When the Boston Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett for a hefty price in July, they did not expect anything less than trip to the NBA Finals. Well, here they are, now four wins away from their ultimate goal: a championship.
For the first time since 1987, the Celtics are headed to the Finals, thanks to an unbelievable display of mettle and composure in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals. Trailing by ten to the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills with over 10 minutes to play in the fourth quarter, Boston closed with a 29-11 run for an 89-81 victory.
Garnett was key in the rally, scoring eight of his 16 points and grabbing vital rebounds while playing stellar interior defense. Paul Pierce, who poured in 12 of his 27 in the fourth, executed what probably was the turning point of the game on a beautiful spin move which he then turned into a layup plus the foul. Pierce hit the free throw, putting Boston up 75-74 with 5:25 to play. The Celtics would never relinquish that lead for the remainder of the night.
To put into perspective how clutch Boston was last night, Garnett shot only 2-of-10 from the floor in the first half, and the Celtics shot only 36% as a team. However, in the last 24 minutes, Garnett hit 5-of-6 shots and Boston converted on 52% of their field goal attempts. Still, it wasn't just K.G. and Pierce leading the Celtics.
Ray Allen's outstanding game five in which he shot 5-of-6 from three-point range carried over into game six, as he connected on three threes in the first half and finished with 17 points. Kendrick Perkins, who erupted for 18 points and 16 boards in game five, didn't exactly fill up the stat sheet last night (seven points, seven rebounds), but he had a huge block on a Chauncey Billups layup attempt with 1:23 to go which would have brought Detroit within four. Also, three of Perkins' seven boards were on the offensive end of the floor.
Rajon Rondo got the job done as well, getting the most important steal of the series by jumping up an deflecting a pass by Rasheed Wallace by the three-point line, allowing Rondo to get out on the break. He then pulled the ball back out and swung it over to Pierce who drained a jumper from the corner, putting Boston up 77-74 with 4:52 to play. Rondo recorded 11 points.
The Celtics have now silenced their many critics. Those who said they could not win on the road have crawled under a rock, as Boston won two of three in Detroit in the series. There were also countless others who said that the Celtics did not have enough playoff experience as a team and that the amount the Pistons had in that area would be the deciding factor. Not so much.
Yes, it took Boston, a team that won a league-best 66 games during the regular season, seven games to beat a young Atlanta Hawks' team that won only 37 contests during the year. The Celtics also needed to go the distance against the Cleveland Cavaliers (or better yet, the Cleveland LeBrons). However, when facing their biggest challenge yet, they rose to the occasion, taking out a phenomenal Detroit team in six games.
Now, Boston will renew what was used to be an extraordinary rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that has only lost three games throughout the postseason thus far. Los Angeles is coming off a 4-1 series victory over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs and is on an incredible high.
Pierce will have the daunting task of covering the MVP in Kobe Bryant, who dropped 39 points in the clinching game five against San Antonio. Still, at the same time, Bryant will have to hold down the fort against either Pierce or Allen. This is where trouble occurs for the Lakers. While Bryant will obviously be defending one of those two players, which Laker will be on the other? Vladimir Radmanovic? Luke Walton? I can't see how either of those two will be able to stop either of the Celtics' wings.
For that reason, I expect Trevor Ariza to see considerable playing time in the Finals, and defensive specialist Ira Newble might even see some action. Neither Radmanovic nor Walton are athletic enough to keep up with Pierce or Allen, and although Ariza is returning from a severe foot injury, he can still provide enough offense to make up for the shorter amount of playing time Los Angeles' two main small forwards will be getting.
Another matchup to watch in this series is Rondo against Derek Fisher. Fisher has won three titles and is one of the most clutch players in the league, but does he have the quickness to stay with Rondo all game? Rondo may very well be the quickest player in the NBA, making even Billups look old at times in the conference finals. Fisher is a couple of steps slower than Billups, meaning Rondo may have his best series of the playoffs against the Lakers.
And, of course, the main issue for Los Angeles is the question, "Who will cover Garnett?" Pau Gasol is too slow afoot, and Garnett would post up Lamar Odom all series long if Phil Jackson decides to go with that matchup. Ronny Turiaf will see some time against K.G., and he may be the best defender Jackson has to throw at Garnett, but Garnett could easily wear him down and get him into early foul trouble. Turiaf was able to keep Tim Duncan in check for most of the time against the Spurs, but Duncan does not have the quickness or athleticism of Garnett and is aging much faster.
The one area where the Lakers can match (or maybe even surpass) the Celtics is the bench, which is one of the strongest in the league. Turiaf and Walton have both played huge roles for Los Angeles, as has second-year point guard Jordan Farmar, who was the catalyst in the Lakers' comeback against San Antonio on Thursday night. Sasha Vujacic hasn't been a slouch either, hitting several big threes for Los Angeles in each of their three series' victories. And, of course, there is Ariza, a player who will see a nice chunk of playing time in the Finals.
Taking all factors into consideration, Boston should win this series. Its big three is certainly more potent than the Lakers', regardless of how many points Bryant tallies each night (unless he averages 50 a game). Garnett should shut down Odom, and Perkins may be the x-factor in this series in his matchup against Gasol. Unlike Gasol, Perkins is very physical and fights for every rebound, something that can bite Los Angeles in the behind all series.
Celtics in five.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Early NBA Mock Draft
1. Chicago Bulls- Michael Beasley, F. He is the best player in the draft, and the Bulls are still in desperate need of a low-post scorer. Chicago hit the jackpot by getting this pick. Beasley could turn them into a playoff team in his first season.
2. Miami Heat- Derrick Rose, PG. Miami will get who they wanted all along in Rose. Jason Williams is just too old to run the show at point guard anymore, and Chris Quinn is nothing more than a bench player. Rose has the potential to be a Gary Payton-like player.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves- Brook Lopez, C. He has bust written all over him, but Minnesota could certainly use a big man to complement Al Jefferson up front, and there aren't many good centers in this draft class.
4. Seattle Supersonics- Anthony Randolph, F. This forward out of LSU has been rapidly rising on draft boards ever since he announced his decision to enter. Randolph is extremely versatile, and Seattle needs a ton of help up front. Think of Lamar Odom with a higher ceiling.
5. Memphis Grizzlies- DeAndre Jordan, C. Jordan did not impress in his one and only season at college, but her definitely has potential, and the Grizzlies are still not sold on Darko Milicic up front. Plus, they don't need any backcourt help.
6. New York Knicks- Jerryd Bayless, PG. This could be an absolute steal (yes, a steal at number six) should Bayless fall this far. However, based on the needs of the teams three through five, none of them should be coveting a floor general. Bayless may end up being the best one in this draft.
7. Los Angeles Clippers- O.J. Mayo, G. Mayo is a combo guard who is very similar to Gilbert Arenas. The Clippers need a point guard, and although Mayo may not be a purebred, he is extraordinarily talented.
8. Milwaukee Bucks- Donte Greene, F. Greene can play both forward spots and can do a myriad of things on the floor. It will come down to either Greene or Danilo Gallinari with this pick, but I think the Syracuse product is the more NBA-ready (and talented) of the two.
9. Charlotte Bobcats- Darrell Arthur, F. With the news that Sean May may retire because of chronic knee problems, Arthur would be a good pick here for Charlotte. He didn't explode in his sophomore year like many expected him to, but he still has ample talent.
10. New Jersey Nets- Eric Gordon, SG. Gordon is one of the best, if not the best, pure shooters in this draft. However, the fact that he is competing with several other guards may drop him a few spots. The Nets don't have any specific needs at any position, but they desperately need outside shooting and depth.
11. Indiana Pacers- D.J. Augustin, PG. I really don't think Augustin will translate all that well into the pros, but with Jamaal Tinsley aging and not much help behind him, the Pacers need to take a point guard.
12. Sacramento Kings- Joe Alexander, F. Because of their aging frontcourt, Sacramento will draft a big man for the second year in a row. Alexander is a silky smooth scorer with a very well-polished offensive game. He has the potential to fill up the box score night in and night out.
13. Portland Trail Blazers- Russell Westbrook, G. Portland is pretty much set at every position, but the point guard spot is unstable. Westbrook played two-guard at UCLA, but if he works on his ball-handling skills, he can play the point at the next level.
14. Golden State Warriors- Nicolas Batum, G/F. The Warriors also don't have any big holes, but they could use some depth at the wings, especially considering Mickael Pietrus might leave via free agency. Batum fits Golden State's prototype perfectly. He is freakishly athletic and explosive.
15. Phoenix Suns (from ATL)- Marreese Speights, C/F. Speights is the most talented center in this draft. He has great length and has a frame that can develop a substantial amount of muscle. If he can develop some moves in the low post, look out.
16. Philadelphia 76ers- Javale McGee, C. Talk about a high ceiling; this kid has it. The 76ers have Samuel Dalembert, but McGee can easily do what Dalembert does plus much, much more. He is long, athletic, explosive, and a very good defender.
17. Toronto Raptors- Roy Hibbert, C. Toronto is in desperate need of a center, and Hibbert fits the bill here. Hibbert's stock has fallen off dramatically since his junior year when many figured him to be a top 10 pick, but he can still be a solid NBA player. He is a very skilled big man.
18. Washington Wizards- Mario Chalmers, PG. Gilbert Arenas' knees are still giving him problems, and Antonio Daniels will never be anything more than a good sixth man. Chalmers is a feisty defender and clutch performer, as demonstrated during Kansas' NCAA Tournament run.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers- Kevin Love, F/C. I have a feeling Cleveland may try to trade this pick, but if they don't, they can certainly use Love's scoring ability in the frontcourt. He won't be anything spectacular, but he will be a solid role player who could thrive with LeBron James.
20. Denver Nuggets- Jason Thompson, PF. A lack of defense killed the Nuggets this year (and pretty much every year), so Thompson is the pick here. Thompson is an excellent defender with great length and athleticism. He could be a premier shot-blocker on the NBA level.
21. New Jersey Nets (from DAL)- Kosta Koufos, C. Nenad Krstic hasn't really worked out for the Nets, so they should take a big man in this draft. Koufos has a nice offensive game, but he has some work to do defensively and also needs to add some muscle to his frame.
22. Orlando Magic- Brandon Rush, G/F. Orlando needs a shooting guard, and Rush fits the team's system perfectly; a lethal outside shooter with athleticism. Rush also brings some much-needed defense to the table for the Magic.
23. Utah Jazz- Danilo Gallinari, F. Utah doesn't need that much, but if Gallinari is still on the board at this point in the draft, they'll take him. I'm very skeptical about this 19-year old from Italy, as he is a below average defender and is not all that athletic for someone of his body stature.
24. Seattle Supersonics (from PHX)- Nathan Jawai, C. Jawai is a very bulky big man (6'10", 270) out of Australia who, although still a bit raw, has a large amount of potential. He has a decent jump shot and is still working on what already is a solid low post game.
25. Houston Rockets- Robin Lopez, C. Houston really needs a backup center, as Yao Ming just cannot seem to stay healthy and his only backup, Dikembe Mutombo, is 80. Lopez is never going to be much of an offensive threat, but he'll be very disruptive defensively. He does need to add some muscle, though.
26. San Antonio Spurs- Joey Dorsey, PF. The Spurs could use another banger down low, as Kurt Thomas is not going to be around much longer and Fabricio Oberto isn't exactly what one would call physical. Dorsey has a chance to be a Ben Wallace-type player.
27. New Orleans Hornets- Wayne Ellington, SG. New Orleans doesn't have many weaknesses, but they might want to go for another shooter off the bench. Ellington would certainly provide that and some solid ball-handling skills.
28. Memphis Grizzlies (from LAL)- D.J. White, PF. One of the most underrated prospects of this draft, White can give the Grizzlies some much-needed low-post scoring and some leadership. White is one of those players who doesn't do anything great, but does everything well.
29. Detroit Pistons- J.J. Hickson, PF. Detroit has enough wings, but they could use another big man up front. Hickson is a very athletic specimen with good strength. Think of Chris Wilcox with a potentially higher ceiling.
30. Boston Celtics- Davon Jefferson, SF. Jefferson is an extremely explosive wingman who would could very well end up being the steal of the draft. He is still very raw, but his potential is limitless and he could turn into the type of player we all thought Darius Miles would be.
2. Miami Heat- Derrick Rose, PG. Miami will get who they wanted all along in Rose. Jason Williams is just too old to run the show at point guard anymore, and Chris Quinn is nothing more than a bench player. Rose has the potential to be a Gary Payton-like player.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves- Brook Lopez, C. He has bust written all over him, but Minnesota could certainly use a big man to complement Al Jefferson up front, and there aren't many good centers in this draft class.
4. Seattle Supersonics- Anthony Randolph, F. This forward out of LSU has been rapidly rising on draft boards ever since he announced his decision to enter. Randolph is extremely versatile, and Seattle needs a ton of help up front. Think of Lamar Odom with a higher ceiling.
5. Memphis Grizzlies- DeAndre Jordan, C. Jordan did not impress in his one and only season at college, but her definitely has potential, and the Grizzlies are still not sold on Darko Milicic up front. Plus, they don't need any backcourt help.
6. New York Knicks- Jerryd Bayless, PG. This could be an absolute steal (yes, a steal at number six) should Bayless fall this far. However, based on the needs of the teams three through five, none of them should be coveting a floor general. Bayless may end up being the best one in this draft.
7. Los Angeles Clippers- O.J. Mayo, G. Mayo is a combo guard who is very similar to Gilbert Arenas. The Clippers need a point guard, and although Mayo may not be a purebred, he is extraordinarily talented.
8. Milwaukee Bucks- Donte Greene, F. Greene can play both forward spots and can do a myriad of things on the floor. It will come down to either Greene or Danilo Gallinari with this pick, but I think the Syracuse product is the more NBA-ready (and talented) of the two.
9. Charlotte Bobcats- Darrell Arthur, F. With the news that Sean May may retire because of chronic knee problems, Arthur would be a good pick here for Charlotte. He didn't explode in his sophomore year like many expected him to, but he still has ample talent.
10. New Jersey Nets- Eric Gordon, SG. Gordon is one of the best, if not the best, pure shooters in this draft. However, the fact that he is competing with several other guards may drop him a few spots. The Nets don't have any specific needs at any position, but they desperately need outside shooting and depth.
11. Indiana Pacers- D.J. Augustin, PG. I really don't think Augustin will translate all that well into the pros, but with Jamaal Tinsley aging and not much help behind him, the Pacers need to take a point guard.
12. Sacramento Kings- Joe Alexander, F. Because of their aging frontcourt, Sacramento will draft a big man for the second year in a row. Alexander is a silky smooth scorer with a very well-polished offensive game. He has the potential to fill up the box score night in and night out.
13. Portland Trail Blazers- Russell Westbrook, G. Portland is pretty much set at every position, but the point guard spot is unstable. Westbrook played two-guard at UCLA, but if he works on his ball-handling skills, he can play the point at the next level.
14. Golden State Warriors- Nicolas Batum, G/F. The Warriors also don't have any big holes, but they could use some depth at the wings, especially considering Mickael Pietrus might leave via free agency. Batum fits Golden State's prototype perfectly. He is freakishly athletic and explosive.
15. Phoenix Suns (from ATL)- Marreese Speights, C/F. Speights is the most talented center in this draft. He has great length and has a frame that can develop a substantial amount of muscle. If he can develop some moves in the low post, look out.
16. Philadelphia 76ers- Javale McGee, C. Talk about a high ceiling; this kid has it. The 76ers have Samuel Dalembert, but McGee can easily do what Dalembert does plus much, much more. He is long, athletic, explosive, and a very good defender.
17. Toronto Raptors- Roy Hibbert, C. Toronto is in desperate need of a center, and Hibbert fits the bill here. Hibbert's stock has fallen off dramatically since his junior year when many figured him to be a top 10 pick, but he can still be a solid NBA player. He is a very skilled big man.
18. Washington Wizards- Mario Chalmers, PG. Gilbert Arenas' knees are still giving him problems, and Antonio Daniels will never be anything more than a good sixth man. Chalmers is a feisty defender and clutch performer, as demonstrated during Kansas' NCAA Tournament run.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers- Kevin Love, F/C. I have a feeling Cleveland may try to trade this pick, but if they don't, they can certainly use Love's scoring ability in the frontcourt. He won't be anything spectacular, but he will be a solid role player who could thrive with LeBron James.
20. Denver Nuggets- Jason Thompson, PF. A lack of defense killed the Nuggets this year (and pretty much every year), so Thompson is the pick here. Thompson is an excellent defender with great length and athleticism. He could be a premier shot-blocker on the NBA level.
21. New Jersey Nets (from DAL)- Kosta Koufos, C. Nenad Krstic hasn't really worked out for the Nets, so they should take a big man in this draft. Koufos has a nice offensive game, but he has some work to do defensively and also needs to add some muscle to his frame.
22. Orlando Magic- Brandon Rush, G/F. Orlando needs a shooting guard, and Rush fits the team's system perfectly; a lethal outside shooter with athleticism. Rush also brings some much-needed defense to the table for the Magic.
23. Utah Jazz- Danilo Gallinari, F. Utah doesn't need that much, but if Gallinari is still on the board at this point in the draft, they'll take him. I'm very skeptical about this 19-year old from Italy, as he is a below average defender and is not all that athletic for someone of his body stature.
24. Seattle Supersonics (from PHX)- Nathan Jawai, C. Jawai is a very bulky big man (6'10", 270) out of Australia who, although still a bit raw, has a large amount of potential. He has a decent jump shot and is still working on what already is a solid low post game.
25. Houston Rockets- Robin Lopez, C. Houston really needs a backup center, as Yao Ming just cannot seem to stay healthy and his only backup, Dikembe Mutombo, is 80. Lopez is never going to be much of an offensive threat, but he'll be very disruptive defensively. He does need to add some muscle, though.
26. San Antonio Spurs- Joey Dorsey, PF. The Spurs could use another banger down low, as Kurt Thomas is not going to be around much longer and Fabricio Oberto isn't exactly what one would call physical. Dorsey has a chance to be a Ben Wallace-type player.
27. New Orleans Hornets- Wayne Ellington, SG. New Orleans doesn't have many weaknesses, but they might want to go for another shooter off the bench. Ellington would certainly provide that and some solid ball-handling skills.
28. Memphis Grizzlies (from LAL)- D.J. White, PF. One of the most underrated prospects of this draft, White can give the Grizzlies some much-needed low-post scoring and some leadership. White is one of those players who doesn't do anything great, but does everything well.
29. Detroit Pistons- J.J. Hickson, PF. Detroit has enough wings, but they could use another big man up front. Hickson is a very athletic specimen with good strength. Think of Chris Wilcox with a potentially higher ceiling.
30. Boston Celtics- Davon Jefferson, SF. Jefferson is an extremely explosive wingman who would could very well end up being the steal of the draft. He is still very raw, but his potential is limitless and he could turn into the type of player we all thought Darius Miles would be.
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