Since the finals in 1998 with the Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz, I don’t remember a match up that looks this exciting on paper. I personally don’t like watching the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons, which meant 1999, 2003-2005, 2007 were no good. For the years 2000-2002, when the L.A. Lakers took on the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Jersey Nets respectively, the Lakers were already sure winners even before the finals started. As for 2006 with the Miami Heat vs Dallas Mavericks, there wasn’t anything wrong with the teams and the series ending up with the Heat getting an upset, but when looking at the two teams there wasn’t any WOW to it.
This year’s finals it looks exciting, not only because it reminds me of the Laker/Celtic classic rivalry of the 80s, but also because of the players involved. We have Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and the Celtic Big Three: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen; four athletic NBA All-Stars who can drive, shoot, and handle the ball well.
My Prediction
Lakers in 6. Boston is a great home court team, but I feel that the Lakers will be able to steal the opener in Boston. Even with The Big Three, none of them have been to the finals, and their nervousness has already shown in their playoff games against Atlanta, Cleveland, and Detroit where only Paul Pierce show signs of being able to carry the team. I feel the Lakers will lose one game at home simply because I don’t remember any team being able to win 3 in a row at home since the finals have changed into a 2-3-2 format. Kobe Bryant has already won 3 champions, and thrives under the spotlight. After a huge turnaround season from last year, being the best team in the western conference and winning his first MVP, I feel this is Kobe’s year and winning the NBA champion would be a fitting end to what he already has accomplished this season.