For someone so obsessed with the stats apparantely, it seems that Nelson and Garnett weren't too dissimilar in production this season....Also take a look at Hedo's #s this year compared to VC. Nowhere close to as good.

 

What's the relevance of his numbers in Toronto? I'm interested in what he did in Orlando, what Vince Carter was brought in to replace.

 

Stats are a key point. What Garnett brings to Boston cannot be measured in numbers? If he's out, the Celtics have nobody who can fill the void he leaves. Rafer Alston played very well in Nelson's absence during last year's playoff run.

 

As for Carter, numbers are the point. That's all he gives you. He's never been a guy who elevates his teammates around him or makes plays to win games down the stretch. You can debate whether Turkoglu did that, but even if he didn't, and at worst, he gave Orlando the same thing they're getting from Vince.

 

Surely you're not arguing that Jameer Nelson is as important to Orlando as KG is to Boston?

Boston seems to have found their championship form again. They're not quite as good as the team that trounced LA two years ago, and the Lakers are a better team. That should be a great finals, IMO. Boston has a lot of bigs to counter LA's size with. But, Pierce isn't at the level he was two years ago and he tore LA up in that series. That could be a big difference in the rematch.

 

I don't know, he's looked good in this series. He struggle against James, but he won't have to use as much energy guarding Artest. Pierce looks fine to me, but to each his own. :thumb:

You may be right. I was just thinking of a couple of big games that year, like the 41 points he had in that great seventh game against Cleveland and Lebron. He hasn't had any like that this season, but in general, he may be playing similarly.

For someone so obsessed with the stats apparantely, it seems that Nelson and Garnett weren't too dissimilar in production this season....Also take a look at Hedo's #s this year compared to VC. Nowhere close to as good.

 

As far as matchups go though... KG really bothers Lewis and Rondo is making Nelson look like a pup. Not having hurt the Celtics much more.

I don't know, he's looked good in this series. He struggle against James, but he won't have to use as much energy guarding Artest. Pierce looks fine to me, but to each his own. :thumb:

 

You also have to take into account that Artest will be guarding Pierce and Artest will use Pierce's softness against him. Artest will have Pierce crying the whole series.

As far as matchups go though... KG really bothers Lewis and Rondo is making Nelson look like a pup. Not having hurt the Celtics much more.

 

Not having KG*

Give me Hedo on that Magic team over VC anyday. He was a prefect fit for them but he isn't for Toronto.

This is the first time Vince has even been to the Conference Finals. That is pretty amazing. He does some great things on the court but flat out just isn't a winner.

You also have to take into account that Artest will be guarding Pierce and Artest will use Pierce's softness against him. Artest will have Pierce crying the whole series.

 

I wouldn't classify Pierce as soft. I'd view him more as a guy from the Reggie Miller mold...a crafty guy who will flop, flail and whatever else he can do to gain a little advantage or get a freebie. But in reality, he's a pretty gritty player in my book.

 

But, you make a good point with Artest. I think the Lakers bring a much better matchup this time around. Last time LA started Radmanovic and Odom at the forward spots, no Ariza or Artest. This time, the Lakers have a great defender to stick on Pierce, and I don't think Pierce has the quickness to bother Artest. Aside from simply giving LA a better matchup, it takes pressure from Kobe on the defensive end.

 

I feel pretty good about LA's chances in a rematch with Boston. I think that's the one team that can motivate LA in name alone because of the historical rivalry and because of two years ago. Of course, I felt good about LA's chances two years ago as well...until the series started.

 

My reply boxes are really slow and I can't get the cursor where I want it with the mouse. Is anyone else having problems?

You also have to take into account that Artest will be guarding Pierce and Artest will use Pierce's softness against him. Artest will have Pierce crying the whole series.

 

Artest will play good defense, but I think Paul can handle it. It's when he has to play both ends that he becomes ineffective. Fortunately for Boston against Artest he won't really have to.

Artest will play good defense, but I think Paul can handle it. It's when he has to play both ends that he becomes ineffective. Fortunately for Boston against Artest he won't really have to.

 

Great offensive players can usually find their way against anyone, but it will be much tougher against Artest. And, I expect him to have to guard Kobe some. I don't think they can live with Ray allen on him all the time. I think they can rotate Rondo, Allen and Pierce on him so one guy won't have to carry the load and mixing up the defensive looks is usually a good strategy against great players. Fortunately for them, Fisher gives them some wiggle room because he's not a big threat.

 

The Lakers lost last time because they couldn't match Boston defensively. I like their matchups and personnel better this time around.

Great offensive players can usually find their way against anyone, but it will be much tougher against Artest. And, I expect him to have to guard Kobe some. I don't think they can live with Ray allen on him all the time. I think they can rotate Rondo, Allen and Pierce on him so one guy won't have to carry the load and mixing up the defensive looks is usually a good strategy against great players. Fortunately for them, Fisher gives them some wiggle room because he's not a big threat.

 

The Lakers lost last time because they couldn't match Boston defensively. I like their matchups and personnel better this time around.

 

LA's biggest strength IMO is their depth inside. No one defends the post or around the basket as well as Boston. It's going to be a great series. However, I do think there is a great possibility the Lakers "Bigs" could get pushed around again. Boston is the only team capable of doing that, but I see no reason why they won't be able to try.

Carter and Howard with 3 fouls.

 

My question is.....Why did we all overlook the Celtics coming in to the playoffs? When healthy they are favorite 1A along with LA being 1B (or most likely vice-versa) IMO.

 

What was the result last time they were in the playoffs and fully healthy. A spanking of the Lakers.

LA's biggest strength IMO is their depth inside. No one defends the post or around the basket as well as Boston. It's going to be a great series. However, I do think there is a great possibility the Lakers "Bigs" could get pushed around again. Boston is the only team capable of doing that, but I see no reason why they won't be able to try.

 

Ironically, the softness of how their bigs played two years ago was the reason many felt the Celtics beat the Lakers.

What was the result last time they were in the playoffs and fully healthy. A spanking of the Lakers.

 

A Laker team that started Vladimir Radmonovich and Sasha Vujacic got minutes then also. It'd be wrong to compare a Laker team without Ariza and Artest to the Laker team that got trounced by the Celtics in 08. In the same breath it'd be wrong to assume this Boston team whose best player is Rondo is the same Boston team that won it all in 08. That Laker team also hadn't won a championship. With rings comes the experience of knowing how to win it. That is huge also. A matchup of the last two champs would be the best thing for the NBA.

 

 

To act like you know the Celtics will win isn't true. You believe in your team, but you don't know. Just like I don't know the Lakers will win but I believe they will. Time will tell.