The Finals

[jsimpso3]

How freakin awesome is this? Lakers vs. Celtics. It's like a playstation1 game or something. seriously though, this will be the most exciting finals in years. can't wait. I think Lakers in 7

[jcmojica23]

Boston better get ready....Talk about a Finals...Kobe, KG, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom....This is what the NBA needs.  Cant wait till thursday!!

[ErieHog]

The first good news from the NBA in 20 years.

[jsimpso3]

You must be a really young one.

28

i started to say sega or 64 but i didn't think anybody would know what the hell i was talking about. they probobly don;t anyway

[jsimpso3]

An NES would have been more appropriate.

nES?

hell no.
we are talking commadore 64, Dr. J vs. Larry Bird action

[Lando Calrissian]

What, you guys don't remember the Sega Genesis game?

[chiefsfan]

A special thanks to the NBA for making sure they tried their hardest to get this Finals matchup

[fineswine]

A special thanks to the NBA for making sure they tried their hardest to get this Finals matchup

This is the most accurate quote ever about the NBA.  It's one rung above pro wrestling.

[Masshog]

Thanks NBA.... we needed all the help you could give us.  Just as clearly its in your best interests to make sure the title ends up here. 

TIA,
Boston. 

[sickle]

Lakers in six.

[Oliver]

People can talk about NBA conspiracies all they want...these are the 2 best teams from the West and the East.  They proved it in the regular season and they proved it in the playoffs. 

[alohawg]

I can't disagree with this statement.

Not sure I buy into that. What specifically makes you guys think as much?

[fineswine]

Not sure I buy into that. What specifically makes you guys think as much?

You're kidding?  Prime example why I haven't watched in years: the final game of Boston/Atlanta, in the first quarter Boston came down with two rebounds with a foot clearly out of bounds, yet no call. There was no way the league was going to allow Atlanta to win.  That was the first, and last quarter of NBA basketball I've watched since Jordan and the Bulls were the NBA "darlings".  You could rest well knowing that the league was going to make darn sure Jordan was on T.V. winning at all times.  It's a joke of a "sport".

[Oliver]

You're kidding?  Prime example why I haven't watched in years: the final game of Boston/Atlanta, in the first quarter Boston came down with two rebounds with a foot clearly out of bounds, yet no call. There was no way the league was going to allow Atlanta to win.  That was the first, and last quarter of NBA basketball I've watched since Jordan and the Bulls were the NBA "darlings".  You could rest well knowing that the league was going to make darn sure Jordan was on T.V. winning at all times.  It's a joke of a "sport".

I agree.  Two blown out of bounds calls are why the Hawks lost that game by 34 points. 

[ua_hogs]

Lakers in six.  I dont how big of a difference it will make, but the Lakers have only played 15 playoff games and the Celtics have played 20.  Celtics may tire down the stretch.

[Masshog]

I agree.  Two blown out of bounds calls are why the Hawks lost that game by 34 points. 

Sweet!!!

[Masshog]

If Allen plays like he has the last two games, I think Boston wins... he disappears again it could be a short series. 

[fineswine]

I agree.  Two blown out of bounds calls are why the Hawks lost that game by 34 points. 

Does it not occur to you that at that point in time, the game was yet to be decided?  When you have to beat Stern, in addition to your opponent, it's not going to happen.  The league has ZERO credibility, and anyone with an IQ above 70 can see it.

[Killean]

Does it not occur to you that at that point in time, the game was yet to be decided?  When you have to beat Stern, in addition to your opponent, it's not going to happen.  The league has ZERO credibility, and anyone with an IQ above 70 can see it.

You're right, I mean, all these years the NBA has been decided in the preseason and only people with vision and intelligence have been able to tell, just like Kennedy was really assassinated by Elvis in a secret CIA operation...

I did in fact see perhaps the worst call in NBA history in game 6.  Paul Pierce pump faked, got the defender in the air, shot the ball, was hit by the defender and the ball went in.  The call?  Offensive Foul on pierce

Lakers in 5.  Top to bottom they're more talented than the Celtics.

[Fort Swine]

This is the best thing for the NBA.  I refuse to watch the NBA until the playoffs.  This is the matchup of my youth.  Growing up, you were either a Laker or Celtics Fan.  I was a Celtics fan and whoever was playing the Lakers.  I want to see the C's in 6.

[alohawg]

This is the best thing for the NBA.  I refuse to watch the NBA until the playoffs.  This is the matchup of my youth.  Growing up, you were either a Laker or Celtics Fan.  I was a Celtics fan and whoever was playing the Lakers.  I want to see the C's in 6.

sorry, L.A.  in 6, Kobe & co. > KG & co.

[Oliver]

Does it not occur to you that at that point in time, the game was yet to be decided?  When you have to beat Stern, in addition to your opponent, it's not going to happen.  The league has ZERO credibility, and anyone with an IQ above 70 can see it.

Does it not occur to you that good teams don't let a few blown calls keep them from winning games?  If you can't overcome a few bad calls in ANY sport, then you aren't the better team.  Officiating NEVER determines who wins a game...ever.  And if you cry foul over the officials causing your team to lose, then you are a crybaby pure and simple.

[mossfan3]

Celtics in five.

How much do you want to bet on that one? You name it!!

[hoggystyle78]

My Celtics win in 6 games!

[fineswine]

Does it not occur to you that good teams don't let a few blown calls keep them from winning games?  If you can't overcome a few bad calls in ANY sport, then you aren't the better team.  Officiating NEVER determines who wins a game...ever.  And if you cry foul over the officials causing your team to lose, then you are a crybaby pure and simple.

I can't stand the NBA, so I don't have a dog in the hunt, but see Barry/Fisher no call to better determine officiating "never" deciding things...

[Oliver]

I can't stand the NBA, so I don't have a dog in the hunt, but see Barry/Fisher no call to better determine officiating "never" deciding things...

Had the Spurs hit one more 3 in that game...that call would have been irrelevant.  The Spurs had plenty of chances to win that game and THEY came up lame.  Do you think the Lakers fans were just as infuriated that the officials improperly called Fisher's ball that clearly hit the rim an airball which kept the Lakers from getting a fresh 24 second clock the possession before the Barry foul?  YOU PLAY THROUGH THE CALLS.

[3kgthog]

The NBA is still going on? I hadn't even noticed.

I wish they'd just outsource the whole league to Spain or something. Give us an extra football season in its place.

[linze82]

NBA playoff are great. Stop hating. There are no conspiracies, ufo's, or bigfoot. The two best teams are playing in the finals. Barry walked before the no call. LET IT Go

[alohawg]

NBA playoff are great. Stop hating. There are no conspiracies, ufo's, or bigfoot. The two best teams are playing in the finals. Barry walked before the no call. LET IT Go

Bingo!

[The Boar War]

I'm excited about the Celtics/Lakers series but this will be nowhere near what we saw in the 80's.  You still have the east coast/west coast rivalry but there are no Bird/Magic career rivals.  You won't have the blue collar Celtic attitude against the showtime Lakers.  It will be a great series (definitely what the NBA needed; I'm not sure who would have watched a Detroit/San Antonio final) but it won't have the intangibles that made the Celtics/Lakers series in the 80's so good.

[hogball33]

Go Lakers!!!!

[Oliver]

That would have been a very good series to watch. A rematch from a great series a few years back.

A series so great it was the lowest rated NBA Finals in history. 

[JONAS]

I became a huge Lakers fan after watching Fletch.

[Oliver]

Ratings don't equal quality.

No, but they do equal interesting...of which I have none in watching San Antonio or Detroit play basketball.

[El Dog Hog]

Im gonna say Lakers in 5. I think we win the first game in Boston and then we win 3 in LA. Our D is better than people want to give us credit for and Lamar and Pau between the 2 of the can guard KG. The celtics on the other hand have no one who can guard Two Four. The Lakers have proven they can win on the road (in tougher places than Boston) and also have more championships. And lets not forget about Phil freaking Jackson. 9 is almost to many, and now hes going for 10. Dont let us win game won bc Phil is 42-0 when winning game one. Lakers in 5. Boston time is done and not a minute to soon!

[alohawg]

That was the worst call I have ever seen.  Whoever that ref was should be fired.
I bet its on Youtube if I knew how  to post it.

Yep, here ya' go, inexcusably bad call.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5xQExrt0aA

[Corkscrew Johnson]

After the Marlins won the series in 1997 and then completely disbanded, I lost all interest in ANY team that collects free agents like they are mercenaries for hire.  I enjoy watching TEAMS, groups that have played together, learned each other's strengths and weaknesses, and have persevered to compete for championships.   That's how rivalries are made.  That's how fans respect their players.  Otherwise it's nothing but professional musical chairs. 

I hate seeing Boston mortgage their future for one shot at a title.  I hate seeing the Lakers steal one of the best centers in the league for virtually nothing (they would have lost to the Spurs, a great team, without Gasol).  Lakers and Celtics a rivalry?  Maybe in the days of Bird, McHale, Parrish, Abdul-Jabbar and Magic.  Those were TEAMS.  This series is nothing but an AAU matchup.  I really just can't get excited for it.

[Oliver]

After the Marlins won the series in 1997 and then completely disbanded, I lost all interest in ANY team that collects free agents like they are mercenaries for hire.  I enjoy watching TEAMS, groups that have played together, learned each other's strengths and weaknesses, and have persevered to compete for championships.   That's how rivalries are made.  That's how fans respect their players.  Otherwise it's nothing but professional musical chairs. 

I hate seeing Boston mortgage their future for one shot at a title.  I hate seeing the Lakers steal one of the best centers in the league for virtually nothing (they would have lost to the Spurs, a great team, without Gasol).  Lakers and Celtics a rivalry?  Maybe in the days of Bird, McHale, Parrish, Abdul-Jabbar and Magic.  Those were TEAMS.  This series is nothing but an AAU matchup.  I really just can't get excited for it.

Well, hate on the NBA Salary Cap.  Without that, we'd have teams like those Laker and Celtics teams of the 1980's again.

[ErieHog]

After the Marlins won the series in 1997 and then completely disbanded, I lost all interest in ANY team that collects free agents like they are mercenaries for hire.  I enjoy watching TEAMS, groups that have played together, learned each other's strengths and weaknesses, and have persevered to compete for championships.   That's how rivalries are made.  That's how fans respect their players.  Otherwise it's nothing but professional musical chairs. 

I hate seeing Boston mortgage their future for one shot at a title.  I hate seeing the Lakers steal one of the best centers in the league for virtually nothing (they would have lost to the Spurs, a great team, without Gasol).  Lakers and Celtics a rivalry?  Maybe in the days of Bird, McHale, Parrish, Abdul-Jabbar and Magic.  Those were TEAMS.  This series is nothing but an AAU matchup.  I really just can't get excited for it.

The Celtics haven't mortgaged their future;  like any team vying to win, they do have a window, though.  It really helps that 4 of the players in their 9 man rotation are 4 years and under in the league.

[jmingram911]

Well I think the Celtics are going to "beast" the Lakers.  They can't handle Paul Pierce, KG, and Ray Allen....PLUS Posey...Its Going To Be CELTICS in 5!!!!!!!!!!!

[Corkscrew Johnson]

Well, hate on the NBA Salary Cap.  Without that, we'd have teams like those Laker and Celtics teams of the 1980's again.

I don't think it has anything to do with the salary cap.  Spurs just won 4 championships in 9 years.  The Pistons have been to 6 straight conference finals.  And those teams have had the same core group for years. 

My hat's off to Danny Ainge for making a run at it, I just feel there is something so undeserving about these teams.  Like the difference between someone who earned his money and someone whose daddy gave it to him. 

[Corkscrew Johnson]

The Celtics haven't mortgaged their future;  like any team vying to win, they do have a window, though. 

Uh, what?  Did you see what they gave up?

2004 1st round pick Al Jefferson
2004 1st round pick Sebastian Telfair (by Portland)
2004 1st round pick Delonte West
2005 1st round pick Gerald Green
2005 2nd round pick Ryan Gomes
2007 1st round pick Jeff Green
2009 1st round draft pick
20?? 1st round draft pick (conditional)

I must have missed your sarcasm.

[Oliver]

I don't think it has anything to do with the salary cap.  Spurs just won 4 championships in 9 years.  The Pistons have been to 6 straight conference finals.  And those teams have had the same core group for years. 

My hat's off to Danny Ainge for making a run at it, I just feel there is something so undeserving about these teams.  Like the difference between someone who earned his money and someone whose daddy gave it to him. 

You are making my point for me...those Spurs teams couldn't hold a candle to those Celtics or Lakers teams of the 80's.  Those Spurs teams were so dominate because teams can't spend tons of money stockpiling good players to dominate the league (and believe you me, guys like Mark Cuban wish they could become the George Steinbrenner of the NBA).  It takes fluke deals that end up looking disgusting for teams to become what the Lakers and Celtics became this year.  You tell me with a straight face that what Minnesota or Memphis got was the best deal they could have received for Garnett or Gasol.  Kevin McHale, we'll give you Amare Stoudamire staight up for Kevin Garnett?  No.  Okay, how about Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum for KG?  Nope.  Well, how about an up and coming player in Al Jefferson and a bunch of trash from your former team for KG?  Okay, Deal.
Jerry West, how about we give you the worst center in the NBA and some meaningless first round picks for Pau Gasol?  Deal.  Thanks for helping out your old team.

[jsimpso3]

i thought west quit the grizz?

[elvis26]

 the lakers will destroy the celtics!! the only ones that can stop the lakers are themselves. they will take the celtics to school!! sincerely
                                                               elvis26

[hoggystyle78]

Boston in 6 games

[LA Football fan]

I don't watch the NBA anymore because to me it is hockey on tennis shoes.  There is no finesse or team play.  Nothing but brawls and near brawls every game. Centers that can only score if they can dunk the ball.  No sportmanship, with players taunting others nearly every possession.  With teams required to play man to man, it is my best player against your best player and see who wins.  What would the NFL look like if they said no more zone defenses, you have to play straight up man to man in pass defense?  Six personal fouls instead of five to protect their stars.  Players carrying the ball when dribbling on every possession not to mention how many travel calls are overlooked.  The NBA is not a sport anymore but pure entertainment passed off as being a sport.   Quit watching years ago, and don't foresee the NBA improving their product to give me any reason to watch anytime in the foreseeable future.

[jsimpso3]

I don't watch the NBA anymore because to me it is hockey on tennis shoes.  There is no finesse or team play.  Nothing but brawls and near brawls every game. Centers that can only score if they can dunk the ball.  No sportmanship, with players taunting others nearly every possession.  With teams required to play man to man, it is my best player against your best player and see who wins.  What would the NFL look like if they said no more zone defenses, you have to play straight up man to man in pass defense?  Six personal fouls instead of five to protect their stars.  Players carrying the ball when dribbling on every possession not to mention how many travel calls are overlooked.  The NBA is not a sport anymore but pure entertainment passed off as being a sport.   Quit watching years ago, and don't foresee the NBA improving their product to give me any reason to watch anytime in the foreseeable future.

i can understand someone not liking the nba and that is entirely your opinion. but like coop said, it appears you haven't tuned in for a while

[Masshog]

Man, if I coulda carried the ball like these guys do I would have been a star, especially if I could also shoot, pass or play defense.   What coulda been!!  Actually I just started watching the NBA again two years ago (when I moved to a city with a team) after having given up on it years before, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the level of play.  In fact, several of the Cs lived in my apartment building and they (and their hangers on) were all pretty nice.  I have found it pretty easy to become a fan again.

[PotBelliedPig29]

I wasn't around to see those great dynasties of the Lakers and Celtics, but this is the best we are gonna get today. You have a league megastar and MVP, Kobe Bryant, versus a team, the celtics, who likes to get down and play defense. This is going to be one heck of a series. This is the best thing to happen to the NBA since Jordan came back.