A programming note: Game 1 of the throwback Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals is tonight at 9pm, and ESPN is setting the stage with several “Finals Factors”: Kobe | The Celtics D | Paul Pierce | Home Court | The Benches. The smart money seems to be picking LA, and after watching most of these playoffs I’m inclined to agree with them: While Boston has been wildly inconsistent against suspect teams, particularly on the road, LA has been marching inexorably through the stronger, deeper West. Still, I’ll stick with my original prediction (and my general rooting interests for the East, for Garnett and Allen, and against Kobe & the Lake Show) and say Celtics in 7, even if said outcome will make egregious Homer Bill Simmons that much more insufferable.
Commentary: Wow. I want to get excited about this, but the more I watch the NBA, the more convinced I am that it is closer to pro wrestling than a real legitimate competitive sport. It seems to me that the commissioner, owners, and refs are trying to engineer a dramatic series for them to eventually turn into bigger profits.
Go Celtics!
My prediction:
Celtics in 7
Finals MVP Kevin Garnett
I just hate the Lakers. Especially Kobe.
When it comes to the NBA, my support goes to the team with the most Huskies. Celtics in 7 and Ray Allen makes the bucket that clinches.