Lakers vs. Celtics XI

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By Brad Esta

The history between these two is very well known to those who have been basketball fans for all their lives. This will mark the 11th time that Boston and Los Angeles have met in the Finals – Boston has won eight of the 10, but L.A. has won the last two. However, many may not know too much of the history, since the last time these teams met in the Finals was in 1987.

The Lakers have the most NBA Finals appearances now at 29, with a 14-14 record, and are second in the league with 14 NBA titles to the Boston Celtics who have 16. Other finals between these teams included those of Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlin and several appearances of Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson.

Game one of the much anticipated series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics is in the books, going to the home team, as the Celtics distanced themselves late, winning 98-88. The Celtics, who were down five at halftime, outscored the Lakers 31-22 in the third to take a four-point lead after three. Boston never trailed in the fourth, taking the early 1-0 in the series.

The Celtics were battle tested on their way to the Finals. They started off the playoffs with the sub-.500 Hawks, yet did not win a game on the road, en route to a full seven game series. In round two, it was the same story, as LeBron and company took the Celtics to game seven. Neither team could win on the road again, but the Celtics moved on to face the Pistons. After losing game at home, the Celtics won game three on the road as they would eventually win the series in six, finally taking a road game on the Pistons home court.

The Lakers made their work much easier in round one as they swept the Denver Nuggets. Then, in round two, they beat Utah in six games on the road. And they knocked the defending champions out of the playoffs in the Western Conference Finals in five games, which put the Lakers in the Finals once more.

The Lakers were led by Kobe Bryant, the league’s Most Valuable Player, who was held in check for the most part by the Celtics defense. Bryant finished the game with a game-high 24 points, six assists and three rebounds while also committing four turnovers.

Pau Gasol contributed 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Long time veteran Derek Fisher also had 15 points of his own while dishing the ball out for six assists. The other starter for the Lakers in Vladimir Radmanovic only had five points, five rebounds and two assists. The Lakers bench was held to only 15 points, Sasha Vujacic had eight points in 26 minutes of play, Jordan Farmar had two points in only seven minutes, and Ronny Turiaf scored five points and 12 minutes while Luke Walton was held scoreless for 13.

The “Big Trio” proved to be too much for the Lakers as they would combine for 65 of the teams 98 points. Kevin Garnett recorded the only double-double of the game with a game high in points and rebounds, 24 and 13 respectively.

Paul Pierce suffered a strained right knee cap in the third quarter when he collided with teammate Kendrick Perkins. Pierce, who was then carried off the court by several teammates in what looked like agonizing pain, had to be wheeled into the locker and the home crowd fell silent as this looked to be very severe for their outstanding forward. However, Pierce would return to the game and have a major impact as he finished with 22 points, three of four shooting from behind the arc, four rebounds and two assists.

Ray Allen, the third member of the “Big Trio” who seemed to have faltered since the start of the playoffs, looked like his old self again. He finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists; the only downside to his game was his four turnovers.

Rajon Rondo, the budding second year player, added his own contribution to the game finishing with 15 points, a game high seven assists and five rebounds. Kendrick Perkins, who sprained his ankle, only scored one point and recorded four rebounds in his 23 minutes of play. The Celtics bench scored a total of 17 points, holding serve with that of the Lakers.

P.J. Brown who has reached the Finals for the first time in his 15-year career played 21 minutes, scoring two points, pulling down six rebounds, dishing out two assists and blocking one shot. James Posey would play for 23 minutes having three points and two rebounds, mostly due to his poor shooting from beyond the arc where he was one of five. Sam Cassell proved to be the most productive off the bench this night with eight points and an assist in 13 minutes of play. Leon Powe had four points and four rebounds in his nine minutes of play.

There were 13 lead changes in the game, and it was tied 12 times. With a close game in the second, the Lakers were down five, 35-40 with 5:20 remaining, when they would spark a 16-6 run to end the half going up 51-46. That five-point lead was the biggest for the Lakers in the game.

Both defenses came to play as both teams were held to around 42 percent shooting from the field. The Celtics had plus 13 rebound advantage, 46-33. They also turned the ball over six more times than the Lakers, turning it over 14 times compared to the Lakers eight.

Game two went to Boston as well, as the Celtics withstood a furious 41-point fourth quarter rally by the Lakers to win 108-102. The series will continue Thursday night in Los Angeles.

Originally Published: Issue 688 - June 11, 2008

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