BALL IN …
In a shootout for the ages, Paul Pierce’s 41 points trumped Lebron James’ 45 on Sunday to propel the Boston Celtics to a much anticipated matchup with the NBA Central Division champion Detroit Pistons.
In a Game 7 defined more by its defensive intensity than its offensive execution, Boston was able to feed off the energy inside TD Banknorth Garden to dethrone the reigning Eastern Conference champions 97-92 in a game Cleveland contested to the bitter end.
Pierce scored 41 points on 13 of 23 shooting, while James led Cleveland with 45 on 14 of 29 shooting. Their stellar performances drew immediate comparisons to another Game 7 shootout some twenty years earlier between Boston’s Larry Bird and Atlanta’s Dominique Wilkins. Like James, it wasn’t Wilkins’ day either on May 22, 1988. Even though Dominique outscored Bird 47 to 34, Boston triumphed 118-116 on the strength of Bird’s 20-point fourth quarter. Wilkin’s scored 16.
Celtics executive vice president Danny Ainge, who played in the 1988 classic, called Sunday’s shootout “an epic battle.”
Despite winning 14 straight home games, the Celtics are 0-6 this postseason on the road, which has to be of concern to both Ainge and head coach Doc Rivers. Like last round, the Celtics were pushed to the limit, having been forced into a Game 7 by a pesky Atlanta Hawks squad that exceeded all expectations before losing 99-65. But the Celtics managed to escape once again. This time on the strength of ten offensive rebounds, leading to 18 points.
“Before the year our goal was to be there in Game 1 at home [in the conference finals] and that’s where we are,” Boston coach Doc Rivers said. “So we’re exactly where we should be.”
Nonetheless, home teams are 22-2 in the second round of this season’s playoffs and although the Celtics never trailed Sunday, they weren’t able to relax until the final buzzer.
Despite James’ brilliant performance, he had the second worst FG percentage ever in a playoff series, managing only 35.5% shooting. The dubious mark places him second behind Allen Iverson‘s 34.4% in the 2001 Conference Finals. Nevertheless, James appeared unfazed by the distinction saying, “I have always been a winner, and I am a winner. You are just disappointed that the season is over.”
Boston hosts the first two games of the Conference Finals on Tuesday night, with Game 2 being played on Thursday before the series shifts to Detroit for Games 3 and 4.
For James, many questions remain ahead of the coming off-season, but first up is a trip to Beijing where he hopes Team USA fares better than his Cavs. Still, having received so many comparisons to Michael Jordan throughout his young career, losing to the Celtics has to be equally frustrating to the Cavaliers franchise and Lebron.
Although it took Jordan six years to capture his first NBA title, he and his Bulls teammates made steady progress toward NBA dominance, never once taking a step backward in their evolution to winning their first championship in 1991. But, without question, Jordan had a far superior supporting cast than James, especially considering only one other Cavalier’s player scored in double figures in Game 7, that being Delonte West with 15.
Nonetheless, Lebron’s uneven semifinals performance not only illuminated lingering weaknesses in his offensive game, chief among them his erratic jumper, but the need for growth in the leadership department as well. After all, where Michael was singularly brilliant, and where James is not, was his ability to challenge his teammates and his organization to perfection — a trait that the young Chris Paul also exhibits.
Even though James demanded changes be made after seeing the Pau Gasol blockbuster, followed by the Shaquille O’Neal to Phoenix and Jason Kidd to Dallas moves, unloading Drew Gooden to Chicago for Ben Wallace and Joe Smith did little to help the Cavs continue to grow. What’s worse, Wally Szczerbiak never paid any significant dividends, combining with Wallace and Ilgauskas for only 11 points in Game 7.
The truth is, James’ game has never mirrored MJ’s, in tone or tenor, as Lebron brings a Magic Johnson/Oscar Robertson-type approach to the hardwood as opposed to that of a cold-blooded assassin like Michael, or Kobe Bryant for that matter. Still, as the season progressed, and as the pressure to secure home court in the first round mounted, James’ game began to look more like that of rookie of the year Kevin Durant, who, although he won the ROY award, shot a very poor FG% as a result of having so much of his team’s offensive game plan run through him. Therefore, as the season progressed and the playoffs loomed, it became apparent that James’ postseason fate would fall short of last year’s NBA Finals achievement.
Looking forward, Cleveland now has some very old, high-priced pieces to move in order to surround James with the PTPers he deserves. Otherwise, like KG before him, Lebron may languish in mediocrity and underachievement for the foreseeable future. Both he and his talent deserve better than that. And perhaps James deserves better than the Cavs as well?
———————–
VS. 
(66-16) (59-23)
MeanD Says:
The big question here is, how will Detroit’s 7-day hiatus affect the team’s performance heading into Game 1 against a battle weary Celtics squad, and vice versa?
Certainly Chauncey Billup’s pulled hamstring was in need of rest, so Detroit gained a clear advantage by dismantling the Orlando Magic in five games. But like Cleveland, Detroit can become offensively challenged at times. Nevertheless, the Pistons tout a far superior bench than Cleveland, with size and depth more formidable than anything Boston brings to the table, especially with Sam Cassell struggling.
Whereas Rip Hamilton’s game is clicking on all cylinders, and Tayshaun Prince is back to being the defensive stopper and reliable scorer we’ve come to expect, Rasheed Wallace will be tested early and often by Boston’s rough and tumble play in the low post. So unless Jason Maxiel and Antonio McDyess are prepared to play productive minutes, Detroit can be hurt on the interior and from mid-range.
The Pistons, however, have a considerable advantage in the backcourt if Billups is 100%. Although Detroit has demonstrated a propensity to be beaten by high-powered two-guards like Dwyane Wade, I’m not sure Rajon Rondo or Ray Allen have potent enough games to force Billups or Rodney Stuckey to sacrifice theirs in order to contain them. And with Ray Allen still struggling from the field, Hamilton gives the Pistons a distinct backcourt advantage. But Allen is due for a breakout performance, and there is no better time than Game 1 on Tuesday night.
For Boston to hold serve, Pierce and Garnett will need to carry the series offensively and defensively, with KG neutralizing anything Wallace contributes for Detroit. KG is more than capable, but he, like Wallace, at times becomes too jump shot happy, living on the perimeter instead of using his superior size, athleticism, and low post savvy to control the paint. Still, I give a slight edge to Garnett here as Wallace has pulled more than his fair share of disappearing acts in the post season.
The fact is, the Celtics have yet to lose at home this post season. Though impressive, what’s disheartening is that they have yet to win on the road either. Somehow, Doc Rivers has to rectify this as given that neither Atlanta nor Cleveland were in Detroit’s defensive class, one has to believe the Pistons have what it takes to steal a game in Boston.
Flip Saunders, on the other hand, has to impress upon his oft-lackadaisical troops the importance of stealing a game as well. The Celtics will become stronger and more confident as this series wears on should Detroit fail to get one of the first two games in Beantown.
Despite all of Detroit’s tangibles, I’m still of the mind that Boston earned the home court legitimately, so the Celtics will prevail in seven games.
Season Series: Boston 2-1
Players on Big Board (rank):
Boston - R. Rondo (PPG-8), R. Allen (BDG-6), P. Pierce (MP3-2), K. Garnett (PFC-2)
Detroit - C. Billups (PPG-4), R. Hamilton (BDG-7), T. Prince (MP3-5), A. McDyess (PFC-9/Missed Cut), R. Wallace (CEO-5)
MeanD’s Big Board - Boston
MeanDovine - Boston
Ricko - Detroit
vs. 
or 
Ricko says:
Upon the Los Angeles Lakers closing out the Utah Jazz, one thing became more apparent than ever for Utah; actually two things, they are very close to being legitimate come next spring. Most of their key components have yet to hit their prime, which is reason to be optimistic. Provided, and here’s the second thing, that they get a presence down low to take some of the pressure off Carlos Boozer. Mehmet Okur may be the next best inside/outside player in the league not named Dirk Nowitzki, but he is not the answer, much like Dirk is not when it comes to low post play for the Mavericks. The Jazz don’t need a dominant force, just one who can match up against a team like the Lakers, or any other team who can throw size at you to accentuate their positive. I appreciate Paul Millsap’s game, but I’m thinking a little bigger. Boozer is somewhat like Charles Barkley. Not in the level of their games right now, but in the fact that to maximize their effectiveness as a smaller-than-ideal power forward, a bigger presence is needed to allow them to flourish. Boozer was fighting an uphill battle all series long against the likes of Pau Gasol and Rony Turiaf, and Utah had no counter.
With the Lakers moving on, they will face either the New Orleans Hornets or the San Antonio Spurs. Game 7 between the Hornets and Spurs may prove to be one of the best playoff games of the season to date. What’s interesting is this: Breaking down all of their meetings this year shows that while they may have split victory-wise, the Hornets have significantly outscored the Spurs overall. But so did the Suns in their six game loss to the Spurs in last year’s Western semis. It’s not uncommon for fans of teams who lose to the Spurs to say that the better team didn’t win. When crunch time arrives, few in recent memory are better. But since I picked the Hornets to win, I’m going to stick with it. Their home court advantage has proven to be huge, as it has throughout these playoffs. And while Gregg Popovich will pull out all the stops, it won’t be enough for the defending champs to advance. Luckily for the Hornets they’ve had two days in between games, which will help David West’s back immensely. And Chris Paul, who has played yeoman’s minutes, has a little more rest than the Spurs would like. Speaking of which, I would imagine that even though his team is older, Popovich would’ve preferred today’s game be played yesterday for momentum purposes. But to credit Byron Scott before the fact, he will use the time to have Tyson Chandler, Julian Wright, and Jannero Pargo ready to significantly contribute. His team will go all out on defense and allow very few open looks from three-point range. And he will be ready for or adjust quickly to anything that Popovich throws at him, so I’m picking New Orleans to move on to face Los Angeles. Any basketball fan would love to see Popovich match wits with Phil Jackson, but it won’t happen this year. Look for Peja Stojakovic to have a big game as well.
In the Lakers/Hornets series, the Lakers must deal with three big factors; Paul, West, and Peja Stojakovic. Conversely, the Hornets must deal with what has now become Los Angeles’ X factor – Lamar Odom.
Odom wasn’t quite cut out to be the second option during the last couple seasons. But with the addition of Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher, Odom is no longer the second option, and he is flourishing. He’s shown flashes in the past, but consistency has now found Lamar, and in turn he has found the next level. Stars aside, he has had perhaps the most impact of any player in the Western Conference playoffs. The Hornets have a few players of their own who can surprisingly initiate matchup nightmares for Los Angeles, namely Wright and Pargo. After all, if there’s one area the Lakers may be vulnerable defensively, it’s on the perimeter. But down low, the Lakers’ size, versatility, and depth, along with just enough outside play, will prove to be too much for New Orleans. Lakers in six.
THE CARROT
______________
PREDATORS
(VVS-1, All-World Game)
Rabbit
K. Bryant (Philadelphia) - The best of the best
Fox
C. Paul (Winston-Salem) - Sly as a fox
Wolf
P. Gasol (Barcelona) - Has every tool in the shed
HUNTERS
(SI-2, Suspect Arsenal)
D. West (Teaneck) - Where did all this game come from?
T. Parker (Bruges) - Spurs don’t fly unless you soar
K. Garnett (Mauldin) - Keep pounding that chest, bro.
T. Duncan (St. Croix) - Stop complaining over foul calls
L. Odom (Jamaica, NY) - An aberration or the real deal?
P. Pierce (Oakland) - Heinsohn said you were this good
T. Prince (Compton) - Can you lock down Pierce?
R. Hamilton (Coatesville) - Killing ‘em softly from mid-range
R. Wallace (Philadelphia) - Give us your best ball, sans antics
M. Ginobili (Bahia Blanca) - Fatigue makes cowards of us all
BLOODHOUNDS
(Flawed, AKC Certified, Questionable Pedigree)
R. Rondo (Louisville) - The little engine that could
T. Chandler (Hanford) - Rebound, rebound, rebound …
KENNEL CLUBBERS
(Well-trained, Knows More Than a Few Good Tricks)
DOG POUND
(Needs to be More Integral)
R. Allen (Merced) - Houdini couldn’t disappear any better
P. Stojakovic (Belgrade) - More jump shot consistency please
GRAVEYARD
(R.I.P.)
(Non-ranked. Final rankings dependent upon end of post season)
D. Nowitzki (Wurzburg) - Leadership is as leadership does
A. Stoudemire (Lake Wales) - Must develop complete game
S. Nash (Johannesburg) - Best days behind you?
T. McGrady (Bartow) - It’s no longer on you …
A. Jamison (Shreveport) - Uncanny, yet still unaccomplished
A. Miller (Los Angeles) - Talent is still unrecognized
A. Iverson (Hampton) - Leopard couldn’t change his spots
C. Anthony (New York) - Time to grow up. Like yesterday.
J. Kidd (San Francisco) - What/where now?
S. O’Neal (Newark) - Perhaps it’s time to walk?
A. Iguodala (Springfield) - Develop a jump shot or bust
M. Camby (Hartford) - It’s been a good career
J. Howard (Winston-Salem) - The constant gardener …
D. Williams (Parkersburg) - Predator of the first degree
D. Howard (Atlanta) - With a little more seasoning …
M. Okur (Yalova) - Inside or outside, which is it?
C. Boozer (Juneau) - So much expectation, so little execution
L. James (Akron) - Demand help or walk in opt-out year
H. Turkoglu (Istanbul) - Great season, average post season
R. Lewis (Pineville) - $90+ million equals overpaid
NBA
More than four months after Andrew Bynum injured his left knee, it’s been decided the Los Angeles Lakers center will undergo arthroscopic surgery.
The Lakers made the announcement Sunday, saying Dr. David Altchek will perform the procedure in New York on Wednesday — the same day Bynum’s team entertains San Antonio or New Orleans to begin the Western Conference finals.
An estimated timetable for Bynum’s return will be provided following the surgery.
The Lakers said the procedure will entail a cleanup of some rough spots and fraying on the underside of Bynum’s kneecap.
Bynum hasn’t played since injuring his knee in the third quarter of a 100-99 victory over Memphis on Jan. 13 at Staples Center. The 20-year-old center averaged 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots in 35 games.
WNBA
Candace Parker had some jitters in her WNBA debut. It sure didn’t show.
Parker scored 34 points, the most in a WNBA debut, and added 12 rebounds to help the Los Angeles Sparks beat the defending champion Phoenix Mercury 99-94 on Saturday.
The previous high in a WNBA debut was 25 points by Cynthia Cooper in 1997.
Parker, who made 6-of-7 shots in the final quarter, hit a short hook shot to put the Sparks up 97-94 with 12 seconds to go.
Parker came within two assists of becoming the first WNBA rookie to record a triple-double. Only one NBA player did it in his debut — Oscar Robertson, in 1960.
Lisa Leslie, who missed last season on maternity leave, had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Sparks.
MORE NBA
Perhaps the Phoenix Suns should start over. The level of their contender status has sunk steadily since the ‘07 playoff loss to San Antonio. Gone are their two best defenders and a quality three-point shooter from last season, all sore spots in ‘07-’08. Those being Shawn Marion, Kurt Thomas, and James Jones. In my opinion, their window has been closed. Things will probably get worse before they get better. Trading still-marketable players like Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, and Raja Bell for younger talent and draft picks would be the way to go. In that train of thought, a coach like Mark Jackson, Terry Porter, Tom Thibodeau, or Elston Turner would serve them well. A young coach who can grow with a growing team. But I’m quite sure the organization doesn’t see it that way. And who can blame them, with Shaquille O’Neal on board for two more years – or maybe 1 ½ if things go sour and they can move him in a trade-deadline deal in ‘10 to someone looking to dump salary and therefore get he and his salary off their books. So there is only one solution for their next head coach; Paul Silas. He’s played on championship teams, he’s been a head coach before, and he’s one of the few names being tossed about who could command instant respect from the likes of Amare, Shaq, and Steve Nash. In the minds of the Suns’ brass, the time is NOW, so no other hire makes as much sense. Granted, he’s not young, but that may not be a negative for a team with a couple seasons left at most. Short of rebuilding, Silas is the guy they need.
THAT’S GAME …
* Players is gold won regular season individual category rankings
Pierce-Garnett: Steve Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images
Lebron James: AP/Winslow Townson
Player photos: NBAE
C. Parker: WNBAE
Credits:
AP: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280518002
Predator: Released June 12, 1987 by 20th Century Fox
Rambo: Released October 22, 1982 by Orion Pictures Corp.
http://www.dophotoshop.com/angry-wolf
http://www.actden.com/GRAP_DEN/clipart/images/rabbit.jpg
Fox: G and C Corsi (California Academy of Sciences)
Profiles/Teases are done for the season
LOTL Postseason Edition posts Monday & Friday mornings.
——————
The League, Lord of the League, LOTL, THE ‘L’, © 2007-08.
All Rights Reserved.
Hey MeanD & Ricko,
Another good post. I really love the title. CLASSIC. Yesterday’s game did not disappoint. The Celtics were flirting with trying to give the game away. I’m glad they pulled it off. Pierce was playing outta his mind. Ray Allen has to really step his game up to help out his team. What good is a three points specialist if he disappears in the series?
The Spurs & Hornets game is going to be one for the books I think. Those boys are going to bang ’til the end. I really hope the Spurs pull it off. However, how cool will it be to see Chris Paul & Kobe Bryant go head to head in the Conference Finals? You’ll really see who the MVP should be.
Left by Miz. B. Haven on May 19th, 2008