Rivalry Rematch

You wanted it, you got it. Celtics-Lakers. This match-up has been beat to death since the '60s, but you still love it. Everyone does. People like history, rivalry, prestigious franchises.

All that stuff is great, but it's been done. Everyone should have gotten their fill before the last time they met up. This year's all about the 2008 rematch. The beatdown Boston put on the Lakers is all the backdrop needed this time around.

In 2008, Boston's physicality was the determining factor. They dominated the Lakers in the paint and on defense. Boston came back to win from 24 points down in Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead, and closed out the Lakers by 39 points in one of the worst drubbings in Finals history.

The Lakers used that as motivation to capture the title last year against Orlando, but have always wanted to get back at Boston. If KG had been healthy last year, we could be looking at a third installment right now.

The wait has been worth it. Both teams have pretty much the same lineups as two years ago. Boston's "Big 3" are two years older, but haven't shown that much drop-off. Rondo has emerged as a star, and Perkins continues to improve. Los Angeles will have Bynum this year, and Artest to cover Pierce. Both will help with the physical play that is featured in the Finals.

Boston's bench is different. Eddie House, James Posey and Leon Powe have been replaced by Rasheed Wallace, Tony Allen and Nate Robinson. The 2008 group played a large role, and bench play is way to gain an advantage against the Lakers. It will be interesting to see how the benches match up this year.

Los Angeles has the critical home-court advantage this year. Always a big factor in the NBA Playoffs.

We're in a "golden age" of NBA basketball right now. All-time great players on legendary franchises competing for the ultimate prize. Thursday can't get here quick enough.