More than a feeling!

Boston destroys Lakers and celebrates 17th NBA Championship

June 19 - Despite many doubters, the Boston Celtics finished off the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday evening. In fact, after the first quarter or so, game 6 wasn’t even a contest. Surprisingly, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers appeared flat and confused for most of the game. Yet we keep hearing that Bryant is the best player on the planet, but one has to wonder what that really means. What does it really mean to be the best player of any sport on the planet? The closest thing that I can come to explaining this is to describe the play of none other than, yes, Air Jordan. Michael Jordan is the only NBA player in history to be named finals’ MVP six times. To put this into perspective, all 6 occasions the Bulls reached the finals, they of course won. Not only did they win, but also Jordan dominated and willed each Championship to a victory. There appeared to be a massive mental deficit between Jordan and all of his opponents. Therefore, fans and colleagues alike new that a Jordan led team would not lose the NBA Championship once it had reached that pinnacle.

That being said, it is quite unfair to compare any player, including Kobe Bryant, to Michael Jordan. Bryant may very well be the best individual player in the league today, but isn’t that just it; namely, the best “individual” player. Surely there must be more to basketball greatness that phenomenal individual skill talent. Using Jordan as the standard of basketball excellence proves that individual talent and greatness is crucial; however, mental toughness, strong leadership, and an uncanny ability to rise above the occasion and will one’s team to victory all contribute to creating the best player on the planet. Further, I cannot speak for the rest of the nation, but I simply did not see the fire in Bryant’s eyes on Tuesday night. However, it seemed that he started the game rather confident but not as if to be a man on a mission. He would pass the ball off instead of driving to the hoop. Moreover, he shot when he should have passed and passed when he should have shot. If this indeed is the best player in the world, then one has to question why he was unable to will his team to victory. As a second argument, the defense that the Celtics played on Bryant was simply superb. Paul Pierce was a massive giant in this series, particularly with his defense on Bryant and offensive facilitation. Again, the famous sports mantra proves true; namely, that defense win’s championships.

The Los Angeles Lakers played absolutely terrible defense on Tuesday night. At times it seemed their players were standing around or just flat out confused. Pau Gasol played weak defense on Garnet, Odom was not a factor, Fisher was in foul trouble and completely out of sync. Quite simply, the Lakers met a far superior opponent in the 2008 NBA finals, proving that though they may have the world’s greatest individual player, the Celtic’s have the world’s greatest team. And the last time I checked, teams always win championships… together.

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Today as the city of Boston celebrates their team’s incredible accomplishment, it seems that once again the bar of basketball excellence has been set to the play of the Boston Celtics. As far as the 08-09 season is concerned, fans have a lot to be excited about. The C’s big three will be back, along with most of their pivotal role players. The title defense begins next year and if the Lakers want another chance to compete with Boston, they must make some key changes in the off-season that will bulk their chances. For instance, the Lakers may need to seriously consider either making some trades, or acquiring talented free agents to enhance their efforts. Particularly, the Lakers must find an athletic, strong defending, and clutch small forward. Radmanovic is really a role player, a man that will give a team a lift coming off the bench to hit three pointers and provide a general offensive boost. With the return of Bynum next season, it is safe to say that the Lakers have an excellent chance to make it to the finals again. For now, though, the city of Boston and the NBA celebrate the much-deserved success of the Celtics.

by Tim Wilson
ProBasketball-fans.com Staff Writer

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