6/17/10: Celtics @ Lakers, NBA Finals, Game 7

[UConn Celtics Fan]

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n35/mlmdaniels/nbafinals2010-7.jpg


In Game Seven
1957: Boston 125 St. Louis 123 (2OT)
1960: Boston 122 St. Louis 103
1962: Boston 110 Los Angeles 107 (OT)
1966: Boston 95 Los Angeles 93
1969: Boston 108 Los Angeles 106
1974: Boston 102 Milwaukee 87
1984: Boston 111 Los Angeles 102

[UConn Celtics Fan]

Just in now, Perk is out. No word yet on who replaces him in the lineup, but I'm assuming it'll be Sheed. This also should mean the triumphant return of Brian Scalabrine. He can't be any worse then Shelden at this point.

Let's get this for Perk!

[texascelticsfan]

Perk is humble as ever and completely disappointed. As am I.

Play Scaly, bench the landlord.

[OB- wan]

Rondo's lack of a jump shot probably cost the Celtics this series. It totally kills the C's anytime they have to play half court.

[OB- wan]

If Rondo is worth of all the praise people want to heap on him, he has to deliver in this game tonight.

He needs to figure out what he can do to help the team when Kobe plays free safety off of him. Simply jacking up a jump shot is not the solution. That's doing EXACTLY what the Lakers are trying to make happen. He needs to find something else to do to get the Lakers to react and create an opportunity for the Celtics. Drive into the lane and look to draw fouls or something but watching Rondo's broke jumper get fired up in this game will = a Celtic loss. He needs to prove he's worth all the hype.

Well, it will take superior heart and desire to win this game. Doc keeps talking about playing together being the key and I think that is sage advice. Individually I don't see one guy that can carry the team with his own desire but if you look at the games they have won its been an over-arching team desire that has gotten it done.

[texascelticsfan]

Given the circumstances, I think I would keep Sheed coming off the bench and start either Scaly or Baby. Switch KG to the 5 and have one of those two play PF. We need Sheed to drive the bench and putting him in the starting 5 reduces that chance.

[OB- wan]

They need to spread the floor with Sheed and let Rondo drive and create offense. I think Sheed starts and plays a lot of minutes (God willing he stays out of foul trouble).

They need to run and gun on offense and camping Sheed at the 3pt line will help with spacing. Let KG be the inside guy on offense and Paul and Rondo will have to help on the boards. If Sheed doesn't have to run all the way into the paint on offense every time it might help save some energy for him as well so he can go full throttle on D.

We need the refs to let them play and Sheed to be hitting his shot for it to work. Of course there's always the possibility Ray is white hot and nails 7-10 threes and shoots 80% beyond the arch, then a lot of the other little things won't matter as much.

[Celtics17]

I totally agree with Ob about 'Sheed. Putting him in the starting lineup could improve Rondo's chances at getting some offense going.

Foul trouble will be a big concern for him. He will have to lay off the reaching fouls. It's kind of his signature on the defensive end to slap at the ball before the opposing big brings it up. 'Sheed'll tell you it's a clean strip every time, but regardless of that, he will get whistled for it.

[meta4]

this is where we see if doc is really a good coach

[Celtics17]

this is where we see if doc is really a good coach

No it isn't. We already know that Doc is an excellent coach.

[TheIllegalAmigo]

Ahhhhh game 7. How sweet it is! Let's simplify this: the team that controls the paint & the boards has won every game. With Perkins out, it just got much more difficult for the Celtics under the basket. Don't get me wrong, I'd much rather have a healthy Perkins and Bynum banging , but it is what it is.

The Lakers are not going to get punked in their own crib tonight. It was a nice series, gentlemen. Keep your chins up.


http://www.lakersbrethren.net/files/Trofeo.gif
This will be in the
Lakers locker room
tonight!

[texascelticsfan]

Ray Allen and Paul Pierce and KG spread the floor for Rondo, we dont need Sheed there we need him off of the bench as a Backup 5, with KG starting.

KG needs to play big minutes.

It really bothered me when Kobe/Gasol/Lakers starters were on the floor with a big lead and Doc threw the towel in and played the bench. He's a good coach, but moments like that keep him from being an excellent coach. Its the FINALS you give it you all 100% of the time, not conserve for Game 7 when there was still a chance to come back in Game 6.

[texascelticsfan]

Perkins went so far as to suggest that Davis will be the most important player in Thursday's Game 7 and has been in his ear for the past 48 hours.

"I've been talking to Baby all day [Wednesday], all throughout our film session," said Perkins "I told him, he's the most important guy right now. Just with his young legs, finishing around the basket, his defense. I think he's the key guy.

"Rasheed [Wallace] is obviously going to play a huge role. But I told Baby, if he can get 11 rebounds tomorrow, we got a good shot to win this game."

I completely agree. Davis is a huge factor tonight.

[UConn Celtics Fan]

Sheed ought to be starting. I think he'll work better with the first unit. I'd rather see him down low getting rebounds, which will be a huge factor as it has been all series, but I like that he can spread the floor as well. I like Baby coming off the bench working with the second unit. As much as everyone likes to joke about him, Scal could be really important tonight as another big guy when they're missing Perk, and he can contribute defensively.

It all has to come together tonight. All of the Big Three need to contribute, and Rondo needs to be effective again. TA needs to keep up the defense on Kobe. We've seen through the series that all of these guys are capable. Ray saved them in game two, but if they're going to win tonight, they probably will need a more balanced attack like they got in game five. Each game in this series has been separate from the others, so I'm not expecting them to play anything like they did in game six.

If they get this done tonight, it's arguably the biggest win in the storied history of this franchise.

[OB- wan]

I also like Baby with the second unit. I think his lack of height which is offset by his passion works best against second team guys.

[texascelticsfan]

I forgot Scaly has shoulder issues (remember that they mentioned it during the end of the regular season), which is probably why Rivers is saying he's going to Shelden before Scaly.

[OB- wan]

Not to mention the fact that the guy hasn't played basketball in months.

[texascelticsfan]

I'd still trust him in a big game over Shelden Williams. Fool me once (5 TO's in 5 min) shame on you, fool me twice...

[UConn Celtics Fan]

Hopefully, this will happen both literally and figuratively tonight.

http://i45.tinypic.com/2zznnys.jpg

[meta4]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6FJy4zCluA

let's get this

[CaptChris]

The key to tonight's game is the 1st quarter. Rondo went 1 -5 and PP went 1 - 4 with 2 T/O's in the 1st quarter of game 6. We never recovered. They have to play SMART, and handle the surge right out of the gate. Rondo has to play under control and hit his shots. PP has to stay away from 5 T/O's.

Wallace and BB have a role to play. They have to stay out of foul trouble. Let the DUMB plays be by the Lakers.

We will find out tonight which TEAM is the TOUGH TEAM. The presssure will show at the foul line, and on the boards. We can't let them have 2nd shots.

Tony are you there when we need you? Good Luck.

[UConn Celtics Fan]

There are so many parallels.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fet_pXVJgh4

[meta4]

There are so many parallels.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fet_pXVJgh4

Nice, this was way before my time but like you said... the parallels between now and then are bone chilling...Let's do it again...go Celtics!

[LordRC]

I'm surprised no one said Boston has to run LA off the court. We get a lot of our offense from playing great defense, rebounding, and fast breaking. Rondo in a half court set is a weakness, especially with his defender sagging off of him, daring Rajon to shoot. Get RR on the break and he can finish at the rim, hit someone else in stride, or find a sniper behind the line. If Boston can get running and get clear looks at the basket, I expect the Celts to hit well more than they miss.

To do that, we can't let LA get to the rim like they did in game 6. If we reduce the Lakers to a jump shooting team and we're able to clean up their misses, it will tilt the game in our favor. I also want KG to attack Gashole offensively. Making him work hard on one end could wear him down offensively or make him tentative. If Garnett is having his way with Gashole, it could sap his confidence.

I don't care about the stat about Boston being undefeated in Finals they led 3-2. A similar stat didn't help us defeat Orlando last year. It comes down to this game. Boston has to get it done, bottom line. Go Celtics!

--LordRC

[UConn Celtics Fan]

I'm so very nervous. I want it to be game time.

[UConn Celtics Fan]

"Whatever happened to the Los Angeles dynasty? You guys were talking about a dynasty! Here's where it is right here!"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzJvC8US2g0

[EvilWilliams]

Good luck, Celtics! BEAT L.A.!!!

[missing35]

BEAT LA! BEAT LA! BEAT LA! Get out and run! Let's go Celtics!

[missing35]

Gotta grab RBS! Damn!

Zebras are lettin'em play which should help us.

Grab RBS!

[UConn Celtics Fan]

I'll take that first half. I hate the offensive boards for LA, but other than that they were fine. They need to avoid another scoring drought like they had to start the 2nd.

[celticgo]

oh, that three-point shot in the 3rn court....

[NorEaster]

Man we need a run......we need a run

[NorEaster]

LA got the momentum now up by 4. We need a run right now....our play is to flat.....need a spark.....

[missing35]

agree. we gotta put the ball in the hole some how some way.

[OB- wan]

Pierce just played dumb down the stretch. too bad

[CelticSooner]

Sucks to go out like this but the C's had an amazing run.

Just too hard to win when your offense isn't consistent enough.

[Rondo'd]

Very disappointed. Their habit of losing 2nd half leads showed up at the worst time.

[missing35]

I just don't understand how they go so cold at times. Even if we played decent on the O end of the floor we raise number 18. Why go away from the pick and roll and go to iso plays. That sucked. No movement in the 4th. WHY! WHY! WHY!

[UConn Celtics Fan]

I'm still so proud of this team. After a rough regular season, they got past Wade, James, and Howard, coming oh so close to #18. For someone who grew up in the days of Walker, McCarty, and Battie, watching the 2010 Celtics has been such a blessing. I'm so happy to know that I should get to spend the better part of every season from here on out in New England closer to it all. Celtic Pride never wavers.

[Celtics17]

I'm still so proud of this team. After a rough regular season, they got past Wade, James, and Howard, coming oh so close to #18. For someone who grew up in the days of Walker, McCarty, and Battie, watching the 2010 Celtics has been such a blessing. I'm so happy to know that I should get to spend the better part of every season from here on out in New England closer to it all. Celtic Pride never wavers.

Nice post, my friend, and thank you for doing the game threads all season.

Celtic Pride does not waver, indeed.

[UConn Celtics Fan]

Nice post, my friend, and thank you for doing the game threads all season.

Celtic Pride does not waver, indeed.

Thank you. It's been so much fun putting those threads together, and I look forward to doing it again next year.

[LordRC]

First, giving credit where credit is due:

LA played great defense in the second half, especially down the stretch. They kept us from running, although part of that blame lies on us for not forcing the issue.

We were owned on the glass. It was somewhat expected, but not that bad.

We gambled on Artest and lost that roll of the dice. He led the game in scoring by hitting his 3s and putting in a few offensive rebounds for easy buckets. He also played his best defense on Pierce all series long. Makes me sick to my stomach to know he's a champion, but he earned in this final game.

Now my gripes.

You can't tell me it's fair when one team shoots more than double the free throws that the other team. I could understand a difference of 10, but it was more than 15. LA, in part, won this game at the line, even though they shot an embarrassing percentage. I haven't looked at it, but by the number of misses in the first half, I know they did.

I know it's a tough call to make, but Gasol traveled on that late bucket. Take away those two points and Doc's offensive approach changes and pulling off a come-from-behind win under these circumstances goes from miraculous to possible.

I'm not disappointed in the Celtics because they gutted it out in this final game while playing very short-handed. They played without making an excuse and almost pulled it off. No shame in that.

What I am sicked by is what looked like a game called favorably towards one team because one of the league's darlings was on that team. Sorry Boston ruined the plans of a LeBron-Kobe final, but the officials shouldn't decide the outcome. It feels more like a coronation instead of a Championship game. The league got what they wanted and I'm sure they are happy to get it no matter how it is viewed by the fans.

--LordRC

[Jeremy459]

This championship was my first real experience with basketball. Being from St. Louis I never had a team to root for so I never had much interest. After rooting for the Celtics in this series I think I will become a Celtics fan and root for them in the future. Of course I'll also be rooting for any team playing the lakers.

[Celtics17]

Welcome aboard, Jeremy

[deadspot]

Well, that sucked.

But I agree with the sentiment on this thread. Who knew they would take it to the absolute limit like this? None of the pundits or talking heads saw this. Personally, I didn't think they'd make it past Cleveland.

Gotta deal with it. I took a shot of whiskey, put my C's hat back on the rack, and thanked my team for being, still, the best in NBA history.

At least we lost to the only other franchise that matters, with a couple of all-time greats at the helm (though I think Phil Jackson and Kobe are repugnant individuals, they are truly great at what they do).

I think the future is bright for this team. Rondo is a genuine star, Pierce and Garnett have one good season each left before they wash up (in KG's case, I think he runs next season on rage alone), Perk will return from his injury, and they at least have a couple of decent players to come off the bench like Baby and Nate (if he decides to back up Rondo). Ray...I think he goes. Thanks for game 2, I guess, and for some other wonderful performances in the past; but he really blew it after breaking the record. Though I think he knows that.

Congrats, LA, you insufferable pr*cks. Enjoy your Lake Show tonight. You're still 3-9 against our C's and you still count 5 championships that were won in 1950's Minnesota in your total. No wonder the inferiority complex.

GO CELTICS!!!

[Laker fan]

I was hesitant about posting here tonight, even though I have in the past. But, I enjoyed all of your comments all year and it was a great run for both teams. When you guys gave us congrats, I had to respond and be gracious.

I'll admit I don't know how the Lakers did it. When you guys were up by 13 I thought it was over. In hindsight, it was Artest that was the difference, but who would have thought not guarding him would be a factor. Not me. He was hesitant about taking shots in the beginning.

Don't take it the wrong way that the Laker fans razzed Bill Russell. That was a respect boo because we all know how great he is. He was the reason that this rivalry is so one sided and no matter how many more the Lakers win against the C's (if they do get any more), it will never equal those nine. And I know Russell ate it up.

My concern is with Rondo. He is young and will get better. He was the difference in this series. He plays better and it's Boston Championship number 18.

Thanks for letting me talk on here. I will let you guys be. Tomorrow I'm sure you will give it to the Dodgers when they come into town.

[canadajerseys]

I still think game 7 is a wonderful gift for all NBA fans.

[32deuce]

37 to 17 free throws. I dont want to hear how tough they played or anything else, the Celts got screwed by the refs!
Let those numbers sink in for a moment. Remember the NBA's finest screwing the Kings out of game 6 to the Lakers?
See anything similar yet?
The NBA stinks of favoritism, and it is disgusting.
You gotta love how ex Laker West gave Gasol to the Lakers for nothing while gm in Memphis.
Now the Lakers are represented by rapists,racists, and thugs. Nice team there L.A.

[OB- wan]

I just don't understand how they go so cold at times. Even if we played decent on the O end of the floor we raise number 18. Why go away from the pick and roll and go to iso plays. That sucked. No movement in the 4th. WHY! WHY! WHY!

Yup.

They were not going to be effective in a half court game anyway but why flush the game down the toilet by running that awkward and forced iso crap with PP making his usual dumb decisions. If you are in a game where that superior level of defense was being played you need to be smart with the ball and watching PP dribble all over the court through traffic is not a good formula.

Oh well, the team did over achieve. It just sucks really bad that they came that close and didn’t cross the finish line. 6 ½ games into the finals it looked like they were champs and then watching the wheels come off is sad.

[OB- wan]

37 to 17 free throws. I dont want to hear how tough they played or anything else, the Celts got screwed by the refs!
Let those numbers sink in for a moment. Remember the NBA's finest screwing the Kings out of game 6 to the Lakers?
See anything similar yet?
The NBA stinks of favoritism, and it is disgusting.
You gotta love how ex Laker West gave Gasol to the Lakers for nothing while gm in Memphis.
Now the Lakers are represented by rapists,racists, and thugs. Nice team there L.A.

I appreciate being heart-broken after that game and feeling screwed but honestly the Celtics are to blame for the FT's.

The Celtics don't attack the rim aggressively and that's why they don't get FT's. Paul went into the paint late in the game and turtled it and got stuffed. He didn't go looking to score or get fouled like you need to, to win games.

And Rondo, good lord you don't want the guy shooting free throws so it isn't effective for him to do it. KG and Sheed don't have the hops and athleticism to go inside and do it so they depend on savvy veteran post moves when they look to score. Ray doesn’t like contact and frankly probably can't take a lot of pounding so he isn't going to get it done.

People can go on and on about MVP Rondo and how awesome he is but he CAN NOT be compared to top PG's because his lack of shooting absolutely destroys his game. If the Celtics had Deron Williams or CP3, the Celtics would have won the series hands down. Heck Rodney Stuckey would have been nice in the 4th quarter last night. I’m not saying get rid of Rondo but come hell or high water he has to develop a jump shot and be able to shoot FT's at a 75% clip NOW. He needs to be in the gym all summer and ridden hard until he figures it out. Send him to Summer League! Watching the opposition sag off of one of your "star" players in the NBA Finals is unacceptable.

[Falcon63]

Those referees were HORRIBLE the ENTIRE series! Even the games we won! But yeah, game 7, LA killed us with their height and the offensive rebounds, and the Lakers were played great defense in the 4th. However, there were lots of BS fouls, such as the blocking foul on Wallace that should have been a charge. If it wasn't for that call, assuming Wallace made both FTs, it would have gone into overtime.

[texascelticsfan]

I will never ever side with a bunch of flop artists getting calls over guys like KG, warriors who dont moan for calls, get treated like they drank Fizzy lifting drinks, "You GET NOTHING".

KG was getting hacked left and right but didnt fall over like a soccer player, so no calls for you.

37-17 is nothing, 200-149 for 7 Games or 28.5 FT/pg compared to 21.2

[meta4]

I'm from Iowa. I lived in Maine for a couple years when I first came to America and since then I've always loved the New England area. I have family in Boston and visit on a regular basis. I've always liked the Celtics for some reason and when they kept drafting Iowa guys like Acie Earl, I liked them even more. When the big three came together I became obsessed with the Celtics. I see good things in the future with Rondo and will continue to be an obsessed Celtics fan.

[LordRC]

Laker fan, I think I speak for most people here that we don't hate Lakers fans (unless they're obnoxious), we hate the Lakers. You're welcome to come back and participate in any discussions we have here. Hope you understand as we voice our displeasure about the loss and don't let it get to you. You could imagine if the shoe was on the other foot.

Ob, my first thought was to criticize you for having a hate of Rondo, but I will admit to you have some valid points. Hopefully he works really, really hard at the line and with his mid-range J to be at least average at his position in both departments. I remember the playoff run the 90's Celtics team made and how Kenny Anderson was killing opponents for doubling Antoine and Pierce. Rondo has to be able to make teams pay for ignoring him defensively in the half court.

But I will draw the line at making comparisons to other PGs in the league because I don't think any of them defends as well as Rondo does. CP3 gets a lot of steals but I feel he vulnerable as a one-on-one defender.

--LordRC

[OB- wan]

but when the team already plays such good team D his defensive prowess is less important.He's the smallest Celtic on the floor, he's not going to do much more than bother the other team's PG and there are not any elite PG's getting deep in the playoffs for him to worry about.

[LordRC]

Yes, the Celtics play good team D. But like any strong unit, if there's a weak link, the chain breaks. Maybe the solution you're hoping for isn't an upgrade for Rondo, but a back-up PG that can reliably hit his shots and FTs. Clearly Nate isn't that guy because he's so hot and cold and can't run the full offense.

--LordRC

[OB- wan]

My solution is Rondo learning how to shoot.

[LakerFan]

Those referees were HORRIBLE the ENTIRE series! Even the games we won! But yeah, game 7, LA killed us with their height and the offensive rebounds, and the Lakers were played great defense in the 4th. However, there were lots of BS fouls, such as the blocking foul on Wallace that should have been a charge. If it wasn't for that call, assuming Wallace made both FTs, it would have gone into overtime.

Actually, it was a blocking foul.

Reason is simple. Rasheed Wallace was inside the semi circle in the painted area. Whenever commentators are discussing whether it was a charge or a block, do you notice them looking at defensive player's feet? Not only does the defensive player need to have his feet set, before the offensive player jumps up for the layup/shot/dunk, but they need to have their feet set outside of the semi circle.

Wallace tried to take a charge, and if his feet were set outside of the circle, he would've been successful. Unfortunately, he was inside the circle, and that is why it was ruled a block.

When you're inside the circle, the only thing you're legally allowed to do is jump up with your hands straight up. Wallace could've done that, but he decided to try and take a charge. That is why taking charges, is always a gamble.

[Mr. Noice Guy]

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/4097/lwoceltics.jpg

Lakers World Order, y'all! :D

[KOBE4EVER!]

Thats right Boston Bi*ches. How does it feel to lose? And how does it feel to see your team fall apart for the next 20 yrs? Your window has closed and your pain is my gratification. Karma's a bi*ch aint it? I'm glad you guys won in 08 and talked trash for 2 yrs. It made this championship win even better. All that chest pounding, paulina pierce floppin has gone to an end, while you watch the lakers contend for titles for the next 3-4 years.

Ray Allen's comments at the ESPY's in 08 was disrespectful and stupid. Now ask him how Fishers' ass taste? You win 1 title and that will be your last you punk bi*ch.

Paul Pierce's comment about not coming back to LA was another stupid A$$ comment. Not only did we come back but he choked!!! This guy is so overrated. Last yrs tweet during the finals was another dumb comment. This guy grew up a Laker fan and deep down inside he still is.....he's just paid to wear green. hahah I'm glad he was never a Laker because I wouldn't want a punk bi#ch on this team.

Kevin Garnett is the biggest trash talking muther fuker there is. He only talks $hit to little point guards and never someone his size. He can pound his chest all he wants, but he's past his prime and will always remember how Gasol outplayed him. Gasol is the most skilled big man in the league!

This post was 2 yrs in the making. I hope you guys feel the pain we felt 2 yrs ago, only to know that your pain will last a whole lot longer then ours. MuahHAhaHAhaHAhaAHAh

P.S. Feel free to comment on this post. I will gladly BASH on your team OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER AGAIN.....

[Celtics17]

So classy, too. I love the way you skillfully alter swear words slightly, like; fuker, $hit, and b*tches.

It really is extraordinarily clever.