There Can Only Be One

This is it! The stage is finally set for the most anticipated rematch of the decade between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.

Since their rivalry started several years ago, the Lakers only won 2 out of the 9 championship games against the Celtics. Currently, the Celtics hold the most number of championships in the NBA history with 17 and Lakers with only 15.

Nevertheless, I believed that this series will not only be about their past but it will also be about their pride and legacy in the league. A win for the Celtics would prove to the whole world that they are still the team to beat however a win for the Lakers would somehow threatened the record of Boston.

So, will it be the Celtics destiny to repeat or the Lakers foreseen dynasty? I guess that would depend on how you are going to look at this series.

For me, I am going to consider their play-off statistics as my basis. For the point guard position, I don’t think Derek Fisher of Lakers can stop the young Rajon Rando of Celtics in terms of points and assist per game. He averages 16.6 PPG and 10.0 APG while “D’Fish” only averages 11.1 PPG and 3.1 APG.

For the guard position, nobody can compete with the intensity of Kobe Bryant of the Lakers averaging 29.4 PPG, 5.10 RPG and 6.2 APG while Ray Allen of the Celtics only averages 16.8 PPG, 3.60 RPG and 3.0 APG.

For the forward position, the “Truth” does set Celtics free from any hassle. Paul Pierce averages 19.1 PPG, 6.20 RPG and 3.6 APG while Ron Artest of the Lakers only averages 11.5 PPG, 3.70 RPG and 2.5 APG.

The “Ticket” somehow slowed down a little bit after his injury. Kevin Garnett of the Celtics only averages 14.9 PPG, 8.20 RPG and 2.3 APG while the pride of Spain Pau Gasol of the Lakers averages 20.0 PPG, 10.90 RPG and 3.4 APG.

True that Andrew Bynum of the Lakers was playing better during the play off as compared to Kendrick Perkins of the Celtics but we must not forget that his right knee is still fragile. Bynum averages 9.1 PPG, 7.70 RPG and 0.8 APG while Perkins averages 5.6 PPG, 6.40 RPG and 0.9 APG.

Well, as you can see, they are statistically tied that is why for me, their bench will play an important role in winning this championship. Lamar Odom and Jordan Farmar of the Lakers should be consistent with their play while Rasheed Wallace and Nate Robinson of the Celtics should make their presence felt during this series.

The painted area would be a factor for the Lakers since they are taller compared to the Celtics thus Glen Davis of the Celtics should step up his game while the three point area would be a factor for the Celtics thus Sasha Vujacic of the Lakers should be more sharper in every game.

Though Lakers have the home court advantage but again we cannot totally count out the Celtics because they have a better road win record compared to the defending champion during the play-off.

In summary, this series is still anybodies ball game. In fact, my fearless prediction would be that there will be a game 7 thus the adjustment of each respective coach in every game will be important in this series and personally, I will go for Phil Jackson of the LA Lakers because of his experience. Therefore, good luck to both teams !