OK ... first of all, forgive me for adding to the flood of new topics. I usually never start a thread right after a game, as there's so much of the same, but I really felt strongly about this one, especially with all the kudos going around. This was an amazing win ... an incredible comeback for the ages, and one of those games that you'll pass on to your younger generations, and tell your grandkids about. This game was the perfect example of the importance of defense and playing as a team.
The first half was a nightmare ... I kept saying over the last two days how the good thing about the loss on Tuesday, was that they couldn't play any worse, and yet in the first half, they actually did, (especially the first quarter). I was actually so disgusted with this team and so discouraged, that I felt like turning the TV off and walking away ... seriously, (and if you knew me personally, you'd realize how truly extreme that would be).
I think I'm leaning back in the direction of the "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" conspiracy theory again, though, because the team that came out after the halftime break, was a totally different team, and if my senses didn't know better, I would have thought I was watching a different game, and that I'd somehow been transported to another place and time. The energy was back, the momentum was ours, the defense was huge, we were attacking the basket, and we looked like the team we did for most of the regular season. We had been transformed, and it was none too soon!
Ray was the anchor throughout, and played all 48 with consistency and energy ... and I think he was the one bright spot that kept the composure of the team, that kept everyone else from not getting discouraged in the first half. Eddie was big coming in for Rage and kept pushing the ball, kept attacking and moving the offense forward, as well as hitting some really big shots. Even without scoring a lot of points, KG was massive on D, with big boards, and running the post game as the pivot point of the "O" ... getting the ball in and out to the open guys, and being that inside threat.
Posey was absolutely awesome, and was that one "wood-warmer" with that extra spark and emotion, who caught the Lakers by surprise, playing great defense and nailing his shot with aplomb. I think he showed tonight just why he's such an asset ... and such a versatile, multi-level player. PJ added some great stuff, too, and while he had trouble scoring, he was a big presence down low, especially with Perk going down. Powe didn't play a lot, but had some big plays, and even Sammy contributed positively, though briefly. But of all the amazing contributions tonight, there was one player who truly set the tone after the half, who had clearly decided that he wasn't going down without a fight, and that was the Truth.
Paul Pierce is the Captain and leader of this team, and tonight he stepped up and took his job seriously, by taking the lead. He actually went to Doc at half-time and asked him to let him defend Kobe, and it was one of the biggest turning points of this game. Kobe was completely shut down in the second half by Paul, and totally frustrated by his defensive pressure. Pierce played truly some of the best defense anyone's ever played against Bryant, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I've never seen the Mamba have such difficulty getting a shot off, and it was a joy to watch.
I'm not trying to say here that Paul's contribution was the only reason we won this game, because that's not remotely the truth. But he was the guy who came out in the second half with clearly a different mind-set and a different energy, who had obviously decided that if he was going down, he was going to go down fighting. He took the lead and gave the spark to everyone else to follow suit, and when the Captain makes that kind of change and that kind of effort, the rest can't help but get inspired and do their best. His defensive energy and his stifling of Kobe was the starting point, and it immediately translated into easy offense at the other end.
There's been so much attention given to KG this year, and rightfully so, but Paul Pierce is still the leader of this team, the one everyone looks to for direction and guidance, and energy on the floor, and defensive intensity, and character and heart. Even Garnett looks up to Paul and follows his lead, and despite how much of a cohesive unit this team is, it still needs a leader, and someone to show the team the way, and light the path to victory. Paul Pierce is that leader, and he was the difference-maker tonight ... he added the initial flame that lit this comeback fire tonight, and the torch was gladly taken up by the rest of the team.
I think sometimes that that's all it takes ... just one guy to say they've had enough of being lukewarm, or playing half-heartedly ... just one guy to start the ball rolling, and change the momentum in their favor. Paul is the guy that should be doing that on a regular basis, and the guy who the rest of the team depends on for that leadership, and tonight was the perfect example of why he's that guy ... why he's the Captain and the motivator. It's a fine line to tread sometimes in this league ... to be that leader and that guy who the team respects so highly, and yet still be a friend and team-mate, too.
Frankly, I'd take a Paul Pierce any day over a Kobe Bryant, because that's one skill Kobe will never possess. I'm so proud of this team tonight, but mostly, so proud of Paul Pierce, and so thankful that he's our leader, and that the rest of the world is finally getting to see just how amazing a basketball player he really is. Thanks so much Paul, for being the consummate Captain ... and for stepping up and giving us the needed push over-the-top, to manufacture one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the NBA Finals!
I know we ask a lot of the Truth, but we need to ask for a just little bit more ... Paul, please carry that torch a little bit farther ... we need the Truth to light the way, and lead us home ... to a Championship!
Go Celtics!
Topic: Paul Pierce ... Lead Us Home! (Read 6365 times)