: Stan Darsh | June 02, 2008 at 10:23 PM
WAKE UP LA FAKERS FANS. GET OFF YOUR BUT AND DO SOMETHING FOR A CHANGE!!! I've been doing dome highly sophisitcated investigative GOOGLE work myself. Check out the following website which demonstrates how terrible the WWFNBA can be and how the Fakers fans can be insurmountably in denial about their success:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKZa_Tpa1qA&feature=related
YOU SHOULDNPT EVEN BE IN THE FINALS. If you win it all you shouldn't be happy and should experience a little compunction. Good night. I hope you sleep...........not well.
Posted by: Engineero | June 02, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Seriously,
what's it going to take for these guys to realize that no one is stopping Kobe Bryant.
Its as blasphemous as saying Kobe is better than MJ.
Any time Kobe doesnt go off on you, you count it as lucky.
Are the Celtics really cocky enough to think they played some "Big" role in stopping Kobe?
Do they really think "stopping" LeBron James is the same as stopping Kobe Bryant?
I just heard Paul Pierce say they are going to be physical with Kobe.
OK, foul him 8 times a game AND let him drop 35 on you.
After this series, every Boston dumbaz..err..fan will realize that you dont stop Kobe.
That's just dumb. And for a actual "blog editor" to think it's possible with this great D that let JOE JOHNSON kill them it's just dumb..
Posted by: Korey | June 02, 2008 at 10:25 PM
the boston bloggers page looks tiring to read. in layman's term, it sucks.
and yes, kobe-wan-kenobi can't be stopped even with the combined effort ray allen, paul pierce won't do any good. :) unlike lebron, kobe doesn't have to take it off after going past ray/paul/whoever gursd him, rather he'd pull up a jumperand score.
Posted by: erick_truelakerfan | June 02, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Kambros,
I second SBPimp. Great idea. And we really really needed something. LOL. Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 02, 2008 at 10:35 PM
The difference maker in this series will be KOBE. There's nobody in Boston who will take charge if the GOINGS GET TOUGH, Garnet will never take the last shot if the game is on the line, so does Allen nor Pierce. If you need someone to take the winning shots, who do you wanna call?KOBEBUSTER!
Posted by: dacsila | June 02, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Wow! Is that the best Boston can do? They must be kidding.
When the Celtics met the Lakers in the regular season, L.A. had yet to hit its stride. In fact, the Lakers only really hit their stride in the two or three weeks before the Playoffs began.
What the Celtics did earlier counts for squat -- or, to make it a Boston reference -- doesn't count for a hill of beans.
I'm glad Boston is feeling so smug. Their blog writer suffers from some sort of delusion. Even if they hold Kobe to 30 (good luck on that!), the Lakers still win. Whether its Lamar, Vlad, Fish, or Sasha, someone else on the Lakers nearly always steps up.
As far as LBJ goes (1) he's not Kobe; (2) Kobe has a real team while LBJ was running a one man show. LBJ had a chance to close the Cavs' last game; he didn't. Kobe reminded us of what he can do in that last game against the Spurs.
As far as Defense goes, did the Boston writer watch any of the 'Western Conference Finals? That was pretty lock-down Defense by the Lakers to me. As far as the Celtics defense goes, they've yet to face the Lakers as the team they have become.
Am I saying this series is a "gimme?" Hell, no. The series will be hard fought and anyone who bets the house, the ranch and the dog on either team is fooling themselves. Both teams are worthy Conference champions. But Boston's smugness makes me laugh. The Lakers know how big a job they have. And they'll get the job done. This is our team. This is our year. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 02, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Engineero,
so sorry that you are a Jazz fan and a very sore loser...
How's fishing and the polygamist cases doing?
Posted by: Zoilesque | June 02, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Equally important question: can they stop D-Fish?
Everybody will concede that the Lakers have the upper hand at the 2 and 5 slots, while the Celtics are stronger at the 3 and 4 slots. Which makes the PG match ups crucial.
Fish is a proven experienced player who will eat Rondo for breakfast at both ends of the court. And just when Rondo is tired from getting outplayed, in comes speed merchant Farmar who will run him even more ragged. House? Cassell? Don't make me laugh. And forget about sending Allen or any 2-guard over for help - that would leave a certain Mamba uncovered or set up a rotation where one of our bigs is open.
Mark my words - Kobe will win the MVP cause he has to and deserves it, but its D-Fish that will be the difference maker. Lakers in 6.
Posted by: Jay Jay | June 02, 2008 at 11:21 PM
AK/BK ~
Dudes, your blog totally kicks their blog's @$$ !! Not even close.
Wait, that WAS the question, right?...
And oh, yeah, nobody stops the Mamba. Not this year. Probably not next year OR the next one either. And that's the big reason why being a member of Laker Nation also kicks @$$ !! Resistance is indeed futile.
Mamba24, I am in desperate need of a seat on the "Punch the Big Ticket" bandwagon. And any of the others that you deem necessary. Many thanks.
Our team, Our time, Our trophy !!
ALREADY DONE !
Posted by: Happy Camper | June 02, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Knock yourselves out:
http://www.nba.com/news/kobe_ultimate.html
Posted by: mel | June 02, 2008 at 11:27 PM
If Kobe played within the game plans designed by PJ (involve his teammates, tough defense and not making careless pass), Lakers will prevail as predicted by most ESPN analysts. Kobe will, as always, rise up and dominate the opposing team when needed, especially in the 4th quarter like last Thursday when he ripped the Spurs's heart with assorted timely shots.
Kobe's teammate must hit the open shots to prevent the C from clogging the lane when Kobe has the ball.
Celtics' team defense described in the blog is overrated! The Spurs' defense were much better than the C. Lack of production from Manu did minimize the Spurs chance of extending the series against the Lakers to the max.
If Ariza's health is sound, he should be able to contain the MVP of the C, Paul Pierce. I doubt that KG and R Allen can carry the C after Pierce is struggling against the underrated Lakers' defense.
And please, Duncan is more fundamentally sound offensively and defensively than the reigning defensive player of the year, KG. He did exceptionally well against R'Sheed but no way he can contain the frontline of the Lakers!
Posted by: Wallace | June 02, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Boston to be physical with Kobe? Puh-leaze! Do they have anybody as dirty as Raja Bell? Or as tough as Bruce Bowen? Can they produce a physically demanding team defense as Utah?
Boston's only chance is to get a big lead late. If the game is close going to the last 5 minutes, all those Celtic big game regular season players know that Kobe will eat them alive while they choke.
Belated Newsflash!! Boston sells Babe Ruth to New York. Jumpstarts Yankees Dynasty.
Not so belated Newsflash!! Memphis sell Pau Gasol to Los Angeles. Jumpstarts . . . . .
Posted by: p ang | June 02, 2008 at 11:52 PM
Did that guy really say these celtics are better than the celtics of the 80's? THEY AINT WON NOTHIN'! These celtics are a bunch of guys who got lucky to be put together(like us) but aren't really a team(unlike us). They don't have the killer instinct(unlike us), they don't have the focus(unlike us) and lastly, and most importantly I think, they don't have A NATION...LIKE US!!!
Inhale now as I blow smoke at the screen...
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP...
LakerMan 420
Posted by: Lakerman 420 | June 02, 2008 at 11:55 PM
The Celtics were the "best" defensive team because they were a good team playing in a crappy division. If they were in the West where there are real offenses, they would have been middle of the pack.
Posted by: jeffgrotke | June 03, 2008 at 12:01 AM
BEST LAKER NICKNAMES?
Kobe – The Mamba
Pau – The Donation
Drew – The Beast
Lamar – The Package
Fish – DFish
Sasha – The Machine
Jordan – Speedracer
Vlade – Radman
Ronny – Braveheart
Luke – Cool Hand
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 03, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Can we win this series?
It's a good thing this team is led By Kobe Bryant and not me, cause I'm thinking we can't ...
I don't want to say it.
I predict this series will wind up 4-2 in favor of the...
I don't want to think it.
If we're gonna win we better play to no less than a draw in the paint.
We better have laser crisp passing and our uppity defense better out play their vaulted defense.
If we cant score down low in the half court game the Celtics are gonna throw at us, then we have to score on fast break baskets. Either way, we need dunks and an inside out game, not an outside in.
Passing, passing, passing.
Rebounding, please.
Go Lakers.
Posted by: | June 03, 2008 at 01:04 AM
GARY DZEN: BOSTON GLOBE
The Celtics can stop Kobe Bryant. They already have.
(We played them twice during the beginning of the season..but ill come back to that in a bit..)
In the previous two meetings this season between the Lakers and Celtics, the C's held the league's MVP to 9 of 21 shooting in Boston (28 points, 3 assists) and 6 of 25 shooting in Los Angeles (22 points, 6 rebounds). Not exactly domination.
(ok..and that's exactely what SA does is bring up stats that doesn't neccesarily petain to Kobe. Forget the fact were in the finals and just dethrroned the champs..use what ever ploy to motivate you team. Ooh..and Doc..I've also seen Kobe shoot 3-9 and we still won by 20!!)
Look. No one is going to truly stop Bryant. He's the league's most dangerous player, capable of taking over a game by himself. Kobe can average 30 points per game this series -- it would be a surprise if he didn't. He's the best player in the Finals, hands down. But the Celtics have proven they can limit both Bryant's points and his ability to get others involved.
(...???..Yea..like you've proven to beat everybody during the season just to get taken 7 games by a team with 3 wins under .500! Technically you barely/couldn't do anything you accomplished during the season..now your throwin BS stats around and acting as if all of a sudden the Celtics can reobtain that dominance once had during the regular season)
The Celtics have already been through this. Remember LeBron James? The 23-year-old dynamo was supposed to run ragged over the Celtics defense because the Celtics did not have an individual answer for him. And while James averaged almost 27 points per game against the Celtics in the conference semifinals, Cleveland couldn't get over the hump. In fact, James' best individual game (45 points, 6 assists in Game 7) was a Cavaliers loss, propelling the Celtics to the next round.
Defense wins championships, and the Celtics have been the NBA's best defensive team all season. In the playoffs, Boston is holding opponents to 87.3 points per game on 42 percent shooting (by contrast, the Lakers are allowing 99.5 points on 43 percent shooting).
(Yes..You have been through this but then again you haven't. To even compare Kobe/Lebron is insulting in its self. If Lebon would have won a game in Boston you wudnt have never had a reason to wite this column. Again..before you write..take into account that these teams that have these individual players are the ones you had a hard time closing out on. Alt (7games) Cleveland (7games) Detroit (2injured players..6games) See the trend.)
Kevin Garnett was the league's defensive MVP, but the Celtics' D thrives as a unit. Kobe will see Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and James Posey on the perimeter. When Bryant drives, he'll meet Garnett and Perkins in the middle. And the Celtics finish their rotations better than any other team, meaning Bryant won't be able to pick apart the defense by finding open teammates every time down.
(Kobe will see Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and James Posey on the perimeter. When Bryant drives, he'll meet Garnett and Perkins in the middle????????????..ok..Lets assume for a minute that weve been there..done that..and bought a t-shirt. Let assume we actually got to the finals the right way without having to use the full home court advantage!..Again you logic is so flawed it hurts. If Kobe is guna meet this wide array of players doesn't that mean someone will be open all night? You do know Kobes basketball IQ is through the roof right?..Sorry if I don't feel threatened by that defensive strategy but Phil counters that so easily you would be better off playing man to man..oopss..my bad..you have noone to guard Kobe!..haha)
So give Kobe his 30. But don't expect that to be enough. And if you're expecting 50 from the league's MVP, think again. These aren't Larry Bird's Celtics. They're better, at least on the defensive side of the ball.
(Well..I expected your write up to be full of holes and half-azzed point of viiews. I don't discredit your trip to the Finals The Celtics were clearly the better team (during the season that is) Weve played tougher team and beat them handily while your faltered against the likes of Joe johnson..hahaha! Good luck)
Posted by: Lakeraholic | June 03, 2008 at 04:47 AM
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Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 05:09 AM
Question: How did the Celtics do against the Nugs, the Jazz and the Spurs?
How did the Lakers do against the Hawks, the Cavz and the Pistons?
Were any of these games in the second half of the season or post-Pau?
For me the point is that Boston has to bet everything on its D ... if the Lakers solve their D, it will be over early and quick.
Posted by: Glenn | June 03, 2008 at 05:28 AM
Great idea guys! Thanks!
I'm not so much worried about what shots Boston is willing to concede Kobe or how many guys they throw at him. What concerns me the most is how they decide to defend the passing lanes.
As we've seen, when Kobe is in the mode of trying to find out what the defense is giving him early in games, his most likely tendency this year is to try and get in the lane and then dish to a teammate for an easy hoop. Unfortunately, when he "forces" it a bit he tends to leave his feet on passes and this leads to turnovers.
Now, one or two here or there usually isn't too much to overcome, but I'm worried that in Game 1 (at least), falling behind early and letting the Boston crowd get into it might spell disaster.
If I'm Phil Jackson I start the game with the majority of the touches going through Lamar Odom or Pau Gasol. Both are skilled enough passers that whoever has KG guarding them gets the ball. Take away KG as a help defender and you're going to get a lot of easy baskets.
Posted by: Andrew Z | June 03, 2008 at 05:39 AM
WE ARE GOING TO BLOW YOU GUYS OUT! IF YOU THINK THAT KOBE IS GOING TO BEAT US BY HIMSELF YOU MUST BE CRAZIER THAN I THOUGHT. KOBE MAY AVERAQGE A TON OF POINTS BUT HE WILL ALSO AVERAGE A LOT OF SHOTS. HIS POINTS RISE AND TEAMMATES POINTS FALL. SO LET HIM SCORE 50 OR 60 EVERY NIGHT. BUT HIS SIDEKICKS WILL NOT REACH THEIR AVERAGES.
Posted by: SAEED | June 03, 2008 at 06:13 AM
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(10) Janaya – put itching powder in KG’s shorts
(11) PsychedLakerGirl – Reason KG wanted to become a Laker
(12) Edwin Gueco – Made a citizens arrest of KG
(13) Keifo – Beat KG at Horse.
(14) Bozz – Convinced KG that he had a career as a Troll
Posted by: | June 03, 2008 at 06:27 AM
1. Our blog can absolutely beat their blog. I've read their blog. I've known their blog. And, quite frankly, they aren't our blog.
2. I'M SO FRICKEN TIRED OF EASTERN CONFERENCE WEENIES COMPARING LEBRON JAMES TO KOBE BRYANT. As a PROFESSIONAL NBA SCOUT SAID, "It's like comparing a Volvo to a Masserrati." LeBron's good, but it's Eastern Conference bias that he's mentioned in the same breath as Kobe Bryant (or even Chris Paul). LeBron is a choker. If he wasn't such a choker, the Cavs would have beat the Celtics 4-2 in the playoffs. Kobe Bryant is an assassin. Knowing Kobe, I honestly believe that Kobe has NEVER wanted a series like he wants this series. As a leader, he is letting the Lakers know this. There isn't a fricken thing that the Celtics can do to SLOW Kobe down this series and the fact that they are even considering this action is only going to make it worse for them.
3. What I'm concerned about is Pau Gasol's defense and stopping Paul Pierce. Kevin Garnett will implode after a series of Stripe the Gremlin/Zulu Berzerker/Hulk Smash! moments, but Pau Gasol needs to play solid defense (the best of his career) during this series and we need to get Trevor Ariza on Paul Pierce. If so, we'll be fine.
4. We need to win Game One. It's important.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 03, 2008 at 06:48 AM
The determining factor will not be if Kobe can be stopped...thats impossible. Pau Gasol is the X factor in this series. Kobe rarely has an off night...but when Pau plays like garbage the lakers struggle
Posted by: Darkhorse | June 03, 2008 at 07:03 AM
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Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 07:10 AM
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Posted by: | June 03, 2008 at 07:12 AM
karyanr,
Excellent point! The Cavs went down due to LBJ's missing midrange jumper. That same midrange shot is Kobe's deadliest, most efficient weapon.
In fact, is there a way we can convince Boston to use the LBJ defense on Kobe?
I don't know if anyone's noticed, but Kobe's three point shot has almost disappeared in the playoffs, but his midrange jumper has been better than I've ever seen it, with the possible exception of the 2002 regular season.
--Fearless
F the Celtics!
Posted by: Fearless | June 03, 2008 at 07:30 AM
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that you'll probably hear this here first.
Someone said earlier that we have the advantage at the 2 and the 5 while the Celtics have the advantage at the 3 and the 4.
I agree, the point guard position will most likely be the x-factor. So in saying that I will go out on a limb here and say that the X-factor in countering that position will be......Trevor Ariza. Yes, you heard it from me. Ariza will most likely come in and do time on Pierce but he will be the most utilized bench guy behind Sasha Vujacic.
Do you guys actually think Kobe will spend most of his time running around with Ray Allen? Nope, we have a player just for that...Sasha the "machine pest." I also anticipate a three guard line up like we've seen since Utah, that line up works wonders with Kobe on the wing...heck, If I was Phil Jackson I would even throw some Bill Belichik type of line up at some point in the game with Kobe handling the ball, Sasha at shooting guard and Ariza at Small forward or reverse that with Odom bringing up the ball, kobe at the wing ariza defending the 3 while pest molests Ray Allen so bad he'll think he's playing against a bad clergyman.
What I wrote may look like ancient latin but my point is if you imagine my line up proposals, you will see the depth and versatility that we have. Damn, this roster is good. I just hope the lakers stop pissing me off by having nights when they don't come out with intensity.
As for the notion that Kobe can be stopped...the Doc needs to those Bostonians back under the coma from which they came, obviously they haven't been watching the Kobe we know the past 12 years.
Lebron James? Man my stomach cringes at the sound of this guy's name...he's still relevant? Lebron has about two or three seasons left of improvement (I think I'm being too generous) and that will be the cieling for him. Any Laker/Kobe fan here knows as well as I do that Kobe adapts and overcomes more than any player in the league right now. Its absurd to think he can be stopped. To answer that question about a dirty player, they have one...possibly two or three, here they go in order. Posey (the clothesline he got on Hinrick when the Bulls took the heat out of the playoffs), Perkins (This guy swears he's good, I hope Pau Gasoft can really be agressive on O and get him in foul trouble), and PJ Brown it may look like a veteran giving a good hard foul but its actually a dirty play. Look for them to stick Posey on Kobe though. And by the way, do you see who Lebron was passing the ball to, if he had Smush Parker and Samaki Walker he would have stood a better chance.
Oh well, cocaine is a hell of a drug, I guess...
Posted by: rhon.salmon | June 03, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Ray Allen VS Kobe B. Bryant
Kobe has been tearing ray ray apart for so long now, he cowers and hides in fear of the Mamba. If ray ray, PP, and Rondo are all they can throw at Kobe in a 1 on 1 defense situation (I hear Tony Allen is out for the finals) the celtics better get ready to help and rotate right now. We know that this will leave wide open shooter or diver/cutter towards the basket. Their is just no way old man ray ray can stop Kobe from getting into the paint. When in the paint, there is no way our team can be stopped on the offense end. We are too good moving without the ball, too good at hitting the open shoot, and KB24 is just too good at reading this situation and finishing if all else is taken away. ray ray can’t guard a nail in the wall, let alone the best player on the planet. We shall see. Can you feel it? I sure can. LAKERS
Posted by: nik kannan | June 03, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Rick F.
Based on their blogs, most of the Boston Celtics fans are out of touch with the new Lakers, they tie up the Celtics' success during the season against our measly roster then as their optimistic outlook in the Finals. I think you're absolutely right that Lakers' success was exhibited in the last two weeks of the season when they started aiming for the #1 seed.
The biggest hindrance to Celtics' defense is the Motion Triangle employed by young and nimble players. On the front line, they are tall and long plus their shooters Fisher, Kobe and Vlad can hurt you on the outside while Pau and LO constantly move thereby the triangle always in motion, they too can hurt you on the inside once you give an opening to the tall Spaniard or to layup artist LO. So for Boston Celtics to be successful in their defensive strategies, they have to freeze those 5 points of attack. During Shaq era, everything in the Lakers triangle was predictable that O'Neal will muscle on the inside or Fox Horry and Fisher would provide the firepower on the outside. In this Lakers team today, everyone is moving as someone said: who can stop Kobe? So he is equivalent of two guards which Nuggets, Jazz and Spurs did. Another blogger added, who can stop Fisher? That was an astute observation because Fisher can penetrate and muscle in if his guard gives an inch, that was the experience of a fast PG Tony Parker. Thirdly, who can stop LO today? Only LO will stop LO i.e. his cheapy shots are so finesse that they slipped out of the rim. He is ambidextrous and his strides are long and once he gets in the shaded area, he becomes dangerous while Pau and Kobe are following his cue. The only inconsistent player among the starters is Vlad, the rainbow however, once he gets hot coupled by Sasha's, the machine then, game is over.
So for all Boston fans has to look closely at the recent games rather than continue ignoring what have happened in the last three rounds. One of the reasons why ESPN writers and many other b'ball analysts chose the Lakers to win the series is SPEED and Kobe. The greatest turning points in the Western Conference Playoffs are as follows:
1. Sweeping the mighty Nuggets. Even the two Superstars: Melo and AI admitted that Lakers are just too good with so many poisons in their line up that can hurt any team. K-Mart, Kleiza and JR could not handcuff Kobe.
2. Beating Utah Jazz on the 6th game in Utah. Among the teams in NBA, Utah is hardest to beat in their own stadium because of high volume of Jazz fans and yet, Boozer who one of the best defensive players and Deron and Okur the two best shooters in the West can't do anything on the Lakers surge.
Still there were lingering doubts among the basketball aficionados that may be lakers were just lucky especially Kobe's miraculous bank shots. Again, they used all hard defenders of the Jazz like Harspring, AK, and Price to stop Kobe....unfortunately, this is his time.
3. The Spur Encounter - this was the ultimate test that convinced a good eye for talent that Lakers are real. Game 1 for three quarters, the Spurs were leading and at some point they led 20 pts. This is enough for Duncan, Parker and Ginobli to finish the Lakers, unfortunately, they have not heard of the second wave of offense which was the bench. When Farmar, Vujacic and Kobe started to reduce the lead to single digits, the first stringers completed the job in the 4thQ and Spurs were dumfounded on what transpired. TNT analysts like Barkley (known to be anti-Laker) and Reggies were just conviced that game was Spurs and have lost chance of beating the Lakers. This was repeated on Game 5, they were leading by as much as 17 pts. for the first two quarters and SA knows that this game was very important because it was the closing time, Finley and Thomas who were sleepers in the previous games were connecting shots, Manu was slowed down by injuries but still dangerous as he rose in Game 3 and yet when the last five minutes came, it was Kobe who did the final damage. Popovich wants a repeat to cement his dynasty, he's no dummy to just give it to the lakers.
So being favorites was not based on a biased opinion on PJ or Kobe's experience or based on the previous dynasty in the last 20 or more years. They were based on recent facts that this team is playing at a different level during these playoffs. Whether that level will be lowered during the Finals that remains to be seen.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 03, 2008 at 08:02 AM
I forgot about Posey. Oh well, he might as well be nailed to the ground as well. The C's don't have any one individual defender that can bother Kobe B. Bryant. It will make a huge difference in his ability to get into the paint, find open teammates, and hit his midrange jumper.
Posted by: nik kannan | June 03, 2008 at 08:02 AM
The comparison between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James is not apt. While individually, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James could have similar games (in that they both may score 30 a game), the Lakers are a much better team.
When LeBron James drove and kicked out, his teammates were less likely to make the shot than Kobe Bryant's teammates. This had little to do with defensive scheme that either team was facing.
This is not to say that the Lakers will run roughshod over the Celtics. However, any conception that the Celtics' performance against the Cavs is an indication of their success against the Lakers is quite foolish.
In fact, you could argue that the Celtics' performance against the Cavs bodes ill for their future. The Lakers are better than the Cavs and the Cavs took the Celtics to 7 games. It's not inconceivable that the Lakers could win one at Boston and just close it out at home, where they are 12-0 in the play-offs.
Posted by: Brian | June 03, 2008 at 08:07 AM
All of you guys from last night are spot on. P ang, Wallace, Rick F - seriously - I thought every post last nite (ex the troll) was really good.
I think Wallace's points are really good. The Celtic fans are failing to see the individual matchups we had to beat to get here. They just see the sweep and say it was easy - I don't recall any of us saying the Thugs were easy. Certainly the Jazz weren't a cake-walk either. And the defending champs - give us a break - the C's barely got past the Hawks.
And the C's bench is in trouble - T. Allen is doubtful and he got some minutes. I find it hard to believe that Doc will throw in Scalabrine or Pollard now when they have had zero PT. Our bench has had solid and productive minutes. C's - outside of PJ Brown - they don't have a bench unless you really believe Sam I am will actually show up.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 03, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning ALL of Laker Nation!
I see we have some deluded greenies in here fouling up the place with their crud..........I guess that's to be expected. We just need to starve 'em.
This series wil be over before we know it..........5 games. As Jon K said earlier, we need to win the first one ion beantown, then it's all downhill. The leprechauns have no one to stop Kobe, he'll get Pau and LO off with some nifty deals, and the Leprechauns will be exposed as what they are..........too old for this task, and therefore they're going to push too hard.........they know this is their only chance for a ring as next year the Lakers with Drew will be dominant like the Celts of the 60's. Kbe and Fish will not let them have ths series.
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | June 03, 2008 at 08:08 AM
PJ vs Doc
I even don't know where I suppose to begin. 9 rings vs. ... 0? If you stll have doubts read the link below, and we're talking Phil vs Pop. 9 vs 4, and now Doc? Give me a break huge advantage LA.
http://www.basketballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=358
Posted by: LAL_Fan | June 03, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Yooo! Good morning Mamba24, Laker Nation!
What a great day to be a Laker fan! I'm reading a ton of good commentary and ideas on the match-ups and strategies and I gotta say, I kind of like our chances.
One note: KG is a fairly volatile and combustible player, a fiery dude who can get irritated pretty easily, so what say we put Sasha on him for a solid two minutes and see how fast it takes for KG to deck him in the face and get his green azz thrown out. Sasha'll take one for the team and earn respect from the fellas, and KG will see what he turned down when the Lakers trample the Zulu-less Cs.
I'm just sayin...
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | June 03, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Mamba24,
Why do you keep taking me off the "Punch the Big Ticket Bandwagon"? I taught Ronny Turiaf and DJ The Banger Mbenga my patented throat punch!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 03, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Good morning Mamba24, JonK and the MORNING CRUE and this FABULOUS LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mamba24 - please be so kind as to put me on the "More Frequent Updates" bandwagon. For an award-winning blog, the BlogGods need some assistance in that department!
UUGGHHH - still 2 plus more days until game day - I'm buggin' over here!!!!!!!!!! I need a Lake Show fix!!!!!!! Somebody - anybody - help me!!!!!!!! LOL!
AK/BK - GREAT thread - thanks! I'd like to tear into some of these trolls for real, but I see the posters here have got it handled. The greenie weeniees & their trolls have got NOTHIN on us! They should all just eat some beans, jump into the harbor, and toot their way on home, cuz it would be a lot less humilating than what's going to happen on that parquet thing that passes for a BBall court.
Anyhoooo - bring it on!!!!!! ALREADY DONE!!!!!!!!
4 to O'Brien......
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 03, 2008 at 08:25 AM
The only player on Boston that has me worried is Pierce. He historically does well against the lakers and is a pretty good "closer" himself - not on Kobe's level, but not to be underestimated, either. I think Ariza will spend a lot of time guarding him, which can be a series changing matchup based on how he does. Also, Vlad Rad did a great job 'Melo and his defense has been good throughout the playoffs (plus he has length and if pierce doesn't stay on him, you can count the points).
Whoever said that Sasha is going to guard Ray Allen has it right on. Ray will get some open looks in the 1st and 3rd quarters because Kobe gets bored with him and leave him alone, but 4th qtr Ray will be invisible.
And we have a terrific match-up of two of the greatest all-around talents in the NBA that both tend to vanish when important things are happening in Garnett vs Odom. I expect them to cancel each other out.
And Pau will have Perkins in foul trouble all series, you heard it here first.
Posted by: sean | June 03, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Engineero-
That kind of commentary isn't welcome. Do it again, and we will no longer let you post.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | June 03, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Kobe shot 32.6% against us in the regular season. That`s too high! We`re looking to get that down to about 20-25% for the playoffs.
Also, we will not tolerate a frustrated baby like Odom slamming Ray into the scorer`s table every time he nails a 3-ball.
We are so confident of getting a sweep--that we turned down Bill Belichick`s kind offer to tape the Laker`s practice sessions!
Posted by: Red`s Love Child | June 03, 2008 at 08:33 AM
is this guy crazy or what... he cant compare lebron to kobe... just cause the Celtics stop the high flying train does not mean they could stop one of the NBA's greatest closer....and the reason clevland couldnt over the hump was because the lack of fundamentals lj has... come on Gary D is that the best you could write... im telling guys... this is what Boston does to you... Go Lakers......
Posted by: FRANCISCO | June 03, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Good Morning Laker Nation!!!!!
This analysis from the Celtics blog is so blind that it is almost funny.
I am really hoping that the Celtics coaching staff think the same way because than our job will be much easier.
The biggest mistake here is to predict the outcome of games in postseason based on performances in regular season.
History tells us that it doesn't work, but some still keep doing the same mistake over and over.
So the C's can stop Kobe because they already did in the regular season and won the 2 games?
You better think again.
How about the Spurs, for example?
They split the games with the Lakers in the regular season (2-2) and limited Kobe to a 24,2-pt average, on 44,04% shooting.
In the playoffs?
Well, needless to say they got crushed 4-1. Kobe?
29,2-pt average on 53,33% shooting.
I rest my case.
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | June 03, 2008 at 08:37 AM
BK
I understand. But explain to me what's the differnence between my slur and soilesqu's slur?
Posted by: Engineero | June 03, 2008 at 08:37 AM
They still think it's just Kobe and a supporting cast of misfits. Let 'em believe it. It's HUBRIS, I tell ya!
And now...I feel a strong urge to pray.
Dear Lord, We of Laker Blog & Laker Nation give You praise for blessing our Lakers to make it to the NBA Finals. You constantly outdo Yourself when You bless us. 1 year ago we were in turmoil, look at us now! THANK YOU LORD!
We ask You to put a hedge of protection around the Los Angeles Lakers players, coaching staff, team representatives and everyone travelling to Boston for the first 2 games. It has well been documented the things that the city of Boston and their fans have done in the past to distract the Lakers from their mission and purpose. We ask You right now to step in and foil any plans and schemes that seek to harm and destroy us.
Bless the beds that our players sleep in that they would get the rest that they need to come out on Game Day to handle the task at hand. Bless the food that they eat that it would not cause food poisioning or any sort of sickness against our players. Bless the transportation they ride in - both via air and on land. May there be NO DELAYS, NO MALFUNCTIONS and no issues with their travels.
We ask You specifically for PROTECTION. We also ask that the Celtics players and fans carry themselves in the true spirit of champions. Let them honor the game by not engaging in cheap methods of sabotage and distraction. If they are true champions, let the game be played as it should be - in 48 minutes of basketball ON THE PARQUET FLOOR - and NOWHERE ELSE! Yes they will boo and chant BEAT LA nonstop, but You have shown our guys how to handle hostle environments.
May our guys follow the lead of PJ and Kobe. Let them mimic Kobe's humility. Let them walk in PJ's confidence. No trash talking, no selling wolf tickets in media soundbytes. Allow their game to do the talking. Once again, Lord, silence every critic, naysayer and playa-hater. Use this, the biggest of all basketball stages, to prove, once and for all that the 2007-08 Los Angeles Lakers DESERVE to be here - at this time - at this moment!
We thank You in advance for answered prayer...AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 03, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Jon K blame it on my early senility. LOL
*_____________________________*
"Punch the Big Ticket" bandwagon.
*____________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – CEO – TKO’d KG twice
(02) Mel - Driver
(03) Bozz - Owner
(04) Complex_Brotha - Sparring Partner, Knocked him out
(05) Mamba24 - referee
(06) JustAnotherMambafan - Cut Man
(07) LakerTom - Turned KG's roar into a Meow!
(08) Happy Camper – The reason KG talks to himself
(09) Erik True Laker Fan - Shaved KG’s head
(10) Janaya – put itching powder in KG’s shorts
(11) PsychedLakerGirl – Reason KG wanted to become a Laker
(12) Edwin Gueco – Made a citizens arrest of KG
(13) Keifo – Beat KG at Horse.
(14) Bozz – Convinced KG that he had a career as a Troll
(15) Jon K. Taught all Lakers the deadly throat puncjh
(16) Happy Camper - Made Daany Ainge unhappy
*____________________*
More Frequent Updates
BANDWAGON
*____________________*
(01) Laker Tom – Owner & Great Poster
(02) Mamba24 – Driver
(03) JustAnotherMambaFan – Speed Reads 3000 words a minute
(04) Edwin Gueco - Just finished the JAMFAN speed reading course
Posted by: mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 08:43 AM
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
Posted by: Fire32 | June 03, 2008 at 08:44 AM