Yes, the Boston Red Sox took the World Series crown this past year. But that was 2007. This is 2008. The Celtics had a great start to the season in 2007, and looked as if they may approach the 72-10 mark of the '98 Bulls.
In fact, the Celtics were 26-3 at the end of the calendar year. But by January of 2008, the Celtics were suddenly 36-8.
The Celtics have also struggled mightily in the postseason, playing seven-game series with the Hawks and Cavs and taking six games to outlast the Pistons. The Celtics' 12-8 postseason record is a pale comparison to their 66-16 record in the regular season.
It was inevitable that the Celtics would reach the finals, just as it was for the Patriots to reach the Super Bowl. But the Celtics most certainly won't be celebrating in June.
7. Bench Play
Throughout the entire NBA season, the media has hyped the Big 3 in Boston. Garnett, Allen and Pierce have even starred in Sportscenter commercials. However, the teams that win championships have great depth.
Look no further than the past couple of years. The Spurs' winning teams had great depth, especially with their guard rotation. The Pistons were one of the deepest teams in basketball history, with role players such as McDyess, Hunter, and Arroyo.
The Lakers bench has been the strongest of any team all season. With a starting lineup featuring Kobe, Odom and Gasol, not to mention Radmanovic and Fisher, the starting five has great balance.
But in addition, the bench features great role players. Sasha Vujacic is an excellent three-point shooter who provides the Lakers with great range. Luke Walton is a very versatile forward that can score, rebound, pass and defend, a rarity from a bench player. Turiaf gives the Lakers a good defensive presence inside.
Together, these players give the Lakers the edge they need to beat the Celtics.
6. Lookin' Good in the Playoffs
The Lakers have stepped it up another notch in the postseason.
The Lakers completely destroyed the Nuggets in four quick and easy games to advance to the second round.
Then in the second round, they faced an underrated Jazz team that had lost just four games at home all season. The Lakers defeated Utah in six games, closing out the series at EnergySolutions Arena in Utah.
Finally, in the conference finals, the Lakers dispatched the defending champion Spurs in five games to advance to the NBA finals. Kobe Bryant showcased his talent and showed why the Lakers are the best team in the league.
Meanwhile, the Celtics went the distance in the first two rounds against two average teams in the Hawks and Cavaliers. Then against the Pistons, the Celtics finally woke up, but still took six games to take care of their opponent.
Clearly, the Lakers have been the sharper of the two teams.
5. Best in the West
The Lakers made an incredible turnaround from last year's lackluster squad. Los Angeles were the Western Conference's best with a 57-25 record. That, in itself, is an incredible accomplishment considering that the Lakers had to face the Western Conference's best all season while Boston and Detroit feasted on the weak teams in the East.
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