NBA Finals

 

 

            Ever since I started playing basketball, I have enjoyed watching the NBA postseason.  The finals are supposed to be the most exciting part of the post season because it is the two best teams in the NBA, fighting for the championship.  But to be honest with you, this is really the first time I have been this excited to watch such a legendary event.  Before I was born, NBA fans saw some incredible, classic basketball that can never be repeated.  Just watching it on ESPN Classic thrills me. However, this year, NBA fans will be getting a taste of the past, as they watch one of the most exhilarating finals match ups repeated with today’s spin.

            It is the Boston Celtics versus the Los Angeles Lakers again in another NBA Finals match up.  In the eighties, the Celtics and Lakers had some incredible finals’ series where each game was so exciting.  There were so many famous players in those match ups like Larry Bird, Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, and Dennis Johnson all from the Celtics.  Then you had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy all from the Lakers.  These were some of the superstars who took part in this magnificent match up. 

            The 2008 NBA Finals will be giving this match up a new look with the modern game and new superstars.  The “big three” from the Celtics and Kobe Bryant from the Lakers are the players who people will be keeping an eye on the most.  I expect this series to be invigorating and extremely fun to watch.  All of the pre-series pandemonium has been getting me so excited for the series.  I love hearing the classic players’ take on this year’s NBA Finals.  Hearing from Larry Bird and Magic Johnson was great, and hearing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talking about the series was fantastic.  Hearing from these players was awesome because they used to be fierce competitors but now good friends.  They have always had loads of respect for each other.  It is just so fascinating for me to see the older generation of this match up talking about the new generation. 

            The fans of Boston have been waiting for an NBA Finals game to come back home for a while now.  The Lakers however, won the NBA title in 2000, 2001, and 2002 so this is nothing new for Lakers fans.  When game one comes around on Thursday night, Boston fans will be ecstatic.  The T.D. Banknorth Garden will be going mental as the Celtics have finally returned to the finals.

            As for winning the series this year, the Celtics have to rely on two things: their solid defense and all members of the “big three” showing up in each game.  If the Celtics continue their fierce defense, they will be able to frustrate Kobe and limit his point total.  If the “big three” shows up in every game, the Celtics have an excellent chance at winning the title.  We all saw how well the Celtics did, at home and on the road, against the Pistons when the “big three” was clicking.  Yes, Ray Allen, you are part of the “big three.”  Do Boston a favor and continue making shots.