Top 5 Reasons the Celtics Will Beat The Lakers

[Rtpas11]

I'll give 5 reasons...

1: Kobe is going to have a hard time defending Ray Allen (look @ what happened to D-Wade, A-Parker, and V-Carter). Only Reddick was able to do a decent job (so did Courtney Lee last year for the Magics). It will tire Kobe out running through picks to chase Ray around. Eventually they'll call on another guy ( No Clue Who; Shannon Brown Maybe...lol) to cover him, while Kobe guards Rondo.

2: Artest will be too consumed with guarding Pierce, resulting in lack of team defense. Artest is a liability offensively and so is Odom.

3: Fisher is light years slower than Rondo, and Rondo is a one man wrecking crew. Rondo hands down is the deciding factor in this series. There is no one that could guard him on the Lakers (not even Kobe).

4: My boy Nate "The Great" is starting to understand and feel the playoffs atmosphere. He's just getting started so the Lajers are in big trouble when you talk about the Celtics bench compared to theirs. Lakers bench stink vs. Celtics

5: My Prediction is 4-1 Celtics or 4-0 Celtics

[Edgar]

My boy Nate (i will not call him) is starting to understand and feel the playoffs atmosphere. He's just getting started so the Lajers are in big trouble when you talk about the Celtics bench compared to theirs. Lakers bench stink vs. Celtics

ohh man
thats all
thats all we need
give me a bench
like PJ dominate T
like House dominate farmar
like cassell dominate...mmmmmmm.... casselll
oh well
give me a bench

[SamuelAdams]

I expect Fisher to take Rondo out and not get called for a foul...

[sheldonc]

Top 5 Reasons Why the Celtics Will Beat the Lakers.

5. Perk is overall better than 2008-Can you really say that about the ever injured Bynum.

Bynum didn't play in '08-- but Perkins definitely improved.  Current Bynum, especially the way he's played the last two series is a disadvantage to the Lakers-- though we'll see by how much.

4. Our Bench is Better Than 2008 and better than the Lakers bench.  I'll take Sheed, Allen and Baby over Brown, Posey and House.(Match up wise. Baby and Sheed are key bigs and more valuable against the Lakers bigs.

Posey and House destroyed the Lakers in '08 and in particular Posey was able to contain Kobe.  Odom has always been fairly successful against Sheed.  I will say that almost any bench in the league is better than the Laker's bench.

3. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are playing better and working better in the system than 2008.  They compliment each other more.

That may be true-- but they're also two years older.  And are not producing as much as they did.  This is mostly made up for by Rondo's emergence-- but I wouldn't say Allen and Pierce of '10 are better than their '08 versions.

2. Lakers are really not that much better than 2008. I give them credit for being better only because they are the defending champions and might put up a better fight.  They are still all about Kobe and when Bryant starts alienating his team mates via being a ball hog or yelling at them, they will quit on him(Just like 2008).

The Lakers are an improved team-- if its just that Gasol and Kobe have played longer together.  Talent-wise, it's not that great-- but I think they match up better with the Celtics with Artest and Bynum in the lineup. 

1. Rondo is a freak of nature compared to 2008. You can argue that KG has lost a little, but Rondo has improved exponentially.
Barring injury, who the heck is going to cover Rondo. 

Rondo has improved exponentially and is a top 5 PG-- though the Lakers have just gone through teams that have Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams and Steve Nash.  All of whom IMO have a better offensive game than Rondo. 

The Celtics are playing better in the 2010 playoffs than 2008 play offs.  Are the Lakers?

Are the Lakers playing better in 2010 than 2008?  Yes.  Are they playing better than the Celtics?  That remains to be seen.

5.  Perkins has a gotten better since 2008. I understand Bynum didn't play but with Bynum doesn't make a difference to the Lakers. They aren't any better with or without.

4. Though I love what Posey and House has done for us. I really miss House. With the intensity of Baby and the great defense Allen has played I would take them. I don't know where you came up with Odom handling Sheed. How big is your sample size to come up with that stat. Odom is know for disappearing during games and series.  Having two quality bigs coming off the bench and a good defender is more important.  They will wear down L.A.'s bigs.  That the advantage



3. Allen is better in the 2010 playoffs than 2008. Over all he has defended better and when the ball is moving creates more diversity.. Much more diversity than 2008.  I would even say the Celtics finally know how to use Ray. Ray hasn't shown any age. Ask Lebron James if he thinks Pierce has slowed down defensively..


2.I will give you that Pau Gasol is better integrated into the Lakers.  I don't think that makes them that much better. I think the Lakers were better last year with Ariza over Artest.

1. I will not question the abilities of Westbrook, Williams and Nash. Except for Nash, Rondo is a level above them. Compared to 2008, Rondo is so much better. Lakers are going to have fits. I hope Bryant defends Rondo.

And yes your correct.  We will just have to see. See the Green Buzz Saw cutting right through the Lakers. Grinding them through a 7 game series. Lakers will quit in 6.

5.  You're right about Bynum-- he's not going to be the difference maker.  Even technically a starter-- Odom gets a majority of the minutes.  

4.  The sample is pretty small-- based on Wallace's performance against Odom this season.  That being said, I think the Odom vs. Wallace matchup favors Odom-- but like you said, only if he shows up.  I really think he's the Lakers critical factor.

Having a number of bigs come off the bench is helpful but Davis and Wallace aren't known as defensive bigs.  The teams that have beaten (decent) Kobe Bryant led teams usually had someone with length that will bother Kobe and in turn allow the other defenders to stay home on their players.  Boston in '08 had Posey, Detroit in '04 had Prince.  

3.  I haven't seen many BOS games but and I don't doubt that Allen and Pierce are fitting in better with the defensive schemes.  If you're saying that Pierce is still at the Finals MVP level and Allen hasn't lost a step on offense-- then I'll take your word for it.  

2.  I'd agree Ariza was more effective than Artest, and I truly miss Ariza on the Lakers.  But either option is better than Luke Walton starting in '08.  

1.  Rondo is a level above Westbrook-- but I'd but him at the same tier as Williams and Nash.  Rondo is a better defensive player, but Williams and Nash are better offensive players.

Seeing as to how it seems the Celtics are better at 4/5 positions with Bryant barely edging out Ray Allen.  They have a better bench and better chemistry-- how would the series go 7 games?   The refs (aka Stern) will probably give the Lakers 3 games by default.  

[Edgar]

Top 5 Reasons Why the Celtics Will Beat the Lakers.

5. Perk is overall better than 2008-Can you really say that about the ever injured Bynum.

Bynum didn't play in '08-- but Perkins definitely improved.  Current Bynum, especially the way he's played the last two series is a disadvantage to the Lakers-- though we'll see by how much.

4. Our Bench is Better Than 2008 and better than the Lakers bench.  I'll take Sheed, Allen and Baby over Brown, Posey and House.(Match up wise. Baby and Sheed are key bigs and more valuable against the Lakers bigs.

Posey and House destroyed the Lakers in '08 and in particular Posey was able to contain Kobe.  Odom has always been fairly successful against Sheed.  I will say that almost any bench in the league is better than the Laker's bench.

3. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are playing better and working better in the system than 2008.  They compliment each other more.

That may be true-- but they're also two years older.  And are not producing as much as they did.  This is mostly made up for by Rondo's emergence-- but I wouldn't say Allen and Pierce of '10 are better than their '08 versions.

2. Lakers are really not that much better than 2008. I give them credit for being better only because they are the defending champions and might put up a better fight.  They are still all about Kobe and when Bryant starts alienating his team mates via being a ball hog or yelling at them, they will quit on him(Just like 2008).

The Lakers are an improved team-- if its just that Gasol and Kobe have played longer together.  Talent-wise, it's not that great-- but I think they match up better with the Celtics with Artest and Bynum in the lineup. 

1. Rondo is a freak of nature compared to 2008. You can argue that KG has lost a little, but Rondo has improved exponentially.
Barring injury, who the heck is going to cover Rondo. 

Rondo has improved exponentially and is a top 5 PG-- though the Lakers have just gone through teams that have Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams and Steve Nash.  All of whom IMO have a better offensive game than Rondo. 

The Celtics are playing better in the 2010 playoffs than 2008 play offs.  Are the Lakers?

Are the Lakers playing better in 2010 than 2008?  Yes.  Are they playing better than the Celtics?  That remains to be seen.

5.  Perkins has a gotten better since 2008. I understand Bynum didn't play but with Bynum doesn't make a difference to the Lakers. They aren't any better with or without.

4. Though I love what Posey and House has done for us. I really miss House. With the intensity of Baby and the great defense Allen has played I would take them. I don't know where you came up with Odom handling Sheed. How big is your sample size to come up with that stat. Odom is know for disappearing during games and series.  Having two quality bigs coming off the bench and a good defender is more important.  They will wear down L.A.'s bigs.  That the advantage



3. Allen is better in the 2010 playoffs than 2008. Over all he has defended better and when the ball is moving creates more diversity.. Much more diversity than 2008.  I would even say the Celtics finally know how to use Ray. Ray hasn't shown any age. Ask Lebron James if he thinks Pierce has slowed down defensively..


2.I will give you that Pau Gasol is better integrated into the Lakers.  I don't think that makes them that much better. I think the Lakers were better last year with Ariza over Artest.

1. I will not question the abilities of Westbrook, Williams and Nash. Except for Nash, Rondo is a level above them. Compared to 2008, Rondo is so much better. Lakers are going to have fits. I hope Bryant defends Rondo.

And yes your correct.  We will just have to see. See the Green Buzz Saw cutting right through the Lakers. Grinding them through a 7 game series. Lakers will quit in 6.

5.  You're right about Bynum-- he's not going to be the difference maker.  Even technically a starter-- Odom gets a majority of the minutes.  

4.  The sample is pretty small-- based on Wallace's performance against Odom this season.  That being said, I think the Odom vs. Wallace matchup favors Odom-- but like you said, only if he shows up.  I really think he's the Lakers critical factor.

Having a number of bigs come off the bench is helpful but Davis and Wallace aren't known as defensive bigs.  The teams that have beaten (decent) Kobe Bryant led teams usually had someone with length that will bother Kobe and in turn allow the other defenders to stay home on their players.  Boston in '08 had Posey, Detroit in '04 had Prince.  

3.  I haven't seen many BOS games but and I don't doubt that Allen and Pierce are fitting in better with the defensive schemes.  If you're saying that Pierce is still at the Finals MVP level and Allen hasn't lost a step on offense-- then I'll take your word for it.  

2.  I'd agree Ariza was more effective than Artest, and I truly miss Ariza on the Lakers.  But either option is better than Luke Walton starting in '08.  

1.  Rondo is a level above Westbrook-- but I'd but him at the same tier as Williams and Nash.  Rondo is a better defensive player, but Williams and Nash are better offensive players.

Seeing as to how it seems the Celtics are better at 4/5 positions with Bryant barely edging out Ray Allen.  They have a better bench and better chemistry-- how would the series go 7 games?   The refs (aka Stern) will probably give the Lakers 3 games by default.  

I have to point that sheed was outplayed but almost every single pf int he league dirong the year and the history was the opposite during this playoffs one or two games aside
its up to sheed
its up to his will
its up to his desire to be a champion again
we will see???

[sheldonc]

rondo is a different animal than the other guys the lakers have seen

Would you care to elaborate?

Westbrook gave the Lakers more than they could handle, but the Lakers owned the rest of the match-ups in that series.  Jeff Green shot 33%, Durant shot 35%, Sefolosha shot 30% and James Harden shot 39% to completely let down their end of the offensive bargain and still the Lakers barely squeaked by. 

Rondo's game is a subtler, more skillful variation on Westbrook's, with less midrange game but equal amounts of speed and even better transition ability.  Barring an injury or an untimely cold spell or the sudden emergence of Andrew Bynum as a Dwight Howard paint defender, Rondo should wreak similar havoc on the Lakers, while the Big 3 are far less likely to submit the coordinated stink bombs submitted by the green/inefficient Thunder.

Combine that with a much more imposing defensive frontline than the pathetic Green/Krstic combo that had no chance against any of the Laker big men and you can see why Celtics fans are optimistic about our chances

I completely agree that Westbrook took the Lakers apart-- and I fully expect Rondo to do the same to the Lakers.  Quick point guards is one of the Lakers glaring weaknesses.  

Boston will be the toughest defensive team the Lakers have faced.  Arguably, the same could be said that the Lakers are the best defensive team that Boston has faced.  I think a key to this series will be rebounds-- both teams will be shooting lower percentages than they've done in previous rounds and rebounds will be the deciding factor.  And rebounds really do go to the team that wants it more-- and hustles more.  And honestly, I'm not sure if I see that in this Laker team.  

[Edgar]

rondo is a different animal than the other guys the lakers have seen

Would you care to elaborate?

Westbrook gave the Lakers more than they could handle, but the Lakers owned the rest of the match-ups in that series.  Jeff Green shot 33%, Durant shot 35%, Sefolosha shot 30% and James Harden shot 39% to completely let down their end of the offensive bargain and still the Lakers barely squeaked by. 

Rondo's game is a subtler, more skillful variation on Westbrook's, with less midrange game but equal amounts of speed and even better transition ability.  Barring an injury or an untimely cold spell or the sudden emergence of Andrew Bynum as a Dwight Howard paint defender, Rondo should wreak similar havoc on the Lakers, while the Big 3 are far less likely to submit the coordinated stink bombs submitted by the green/inefficient Thunder.

Combine that with a much more imposing defensive frontline than the pathetic Green/Krstic combo that had no chance against any of the Laker big men and you can see why Celtics fans are optimistic about our chances

I completely agree that Westbrook took the Lakers apart-- and I fully expect Rondo to do the same to the Lakers.  Quick point guards is one of the Lakers glaring weaknesses. 

Boston will be the toughest defensive team the Lakers have faced.  Arguably, the same could be said that the Lakers are the best defensive team that Boston has faced.  I think a key to this series will be rebounds-- both teams will be shooting lower percentages than they've done in previous rounds and rebounds will be the deciding factor.  And rebounds really do go to the team that wants it more-- and hustles more.  And honestly, I'm not sure if I see that in this Laker team. 

I am ready to say Cle is better defensive team than  LA
imho

[Edgar]

2009-10 Statistics
PPG 14.9 RPG 5.60 APG 3.8 EFF + 14.88

Against
BOS  2 2 34.5 0.385 0.222 1.000 1.5 2.5 4.0rpg 1.5 2.0 1.0 13.0ppg

I am not going to go THAT further but this years artest other that attitude ( if any) isnt better than ariza.

[sheldonc]

rondo is a different animal than the other guys the lakers have seen

Would you care to elaborate?

Westbrook gave the Lakers more than they could handle, but the Lakers owned the rest of the match-ups in that series.  Jeff Green shot 33%, Durant shot 35%, Sefolosha shot 30% and James Harden shot 39% to completely let down their end of the offensive bargain and still the Lakers barely squeaked by. 

Rondo's game is a subtler, more skillful variation on Westbrook's, with less midrange game but equal amounts of speed and even better transition ability.  Barring an injury or an untimely cold spell or the sudden emergence of Andrew Bynum as a Dwight Howard paint defender, Rondo should wreak similar havoc on the Lakers, while the Big 3 are far less likely to submit the coordinated stink bombs submitted by the green/inefficient Thunder.

Combine that with a much more imposing defensive frontline than the pathetic Green/Krstic combo that had no chance against any of the Laker big men and you can see why Celtics fans are optimistic about our chances

I completely agree that Westbrook took the Lakers apart-- and I fully expect Rondo to do the same to the Lakers.  Quick point guards is one of the Lakers glaring weaknesses. 

Boston will be the toughest defensive team the Lakers have faced.  Arguably, the same could be said that the Lakers are the best defensive team that Boston has faced.  I think a key to this series will be rebounds-- both teams will be shooting lower percentages than they've done in previous rounds and rebounds will be the deciding factor.  And rebounds really do go to the team that wants it more-- and hustles more.  And honestly, I'm not sure if I see that in this Laker team. 

I am ready to say Cle is better defensive team than  LA
imho

It's a very valid argument, and like I said, it arguable.  I think defensive matchup wise-- CLE did not match up well against BOS.  See this article:

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/clevelands-defense/

[sheldonc]

2009-10 Statistics
PPG 14.9 RPG 5.60 APG 3.8 EFF + 14.88

Against
BOS  2 2 34.5 0.385 0.222 1.000 1.5 2.5 4.0rpg 1.5 2.0 1.0 13.0ppg

I am not going to go THAT further but this years artest other that attitude ( if any) isnt better than ariza.

In terms of team chemistry and fitting in with the team-- Ariza is light years ahead of Artest.  He's trying hard, but every time he still takes too many ill-advised 3-pt heaves-- especially for the percentage that he's shooting.  And like others have pointed out-- he's an offensive liability. 

[Edgar]

2009-10 Statistics
PPG 14.9 RPG 5.60 APG 3.8 EFF + 14.88

Against
BOS  2 2 34.5 0.385 0.222 1.000 1.5 2.5 4.0rpg 1.5 2.0 1.0 13.0ppg

I am not going to go THAT further but this years artest other that attitude ( if any) isnt better than ariza.

In terms of team chemistry and fitting in with the team-- Ariza is light years ahead of Artest.  He's trying hard, but every time he still takes too many ill-advised 3-pt heaves-- especially for the percentage that he's shooting.  And like others have pointed out-- he's an offensive liability. 

Artest isnt eddie house or.. larry..

believe me i dont even have a clue how this wil ends
i will probably play poker firsnt night of playoffs wondering how my cs does
Theres no a hint of how this will work

Rondo?
pau over kg or viceversa
Bynum injury...real???
kg injury  real??
sheed real self
too much going on... too much

[sheldonc]

A Laker Fan's Top 5 (Assuming that the Celtics will beat the Lakers)

1)  Pau Gasol resigns from the Lakers to be the national spokesman for a pillow company, making the most use of his Eurosoft reputation. 

2)  Kobe Bryant decides it would be awesome to break Wilt's 100 point game record against the Celtics in the Finals and torches the Allens for 101 points.  Unfortunately, the Celtics score 102. 

3)  Derek Fisher realizes that he's Derek Fisher and goes back to shooting in the low 30's. 

4)  Artest receives a tweet from @TheRealPhilJackson complimenting him on his 3 point shooting.  He then proceeds to set a new record for playing an entire game not stepping past the 3 pt line on offense.

5)  Odom finally realizes all the potential, physical gifts, and talent he has.  And trades it for a Snickers bar. 

[BballTim]

rondo is a different animal than the other guys the lakers have seen

Would you care to elaborate?

Westbrook gave the Lakers more than they could handle, but the Lakers owned the rest of the match-ups in that series.  Jeff Green shot 33%, Durant shot 35%, Sefolosha shot 30% and James Harden shot 39% to completely let down their end of the offensive bargain and still the Lakers barely squeaked by. 

Rondo's game is a subtler, more skillful variation on Westbrook's, with less midrange game but equal amounts of speed and even better transition ability.  Barring an injury or an untimely cold spell or the sudden emergence of Andrew Bynum as a Dwight Howard paint defender, Rondo should wreak similar havoc on the Lakers, while the Big 3 are far less likely to submit the coordinated stink bombs submitted by the green/inefficient Thunder.

Combine that with a much more imposing defensive frontline than the pathetic Green/Krstic combo that had no chance against any of the Laker big men and you can see why Celtics fans are optimistic about our chances

I completely agree that Westbrook took the Lakers apart-- and I fully expect Rondo to do the same to the Lakers.  Quick point guards is one of the Lakers glaring weaknesses. 

Boston will be the toughest defensive team the Lakers have faced.  Arguably, the same could be said that the Lakers are the best defensive team that Boston has faced.  I think a key to this series will be rebounds-- both teams will be shooting lower percentages than they've done in previous rounds and rebounds will be the deciding factor.  And rebounds really do go to the team that wants it more-- and hustles more.  And honestly, I'm not sure if I see that in this Laker team. 

I am ready to say Cle is better defensive team than  LA
imho

  Orlando is better defensively than Cleveland or LA.

  LA is the defending champs but that's really the only reason they've shown to rate them higher than Orlando or Cleveland.

[Drucci]

1. Defense.
2. Rondo
3. Ubuntu
4. Toughness
5. The "us against the world" + "it's our last shot" mentality.

Also, since 2003, every time a Western team has won the championship, an Eastern team has won it the following year and vice versa. Will be the case this year again.

[Evantime34]

1. Good defense always beats good offense.

2. Pau Gasol is now overrated, KG is underrated. Look for KG to really slow down Gasol.

3. LA Lakers: 2 good defenders, Celtics: 3 good scorers. The Celtics have Rondo, Pierce, and Allen where the Lakers have Kobe and Artest to guard them. Whoever isn't guarded by that duo will score.

4. Bench: the Lakers have one good contributor in a hampered Bynum (he starts but plays bench minutes), Shannon Brown is OK but no one else scares me. Our bench should kill their bench.

5. As these playoffs have shown it's not about having the best player, it's about having the best team.