Who would have thought? Boston played only .500 ball over the last 54 games (almost 2/3 of the season) and suffered embarrassing home losses to the Nets, Sixers and Wizards. Though favored over the Heat in round 1, they were heavy underdogs to the Cavs and Magic, the two teams with the best records in the NBA. Yet, they beat both in six games (including winning at one point 6 straight). The stifling Celtic defense is back and Pierce is playing like 2008. KG was subpar offensively against Orlando though.
I'm sure they'll be underdogs again when they play either the Lakers or Suns, but can they pull another surprise off?
Originally posted by no1marauder Who would have thought? Boston played only .500 ball over the last 54 games (almost 2/3 of the season) and suffered embarrassing home losses to the Nets, Sixers and Wizards. Though favored over the Heat in round 1, they were heavy underdogs to the Cavs and Magic, the two teams with the best records in the NBA. Yet, they beat both in six games (including ...[text shortened]... erdogs again when they play either the Lakers or Suns, but can they pull another surprise off?
The only thing which might hold the Celtics back is tired legs. Lakers and Suns are somewhat younger and fresher. If Suns win tonight and force a game seven then the added play may even things out. I don't see the Suns winning a game seven in LA, but stranger things have happened. Celtics found themselves a jewel in Nate Robinson. He could spark the Celtics into a finals win. Whomever they play the finals looks like it will be competitive and interesting!
Originally posted by scacchipazzo The only thing which might hold the Celtics back is tired legs. Lakers and Suns are somewhat younger and fresher. If Suns win tonight and force a game seven then the added play may even things out. I don't see the Suns winning a game seven in LA, but stranger things have happened. Celtics found themselves a jewel in Nate Robinson. He could spark the Cel ...[text shortened]... a finals win. Whomever they play the finals looks like it will be competitive and interesting!
The Finals won't start until Thursday night either way, so I don't think a Sunday game would be a disadvantage to the Lakers should they advance.
Originally posted by no1marauder The Finals won't start until Thursday night either way, so I don't think a Sunday game would be a disadvantage to the Lakers should they advance.
Probably not except there's always more wear and tear the more games you play and greater likelihood of injury. Last night's hard fall by Rondo is but an example of things which could go wrong for a team. The Celtics bought themselves an extra day of R&R by winning handily last night. Big Baby can recover from his concussion and so on. I favor the Celtics regardless of who they end up playing, but that's only because I love everything and anything Boston. But reality says Celtics might have a hardier adversary than Cavs or Magic reagrdless of who they play. If they play Suns, they are vulnerable to Nash's awesome PG play, 3 point skills and inside play by Stoudemire. If Lakers, goes without saying they are a solid basketball team and hands down the grittiest performer of the remaining teams. Other teams would have folded under the back breaking tying three the other night. Lakers responded like champs. Tokk the best shots suns could throw their way and emerged victorious. Celtics should perform credibly and are never in awe of opponent's crednetials! I say Celtics in 6! Only because of their better D!
Originally posted by scacchipazzo Probably not except there's always more wear and tear the more games you play and greater likelihood of injury. Last night's hard fall by Rondo is but an example of things which could go wrong for a team. The Celtics bought themselves an extra day of R&R by winning handily last night. Big Baby can recover from his concussion and so on. I favor the Celti ...[text shortened]... never in awe of opponent's crednetials! I say Celtics in 6! Only because of their better D!
Lakers v. Celts; the guys at ABC must be happy (imagine the TV ratings for a Magic-Suns series). My heart says Celtics, my head says Lakers.
Originally posted by no1marauder Lakers v. Celts; the guys at ABC must be happy (imagine the TV ratings for a Magic-Suns series). My heart says Celtics, my head says Lakers.
NO argument on any count. Indeed heart says Celtics, mind says Lakers. Hope it's a good series this time!
A grim start; the Lakers easily win by 13 in Game 1. I guess the positive thing is that the Celtics played so badly in all areas - shot poorly, gave up over 50% shooting to LA and got manhandled on the boards - that even reasonably better play in any could make Game 2 a close one. Another performance like Thursday, however, and I think it will be a short series.
Originally posted by no1marauder A grim start; the Lakers easily win by 13 in Game 1. I guess the positive thing is that the Celtics played so badly in all areas - shot poorly, gave up over 50% shooting to LA and got manhandled on the boards - that even reasonably better play in any could make Game 2 a close one. Another performance like Thursday, however, and I think it will be a short series.
Celtica have yet to stink it up two games in a row so there is great hope tomorrow night!
Originally posted by scacchipazzo The only thing which might hold the Celtics back is tired legs. Lakers and Suns are somewhat younger and fresher. If Suns win tonight and force a game seven then the added play may even things out. I don't see the Suns winning a game seven in LA, but stranger things have happened. Celtics found themselves a jewel in Nate Robinson. He could spark the Cel ...[text shortened]... a finals win. Whomever they play the finals looks like it will be competitive and interesting!
Celtics to the Finals
29 May '10 13:11
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