Lakers-Celtics: Keys for Boston in the Finals

The Lakers and Celtics will begin continue their historic rivalry tomorrow when the Lakers face the Celtics in Boston for Game 1. Here are the keys for the Celtics to win their 17th championship in franchise history and defeat their rivals again.

Ray Allen

Ray has had an average playoffs so far. He has averaged only 14.2 points per game, while shooting a poor 40.3 percent from the field and an average 34 percent from the three point line. He has been extremely inconsistent and has had eight games out of 20 in the playoffs in which he hasn't scored 12 points and he has only shot 50 percent from the field in a game 3 times.

If Ray can give the Celtics around 18-19 points and stretch the floor for Pierce and Garnett, the Celtics will be able to operate the middle with ease. He also needs to bother Kobe on the defensive end.

He is by no means a great defender, but if he can restrict Kobe from not exploding and getting the big men of the Celtics in foul trouble, the Celtics will have a good chance of winning the championship.

Getting the Lakers' Big Men in Foul Trouble

The Lakers have arguably the most talented team in the league. They have the best player, coach, and bench in the league. They also have a fantastic second option in Pau Gasol and one of the best third options in the league in Lamar Odom.

The Lakers' one weakness is depth at the big men positions. Without center Andrew Bynum, they are very thin on the front line. Gasol and Odom start at the power forward and center positions, but the only big man off the bench that plays consistent minutes is Ronny Turiaf.

The Celtics, however, have much more depth with KG, Perkins, P.J. Brown, Glen Davis and Leon Powe. If Pau Gasol and/or Lamar Odom get in foul trouble, it is going to put too much pressure on Kobe. He may not be able to carry the load offensively against the best defensive team in the league this season without the help of his second and third options being effective.

The Bench Being Effective

The Lakers have had in my opinion the best bench throughout the whole season. They get great energy and firepower off the bench.

Farmar is a solid offensive player. Sasha is a great outside shooter. Luke is a good all around player. Ariza is a great defensive player while Turiaf is a good interior defender who is a solid shot blocker and a great energy player.

The Celtics' bench is average. Sam Cassell, P.J. Brown, and James Posey are their main weapons off the bench. They also have little used guard Eddie House and big men Leon Powe and Glen "Big Baby" Davis. If the Celtics bench can hold their own against the bench of the Lakers, then they will have a solid chance at winning the series.

Winning the First Two Games at Home

I think whatever happens in the first two games of the series will decide who will ultimately win the championship. If the Celtics win both, then it is going to be nearly impossible for the Lakers to win four games against the Celtics.

If the Lakers win one or two games, I think the Lakers will wrap it up in LA. Game 1 is going to be the key game, as whoever wins will set the tone for the entire series.

If the Lakers take Game 1 in Boston, they will have a lot of momentum and confidence for the rest of the series and I don't think Boston can win in Los Angeles.

However, if Boston wins Game 1, it puts a lot of pressure on the Lakers in Game 2 to not fall into a 0-2 hole as it will be very hard to win four out of the next five games to win the series to capture their 15th championship in franchise history.