Before this series started, most pundits chose the Lakers over the Celtics based on a variety of myths regarding their advantages, each of which has been dispelled following the first two games:
1. First Myth-- The Laker bench is much better than the Celtic bench.
I was puzzled by this, but figured it was attributed to Doc's decision to shorten the rotation in the earlier play-off rounds, and not use the bench as much. However, over the course of the 82 game season, any Celtic fan would tell you it was ridiculous to say the Laker bench was better than ours. After watching the first two games, I am frankly surprised the Laker bench had been given so much cred. I think it is a pretty average bench. It lacks any go to guy, and is quite small in size and strength.
2. Second Myth--The point guard play is even.
I know Rondo was a little inconsistent in prior rounds, but I think I speak for most Celtic fans who figured Rondo would get off against the Lakers. They have no one who can stop him in the half court penetration. Does anyone doubt that Leon Powe's great game last night was in no small part aided by Rondo's ease of penetration? The Lakers really lack a point guard. Fisher does not penetrate that well, and Rondo has done a very good job of defending his jumper for the most part. I figured we would have an edge here, and so far the edge is bigger than even I imagined.
3. Third Myth--The Lakers' Defense is really good.
Sorry, Laker fans, but we have played two teams in the play-offs whose defense was much more physical and intense than yours. I thought the Lakers would struggle defensively, but I am rather shocked with how bad it is thus far. I felt that for most of the game, we could penetrate at will agaisnt them. Frankly, if we kept attacking the basket, we would have won by 20. I don't think the Lakers made any great defensive adjustment in the 4th quarter.
4. Fourth Myth--The Lakers are the best passing team in basketball.
I bit my lip hard when I heard this stated repeatedly by the brilliant minds at ESPN. I, like most other Celtic fans, took great pride in our team play all year. Look, the Lakers are a great passing team against an ordinary defense, as are we. Against a great defensive team, the Lakers are proving to be an average passing team.
5. Fifth Myth--Kobe is the best player by far in this series.
Look, I still think Kobe is a great player. I even think he is the best player on the court in this series. But come on, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen ain't exactly chopped liver. Frankly, most would agree that thusfar Pierce alone has outplayed Bryant. I doubt that will continue for the entire series, but I also feel pretty good that Ray or Kevin (or Leon!!) will step right in and pick up the slack. I'll take the 3 headed monster over the one headed monster every time.
6. Lakers have a big edge in coaching.
Well, so far that does not seem to be the case. At this stage, the players play the game. All the sets have been memorized, and execution and motivation wins championships. While doc may not win awards for x's and 0's, has anyone ever doubted his ability to motivate his team? I personally get inspired listening to his miked up speeches, whether it is a half time with a good lead, or following an injury to his star. Doc seems to say the right thing every time, and as a former athlete, I think that quality in a coach is very valuable. Look, Phil Jackson obviously is a great coach, but I think giving any meaningful edge to the Lakers due to the coaching matchup was completely overblown.
Topic: Mythbusters (Read 2689 times)