2008 NBA Finals: A Blueprint To Lakers' Championship Success
Game One of the highly-anticipated renewed rivalry of the Lakers-Celtics / Celtics-Lakers have gone into the record books. Many say one game does not tell the whole story. However, it sets the tone for the rest of the Series.
The Boston Squad may have beaten the First-seeded Cleveland Cavs but this ain't LeBron and Cleveland. This is Kobe Bryant and the pride of Tinseltown. Boston definitely is looking to adjust and for this the Lakeshow should be focused and anticipate the changes in Boston's rotation.
Many have expected that Game 1 would be a hard-fought close game but the Los Angeles Lakers' barrage of 102-89 victory is definitely a statement to their doubters and of course to Boston that this team is way tougher and talented than of the 2008's Lakers.
Boston started the game leading 2-0 but it was downhill from then on. Even though, the Celts are pushing to get a a Celtic Rally, it will be denied by the Lakers with Kobe's superior leadership and focus on the game. The Laker Bigs were also a huge factor. Gasol making smart plays after smart plays, Odom crashing the boards and Andrew, even though not 100%, gave Perkins a very difficult time on both ends of the floor.
Each member of the Laker Team is now beginning to understand his role in the team. Derek Fisher, the ultimate veteran schooled his co-veteran players on the opposing team by playing rough defense and fighting through slide screens. The Bench had also quality minutes.
And of course, who could forget Ron Artest? With just less than 30 seconds, we saw our old buddy Ronron make a statement to Pierce and the Celtics that he is the big difference right now. Which resulted to whipping the crowd into a frenzy.
So, where was the so called "Toughness" of the C's? Actually, I believe the Lakers did not just steal their composure but also the label of being TOUGH.
With that said, I think we MAY have a dynasty in the making. BUT, the only problem that can stand of the way of this team is their focus on the game. They should be firm and tough.
In addition, let's also not forget that it's not just the Boston Celtics being counted out in the post season. The Lakers were also being questioned.
If we break down, and analyze both Teams playoff track this season. We may come to a conclusion that the Lakers are the more versatile team than the Celtics. Why so?
The Boston had faced the likes of Miami, Cleveland and Orlando. You may be reasoning that Boston beat the first and second seeded teams but there is only little difference with the style of play among these teams.
Unlike the Lakers, they have faced the young, healthy, run and gun team of Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City Thunder. In this, role players rose to the occasion and Kobe still being Kobe.
And then they manhandled the tough Utah team. Utah may be not 100% but they still ran and execute quite well.
And of course, they needed once again to adjust to a very different team which was the Phoenix Suns. Pick and Rolls were the PHX's key in the game and superb defense but still the length and talent of the Lakers prevailed.
We may realize that in this post season run of the Lakeshow, the real opponent here is themselves. They just need to adjust to any type of situation. If the Lakers does not lose focus, this series is over.
Champagne, anyone?
