NBA Finals Playoffs Game 1 LA Lakers @ Boston Celtics Series Preview

The Lakers biggest advantages in this series are on their bench. The Lakers second unit produces offensively for LA. Also on their bench is Phil Jackson the greatest coach ever in the NBA who hasn’t lost a step. Probably did one of his best coaching jobs developing players around Kobe. I believe this to be the biggest coaching mismatch in the history of any finals, NBA, NFL, NHL or even Major League Baseball. Rivers coached against Flip Saunders, Mike Brown and Mike Woodson in this postseason. Not even close to being the greatest minds in the game. 0 Titles among them and Rivers didn’t win any playoff series in his coaching career until this season. Phil Jackson’s in game adjustments, game-to-game adjustments and his better ability to work the officials give the Lakers about an extra 5 points each game against Doc Rivers and the Celtics. Phil Jackson will find the formula to beat Boston. Younger and running teams gave the Celtics trouble. Atlanta took them to 7 games. New Orleans pounded the Celtics at home. The Celtics lost 3 games in a row to start a West Coast trip against Denver, Golden St and an older but running Phoenix Suns team. Young Deron Williams behind 32 points led the Utah Jazz to an 18 point pounding of the Boston Celtics in Boston. Doc Rivers doesn’t want to get in a running game against LA but if San Antonio couldn’t ground LA in a grind it’s unlikely Boston would be able to. LA pushes the ball and gets in transition against Boston and the Celtics will show their age. And if there is a close game late how can you bet against Kobe Bryant?? Take LA at –190 to win the NBA Championship.

Blip | June 4, 2008

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