So I wanted to be objective and write about the Lakers' championship victory on scorExpress.
But I couldn't bring myself to do it.
So I'm here...
Am I disappointed? Yes. But I am proud of the Boston Celtics. After all they weren't supposed to be in the Finals. That was supposed to be LeBron's department. We see how that worked out.
Then it was supposed to be Dwight's area for a Finals rematch. Despite nearly blowing a 3-0 lead, the C's made it.
Red Auerbach made the 2-3-2 format. It backfired on his team. They were up 3-2 and became the first team in 16 years to blow a 3-2 lead and lose the NBA Finals. They also became the first Celtic team to blow a 3-2 lead in the Finals, and also became the first team to lose a Game 7 to the Lakers.
And the final blow. They became the first team to blow a lead in the Finals heading into the fourth quarter.
With all that said, the Celtics blew it. It was their M.O. all season. Big leads into the fourth and lost them. I can concede the fact that the Lakers were the better team and they found ways to win. I lost a bet in the process, and I was upset about it, even to the point of burning the attire that I choose to wear in the process. After sleeping on it, I retract my statement. When you're in the heat of the moment, and upset, you do say things you do not mean. So I gotta suck it up, keep my word, and fulfill my debt. Maybe I'll donate the apparel somewhere.
Regarding the Lakers, they rallied, plain and simple. Kobe Bryant fought through the struggles, Derek Fisher and Ron Artest made clutch shots, and Pau Gasol came up big. They played excellent defense in the second half, and made the necessary adjustments to get the victory. Although Bryant got the MVP, I really feel it should've gone to Artest. He hit the huge three pointer to seal the win for LA, and if you wipe out the other games, the MVP should've went to the player of the night, and Artest picked up the scoring when Bryant was struggling.
As for Bryant, I have respect for his game, and even as a person (after watching the E:60 piece on him). He knows the game, he studies the game, and the work ethic is unparalleled. I respect the Lakers organization, and I respect the fans that can handle winning with class. I do like the fact that Doc Rivers respects Phil Jackson to the point where he can walk up to him and shake his hand, which inspired me to congratulate a few fans that I know could be classy. Being a fan of a champion team is a great thing.
On the flipside, this could be the last stand of the Big Three. We knew the window was short. and perhaps if KG had not got hurt in 2009, and if Kendrick Perkins didn't go down in the Finals, it would be a three-peat. The C's starting five of Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Garnett, and Perkins have never lost a playoff series, and they technically still haven't, since Perkins went down. But with Allen being a free agent, and Pierce having the possibility to opt-out, and even Rasheed Wallace contemplating retirement, and finally, Doc Rivers could be leaving all together, things are going to change in Boston. It will be up to Danny Ainge to make the right changes.
Either way, no matter what. I will still be a Celtics fan. Congratulations to the Lakers fans, and I do mean that. Enjoy the repeat. Respect.
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