Here’s a brief, unscientific primer for tonight’s matchup, which will air at 8 p.m. on TNT.
Update: KG will play, Doc Rivers said today.
Sour Grapes
Allegedly, revenge is a dish best served purple and gold.
“We had our most disappointing moments on that Boston Celtic court in Game 6,” Phil Jackson told reporters Wednesday night. “To be not only beaten, but humiliated, in a game like that to end the series, and have them celebrating and throwing (stuff) all over the court, disrupting the game with 2 1/2 minutes left to go. It was in your face and everybody remembers that. We have some serious work to do.”
What he said is absolutely true. But them’s fightin’ words.
Does he really need to motivate his team more? You’re playing the Celtics for God’s sake.
Up and Odom
The Celtics say the right things about wanting to beat the Lakers at full strength.
But let’s face it, center Andrew Bynum’s injury gives Boston a huge advantage. After all, 6-foot-10 Lamar Odom, who inexplicably brings home $14 million a year and is this decade’s recipient of the Derrick Coleman Award given to the player who does the least with the most talent, is back in the starting lineup.
Kobe on the menu
Two games removed from a 61-point effort against New York, Kobe Bryant is hungry for more. Big challenge on tap for Ray Allen and Tony Allen. I wish Paul Pierce could cover Kobe for 35 minutes (see the second half of Game 4 of the NBA finals). He might, stress might, be able to throw Jellybean’s son off his game for one night.
Who am I kidding? Kobe’s gonna get his. But make the man shoot jumpers.
I’m just glad I don’t have to hear Mike Breen say, “He puts it in!” 25 times tonight…
The greatest rivalry in sports
Boston has won 12 straight. The Lakers are 9-3 in their last 12.
“It’ll be one for the ages,” Ray Allen said.
Prediction: Boston 112, Los Angeles 102
