Breaking Down the NBA Finals

As a Nugget fan, this last month has been somewhat depressing when it comes to the NBA. However, this Finals matchup is one you wont want to miss. In the 2008 finals, the Boston Celtics faced their rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers and their glorified superstar- Kobe Bryant. Adding big names like Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the offseason, the Celts were poised to deny Kobe his fourth ring. After two at home, it would seem they would do just that. Through two games Paul Pierce had a combined 60 points, and Garnett had pulled down 27 rebounds, and the Celts had taken a 2-0 lead. Game 3 would be a different story, as Kobe and Sasha Vujacic had a combined 56 points, as the Lake Show made it a series. Game 4 would look to be just the same, that is, until the second half. The Lakers took an 18 point lead into the second half. It wouldn't last long. Boston outscored the weary Lakers by 26, taking a 3-1 series lead. What little heart the Lakers had left was shown in game 5, as they forced the series back to the Garden. Game 6 would seal the deal, as KG and Ray Allen lifted their first NBA finals trophies. The final 131-92, the biggest blowout in Lakers postseason history.

It's only fair that the Lakers get a second chance. But this year, everything is different. This year, it is all about revenge. The Lakers have added Ron Artest, who in my opinion, is the most intimidating defender the Western Conference has to offer. The Celtics have an emerging superstar in Rajon Rondo, whose hustle and passing have been a major part in the success of Boston this postseason. Rondo was the big question mark for the Celts in the '08 series, but has since proven himself a force to be reckoned with. Breaking down this sure to be fiery series is not an easy task, but hey, I'll give it a whirl.

Let's start with some position breakdowns:

Point Guard- Rajon Rondo (BOS) vs Derek Fisher (LAL)
This isn't a matchup to be overlooked. Fish is a sniper from deep, and his 13 years of experience will certainly bode well for the Lakers. But Rajon Rondo has just been to dominant. He is averaging almost 17 points, 10 assists and 2 steals a game. He has emeged as the leader of this Celtics squad, and he will certainly be a factor in the Celtics equation for success in this series.

Winner: Rajon Rondo

Shooting Guard- Ray Allen (BOS) vs Kobe Bryant (LAL)
This is the dream matchup. Two of the premier scorers of the last decade, head to head. Ray Allen has one of the most beautiful jump shots I have ever seen, shooting almost 44% from long distance. Ray is another one of those "lead by example" players. Kobe, on the other hand, is not. He is never afraid to speak his mind, and his teammates have a great deal of respect for him. Bryant makes the most difficult plays look routine, and his 29.4 points per game this postseason are not to be overlooked. The Lakers are a complete basketball team, and Kobe is the center of their dominating scheme. He is simply "Mr Clutch"

Winner: Kobe Bryant

Small Forward- Paul Pierce (BOS) vs Ron Artest (LAL)
Does defense really win championships? This matchup ought to tell us just that. This is the classic offense against defense matchup. Pierce is the offense. He is averaging 19 points per contest this post season, and had his most dominant series in the Conference finals against Orlando. Paul is the face of the Boston franchise, and he is one to make his prescence known on the court. But then there is Ron Artest. Mr. "Give me their best guy, I'll guard him." I remember when my Nuggs were facing the Lakers earlier this year, Artest forced Carmelo Anthony to commit a season high 8 turnovers, not to mention a 7-19 shooting performance. In simple terms, Artest is a force. He comes in every game with one simple goal- shut down his man at all cost. In most cases, he does just that. These two do have a history. While Artest was playing in Houston, he had the task of guarding Paul Pierce. After 3 quarters of shut-down defense, Artest fouled out. As he left the court, all Pierce could do was smile and give Ron a wave goodbye.

Winner- Errrrr... This is a tough one. But I like defense. Artest.

Power Forward- Kevin Garnett (BOS) vs Pau Gasol (LAL)
Gah! Why is every matchup in this series so close! KG is the most intense player in the NBA. From pounding his head on the padding beneath the hoop before games, to leading the Celts defensive style of play- Garnett does it all. His has an excellent mid-range shot, as well as giving Boston a force on the glass. Gasol is the quiet Spain gentleman with a fiery spirit and a passion for the game. Like Garnett, his mid-range game is superb. He isn't the intimidator like Garnett, but he makes defenders cringe with his footwork and smooth baby hook. This will surely be a matchup for the ages.

Winner- Another tough one. Garnett.

Center- Kendrick Perkins (BOS) vs Andrew Bynum (LAL)
This matchup could be renamed "fire vs ice." Kendrick Perkins, Mr. Techical foul and Andrew Bynum, the young gentle giant. Bynum is dealing with some knee issues, and had a "significant amount" of fluid from that knee drained earlier this week. Although Bynum has fought through the pain throughout the season, but hasn't been as affective as he would have hoped. Kendrick Perkins is the Celts rock on defense. He has fed off the intensity that Garnett brings and created a persona of his own. A persona that tells his matchup, "This ain't gonna be easy." His lack of offensive domination is made up by his defensive intensity and hustle.

Winner- Kendrick Perkins

Key off the Bench: Lakers- Lamar Odom
Khloe Kardashians new man was a force on the glass in the Conference Finals against Pheonix, expect more of that in this series.

Key off the Bench: Celtics- Tony Allen
Besides his explosive vertical, Tony Allen is a spectacular defender. How he handles Kobe will be a deciding factor in this series.

This is it, ladies and gents. The 12th meeting in the NBA finals between the Lakers and Celtics. This is truly a series for the ages.

PREDICTION: Lakers in 7. Kobe Bryant's new found passing abilites will no doubt give the Lakers and advantage. The key to the success of the Lakers will be how they contain Rajon Rondo. If they can limit him to 0-1 steals per game and protect the basketball, they will have a leg up- giving the Lakers the best chance to get Kobe Bryant a handful (5) of rings.