Doc, Huge Three, And Then Some Seal The Deal
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After 108 regular season and playoff games, the Boston Celtics successfully imposed their will one final time on their opponent. And so did head coach Doc Rivers. It’s been said many times that the best team wins in a seven game series, and as is almost always the case, it happened yet again.
Perhaps the best thing to come out of this series for NBA fans is the fact that they got to see Paul Pierce on a regular basis. His game and name have been readily recognized, but he finally was presented on the biggest stage possible, and we all got to relish it. At various times, the Celtics were buoyed by each of their big three – Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. But not to be overlooked nor forgotten are the contributions of the remainder of the roster. After all, when all is said and done, as it is now, it remains a team game. And for as great as the big three are and have been, the following needs to be noted. Rajon Rondo, Eddie House, Leon Powe, Kendrick Perkins, James Posey, Sam Cassell, and P.J. Brown all played significant roles as well. And to observe their emotions on the heels of a scintillating U.S. Open playoff puts us sports fans in a zone that is seldom visited, but always yearned for. For the second day in a row, the best that sports has to offer was front and center. KG was beside himself, and on the verge of tears. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce could barely believe what they had accomplished. And all was right in the little window that sports occasionally finds. Like that beautiful summer evening burned in our memory that we all experienced as children, it’s something that they didn’t want to end and will never forget.
The Celtics took over midway through the second quarter, and their style of play and discipline took care of the rest. The Lakers had no answers. Not even close. Kobe Bryant has never looked so out of kilter for this length of time. Nor has Phil Jackson. Granted, they had a few things stacked against them. The great trade that resulted in Pau Gasol ended up with him playing out of position. The Celtics’ defense gave no Laker much room, and open shots were at a premium and had to be made. Unfortunately, the only consistent player on the Lakers, Lamar Odom, was nowhere near enough. Especially with Doc Rivers having his players convinced before-hand that they all had to play for a common goal. And the Laker brass must ask themselves a point-blank question. Kobe Bryant had no answers, and may not be the answer. Is he more like the question at this point? We keep hearing how he needs some help, and rightly so. But it seems like the bigger the game, the more he forces his shots with the hope of making something happen. For all his greatness, Bryant has never been one to make his teammates noticeably better. At least not when it counts. Status Quo for L.A.? Probably for the most part, but it appears that Phil Jackson is no longer motivated enough to make the necessary difference.
Next season will no doubt bring at least a few changes for both teams, as it always does. But that’s a discussion for a later time. For now, the Boston Celtics are the NBA Champions, and fully deserving. Doc Rivers, hats off to ya. You impressed the heck out of all of us. KG and Ray Allen, congrats. And to Paul Pierce, you’ve earned it. On both ends of the floor. You’ve been the Celtic MVP for years, and now everyone knows it. But you raised your game to where it needed to be, and one can only imagine how satisfying it must be after all this time.
That’s game, folks.
See ya next season.
Photos:
Celtics: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
Embedded: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images
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Ricko,
What a fantastic series you wrote this season. Thanks for believing in THE LEAGUE’s mission and mandate.
The breadth and knowledge with which you wrote about the NBA not only smoothed out my rough edges, but it enhanced the quality and scope of my substance as well, both seen and unseen.
I don’t know what the future holds, which is why putting a button on this series after each season is so important to me. However, if I am able to continue in this endeavor, it would be my honor and privilege to have you back next year, bringing the prose as only you can bring it.
You are a terrific sportswriter, and penman.
May the Good Lord bless us to do this again.
Your friend,
James ‘Mean’ Dovine
Left by meandovine on June 19th, 2008