Celtics – Lakers NBA Finals Game 1

Thursday, 03 June 2010 09:00

The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers face off in the NBA Finals for the 12th time.

The Celtics’ 21st trip to the Finals was a bit of a surprise after they only won 50 games in the regular season, while the Lakers 31st was expected all along.

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This is the fourth time in the 64-year history of the Finals that the champions of the last two years are facing each other. The Lakers will be looking to avenge the 2008 defeat, while the Celtics want to take back the title from the defending champions.

Though L.A. has made 10 more trips to the Finals, Boston owns two more titles and they’ve won nine of the previous head-to-head matchups. However, this is history, and it will have nothing to do with the outcome of Thursday night Game 1.

A lot has changed since the 2008 Finals. The Lakers are working better together as a team and, by capturing last year’s NBA title, have gained championship experience.

For the Celtics, point-guard Rajon Rondo has improved tremendously. He was the decisive factor in the Boston- Cleveland series and will have the advantage against Lakers’ Derek Fisher. Kobe Bryant will have to guard him part of the game.

In the playoffs, the Celtics have yet to face a team as big and talented as the Lakers, and the Lakers haven’t faced so far a team as tough defensively and so experienced as the Celtics.

Both regular-season contests were decided on the last shot, with a one point victory for each team: Jan. 31 Lakers 90, Celtics 89. Feb. 18 Celtics 87, Lakers 86. This series won’t be as high-scoring as it was two years ago, when the average score was 102-94. The Celtics are still tough as nails in defense, and the Lakers have improved in that department with the arriving of Ron Artest.

The Lakers will have to find a way to stop Rondo, and at the same time cover the Celtic’s shooters on the perimeter. The transition defense will be decisive, all 5 Lakers players will have to get back quickly.

The Celtics will try keep the Lakers off the paint, and they will be physical with Bryant, like they were two years ago. The Lakers size will be a problem, though.

A great matchup, these two teams will have won 33 of the league’s 64 titles when they finish this fascinating series. You can find arguments to pick either team to win, but it probably won’t be quick.

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Celtics – Lakers NBA Finals Game 1

Celtics – Lakers NBA Finals Game 1

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