Well, Game 1 is over and what a game it was! This was a neck and neck game 80s style, but I don't think we wanted it to go that way. Back in those days, the Lakers had a closer and the Celtics had one too...Magic and Bird. However, the Lakers have a closer KOBE and we kinda have one in the Truth. It was nerve wrecking in the beginning, but then we saw the Celtics we really love and do what they have been doing to get them in this position. THE D.
The first half, there was no D on either end of the floor. There were questions and questions and more questions whether or not that this Celtics defense could stop Kobe and more importantly Pau Gasol, who they have not yet faced (Laker wise) in the season. In the first half, it seemed that they couldn't, but we realized they weren't playing any Celtic D! The second half, it all changed.
Gasol and Odom combined for about 5 points in the second half and Kobe, who still had 24 points was contested about every time by everyone including Ray Allen who wasn't fooled by Kobe's pump fake. It was good D.
The questions should be answered somewhat that this Celtics team can beat a Laker team with Kobe + Gasol and Odom. One of the best things about the game was the Celtics bench. Give it up for P.J. Brown...he's 38 years old and got rebounds and dove after the ball and got the loose balls from the "younger and more talented" Laker bench players. Sam Cassell who still makes me nervous did come up big, but he still stayed in the game longer than he should have, or maybe he shouldn't shoot so much. Rondo did need the rest, though.
One of the things I learned about the start of the series is that the Celtics can and most likely will control the boards and out-rebound the Lakers. Also, the Celtics proved they can play an up tempo game with them as well, but in the end, if you keep playing that tempo, the Lakers will beat you. That is why rebounding is key. Another thing I learned is that Pau Gasol, while unstoppable he may seem, is in fact stoppable. I was really impressed with the Defense played against him. While he might not be "soft" like most people say, he is "soft" compared with Perk and especially Garnett.
Also, Odom is containable and hopefully the Celtics will force him to drive right because he's a southpaw. The Celtics also guarded the 3-point line really well, which took most of the bench players out of the game. They are based on how well they can shoot the three and pass. If they are highly contested and the lanes are closed, they could be useless.
Another important thing in this Celtics defense is that the paint is how the Phil Jackson triangle offense is at its best. If there is plenty of room, Kobe can go to the hoop and dish it off to Gasol because the defenders are paying attention to the MVP. Easy basket or dunk for the 7-ft. Spaniard. This Celtics defense makes it almost impossible to pass inside like that, because most likely it will be hit, knocked out of bounds, stolen, stripped or fall to the floor for one of our guys to dive on it. The only thing I would change with this defense is this: start playing it in the first half instead of the second half. It's not that we're lucky but we need to establish ourselves and tell these Lakers that if you want to score, you are going to work for it and Kobe, that means you too!
Going back to the 2004 Finals against LA and Detroit, the Pistons almost played the same way but they started at the beginning in the game. We started a little late but got the job done.
Kudos to P.J. and Sammy (whew!) and Leon Powe for giving a rebounding and defensive presence.
The Celtics have known for a while now that Kobe Bryant is a superstar and will score points. Period. But the key is to make him work for it and shut down the other guys. This team is capable to do that.
I know it's only one game and Sunday could be another nail biter, but if they play their defense, keep rebounding, contesting and running their offense calmly, they'll be fine.
Don't let the media discourage you by saying that Kobe just had an off night. This is the Finals, superstars don't have off nights, defense made him work for it. Also, with the defense closing off passing lanes, Kobe will be forcing himself to make more shots. Kobe was playing a little selfishly in the 2nd Half. Not much but a little. Good for us. Keep cutting off those passing lanes.
I don't know if the Lakers will make any adjustments because the offense is there backbone. It's not saying that they can't but if they try to do it, the Celtics will beat them at that too because we're more physical and the Lakers know that they must be fresh to make shots. If they're banged up by playing physical D, not going to do well in the long run.
A couple of notes to think of.
1. Lakers bench > Celtics bench. Lakers bench were outplayed and out hustled by our crusty old guys and our "inconsistent" bench.
2. We beat the Lakers 2-0 in the regular season but that was before Pau Gasol. Now, we've played Gasol and he contributed 15 pts. in the game and 4 in the second half. Now 3-0 post-Gasol. Who else you got?
3. Bryant had trouble shooting against the Celtics against the regular season. In the postseason so far...nothing really changed.
4. Can KG, be stopped? At this point the only thing that can is himself.
5. Is Pierce a beast or what? Yes he is. Is he loving playing his favorite childhood team? It really appears so? Is he a true Celtic? He is. Does #34 have a date with the rafters? After three more wins, I wouldn't see why not.
6. Is Red watching us? I do believe in spirits, so yes, he's up there.
7. Phil Jackson is 49-0 after taking the first game in a playoff series. We're up 1-0. Don't worry about this part anymore.
8. One major factor I notice during the intros was how the Lakers bench and some of the starters were rolling their eyes and acting "too" confident. Confidence is good, but that was just down right wrong. Maybe they were thinking this too would be a cake walk like the Spurs series. Notice the Celtics intros: Most of the heads were too the floor and everyone was zoned in and concentrating. Especially Kevin Garnett before the game started. They know they are the underdogs and that's OK. They respect their opponent, but they will not back down. Hopefully the Lakers' heads will swell a little more.
9. The Celtics are getting more respect but are still the underdogs. Many predict a Game 2 win for the Lakers. Good, we need to make the Celtics madder and madder.
10. Kobe's alley-oop dunk was awesome, but KGs put back from Posey's miss was just sick, brutal and downright awesome!!!!
The fact of the matter is this. Yes it is only one game, but it's a great start! We and the Lakers were the only teams that have never trailed in a series. Now, they are trailing and it will be interesting how they'll play in Game 2. I personally think the Celtics need to take the 2nd half and make that their game plan the entire series and I think they will. There is a 40 pt. game lurking inside of Kobe somewhere, but we still need to contest him. He might get 40 but it will be the hardest 40 pts he's ever earned.
The Lakers need 4 wins. Boston...3 to go! I'm not jinxing it so I will not predict the series. But I still believe they can do it. Godspeed!
Topic: Celtics Defense in Game 1 (Read 1451 times)