Lakers-Celtics: 10 Greatest Pictures of NBA Finals 2008

Dan Callagy by Contributor Written on December 17, 2008

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Red Auerbach always said that Celtic Dancers would be a distraction. But they got them anyway.

People said that veterans aren't the best option to build a team around because they would retire soon.

It was said the Celtics-Lakers NBA finals renewal would never happen. Well it did.

The Celtics-Lakers finals last year was riveting. From Game One with Pierce's injury to Game Six with the championship win, they never let us down.

Neither did the photographers.

Now we look at the top pictures of the Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals in 2008.

10. Garnett's Shove Three-Point Play

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When Garnett got a rebound off a Rondo three-point attempt with the shot clock running out, he quickly gathered the ball, went up to shoot and got shoved by Pau Gasol.

With KG's will to score he did as much as he could to make it happen. His fastball like throw to the backboard was impressive. It must of been the luck o' the Irish that night because KG's circus shot miraculously went in and he went to the line for a three-point play.

9. Eddie House's Three To Give Celtic's Lead In Game Four

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In Game Four with the Celtics down by 24 in LA, they came back and found themselves only down by two in the fourth quarter.

With a hand in his face—House threw up a prayer, and banked a three home from the corner.

This gave the Celtics their first lead, and they never looked back.

They won the game, took a 3-1 series lead, and now have the record for largest margin of defect to win a game in the playoffs.

8. Game One Tip-Off

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The Rivalry Renewed—What pretty much every newspaper/magazine title read the night after Game One of the NBA Finals.

The Celtics-Lakers kicked off the NBA Finals with Kendrick Perkins and Pau Gasol tipping off the ball. This started a chain reaction of events to come.

7. Magic Johnson at Game Two of NBA Finals

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Many stars were in attendance for the NBA Finals. From Teddy and Heidi Bruschi, to Curt and Shonda Schilling.

But the most recognizable was definitely Magic Johnson.

The Laker legend attended Game Two in hope of a Laker victory. The Lakers became extremely close but the Celtics eventually prevailed and took a 2-0 series lead.

6. Celtics introduction fireworks

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The atmosphere, the smell, the noise.

It's what makes the Celtics, the Celtics. Garnett's scream and the fireworks that go off is a huge pump up for the fans and players.

5. Pierre-Marc Bouchard

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Bouchard is the active team leader in points per game at 0.63 and second all time only to Marian Gaborik's 0.87. Bouchard has amassed 267 points since his rookie year in the 2002-2003 season and experienced career numbers when paired with Brian Rolston, gathering 50-plus points in those three seasons.

5. Ray's drive to the lane to seal Game Four victory

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Coming back from 10 down is great.

15—fantastic.

20—unthinkable.

24—WHAT?!?!?

That is exactly what the Celtics did. Up by three with 20 seconds left, Ray gets the ball at the top of the key. He thinks about the shot, but sees an open lane in the middle. He drives and lays in an easy lay-up to seal the 24 point comeback in LA.

4. Pierce's Game One knee injury

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It's just what every Celtics fan feared.

There captain to go down in Game One of NBA finals. As Pierce went up for a rebound, he lands on Perkins leg and collapses clutching his knee.

It was the quietest I had ever heard the Garden since the stone age.

Spectators were looking on and encouraging him to get up. He's carried by Brain Scalabrine and Tony Allen. He gets into the tunnel and is wheeled off into the locker room.

3. Pierce's Return From Knee Injury

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After about three minutes in the locker room recovering from a knee injury, all you hear is the Garden shake and vibrate.

You look to your right and see Pierce sprinting on to the Garden floor. He wastes no time as he goes to the scorers table and checks into the game.

2. Doc Rivers Gatorade Shower

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As time ran out of the NBA finals Pierce came up with a quick idea.

Lets give Doc the first Gatorade shower in NBA history. Indeed he did, and indeed it was.

You see Doc jump a mile high with a chill running down his spine. It marked the last seconds of the NBA finals of 2008.

1. Let The Celebration Begin

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If you didn't expect to see number one being the celebration— shame on you.

What can you say about the celebration. Kevin Garnett kissing the leprechaun in the center,

"ANYTHING IS POSIBLLLLLLLLLLLE," Garnett was quoted as he celebrated.

He started to cry and say "I'm sorry Momma."

What?!?!.

Only he would say that.
Th NBA finals brought pictures of joy, and pictures of tears.

Memories that will last forever.

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written on December 17, 2008 Sports

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