NBA FINALS: Rivalry Renewed

Without so much going into the facts and the details (you can go to ESPN or NBA sites for that one) it goes without saying that this year's NBA Finals is the biggest championship series ever since Jordan left Chicago. The Spurs and Lakers juggled rings left and right making them this decade's dynasty but their best-of-seven series against their respective opponents were to a point, one-sided and quite expected.

Not the case for this year. The Lakers after raping the Memphis Grizzlies in the Pau Gasol-trade last February will meet the Boston Celtics, which re-tooled (understatement) during the off-season acquiring Kevin Garnet and Ray Allen via separate deals. Of course, with established superstars Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce staying with their teams, the murmurs during the regular season was that these two rivals is bound, no destined, to meet in the postseason... And with the (Hollywood) stars aligning plus a little Irish luck... Bahm! David Stern's wildest and wettest dream: Boston vs. Los Angeles in what could (and would) be a best-of-seven epic (If it reaches Game Seven, you know Stern's "wildest and wettest" is another understatement)

Not enough words to describe the hype... Plus the fact that every other basketball blog or site has their own previews anyway so i just will post why i think the BOSTON CELTICS will WIN this one:

• SENSE OF URGENCY. Garnett is 32 years old, Allen is turning 33 this year and Pierce is not far behind at 31 by October. For the Lakers, Gasol will be 29 next month; Odom is a year younger than Pau. Obviously the major players for the C's is getting up there. Father Time in basketball decides to take a knee or two and a passion and a half by the mid-30's. Add the fact that KG, Ray and Paul have won a combined 0 rings in their combined 32-year NBA career, nobody needs to mention that their time should be NOW.
• KB24 vs. LOTS OF CELTICS. Can't stop Kobe you can only hope... He shoots more. Kobe has realized that this season can be really special if he plays within the system and let others contribute. He also has a knack for taking over the game (not news) and is simply amazing when he decides to turn it on. That said, nobody in the Celtics roster can singlehandedly stop him. Make that, nobody in the NBA. However, the C's can practically throw the entire kitchen sink at him and at least he works for his points (He will get it nonetheless)... i believe that at some point in the series James Posey's length and strength will bother Kobe a little bit and that is where the Celtics should take advantage. Ray-Ray and PP will also have their shot at Kobe on the defensive end. But more importantly, i feel that both wingmen should also make Kobe work on the defensive end. Heck you can't stop the guy... But maybe he can't stop you too...
• KG EXPLOSION. i always believed this since i was a Memphis Grizzlies fan: Princess Pau is Kevin Garnett's bitch. The latter would always abuse the Spaniard in their head to head match-up. i really feel that we will see less of those fade-away-from-the-top-almost-near-the-three-point-line jumpshots from KG. Enough sissy plays when the guy guarding you is a sissy as well. And KG will realize that right off tip-off of Game One.

Boston wins in six games if they win their first two games at home. If not, they win in seven games. So there, a fearless forecast. More than the thousand bucks (and more) i had in various office bets, it feels so good being able to be right on point with predictions.