Into the lions den a Laker fan goes. The first three rounds have bruised and bloodied the last two champions. None of that matters now that the bell for the final round has been struck and fate has brought us together for another tango. One, a superstar lead team with a slow efficient drag it out out offense thirsting for revenge. The other, a team with the unbreakable, punishing, no mercy defense pursuing redemption. This will be the final proof that "defense wins championships".
Let's not talk about match ups or schemes or analysis. Let's talk about a deep seeded hatred stewing for over forty years. A hate of the other team-- their colors, their logo, their arrogance. Let's hope for a seven game series propelled by the teams' sheer refusal to lose carried by ego and adrenaline. Counter one run with another-- one dunk with a block-- and an eye for an eye. Let there be streaks, comebacks and heartbreaks-- and not necessarily in that order. Let there not be any let-downs, let-ups or taking plays off. Let there be passion and the technicals that are a result. This isn't some pseudo-rivalry like the Lakers v. Spurs, or the Celtics v. Cleveland. This is the Lakers v. Celtics.
There should be no mid-court kisses before the game. May the better team win and the other teams' fans complain about the officiating. Both teams will leave it all on the court and the last one standing will be the one with Larry O'Brien in his arms.
Let's wish the other team good luck with total insincerity because we all know there's no goodwill in war. We might as well get started.
First to four, by ones, winner takes out. Your ball.