Back-to-Back Champs

Kobe Bryant said, "It's the sweetest one." New-age Lakers fans would agree. They still haven't forgotten about the '08 Finals. The 24-point collapse. The 39-point blowout. The "Anything is Possible!!!" fiasco that followed.

Using a complete team effort and a defensive effort that surpassed anything they did all year, the Lakers raised up banner #16. Number 5 for Kobe. And 11 for Phil.

The Lakers had the best team all year. They didn't have the best record during the season, but they also weren't playing in the Eastern Conference. Boston was the team they wanted to beat for the championship. Not LeBron. Not a rematch with Stan Van Jeremy and SuperDork aka Dwight Howard. Beating Boston would be prove to be much tougher than any other team, but that's why is means more. No risk, no reward.

Kobe Bryant: Won his second Finals MVP. Certainly didn't play like he wanted to or like many expected him to play in Game 7, shooting a horrid 6 for 24 including multiple head-scratching, awful shots. But he hit the boards (15) and picked up the defense. The Finals MVP is about the entire series and you can't really argue with his series, other than his shooting percentage. Van Gundy and Mark Jackson were calling for him to win the MVP if they had lost Game 6 so you can't take it away just because he shot poorly in the last game. He was great in Game 5 and they lost so, like Ron Ron said, "it's about the total points." 28.6 ppg, 8.0 reb, 3.9 ast, 2.1 stl, 40.1% fg.

Pau Gasol: Great series from Pau, who had the most to prove. After the last series against Boston, everyone called him "soft." It was eating him alive and he came out in Game 1 and dominated. His game tailed off slightly in Boston, but still got five double-doubles in the series. He came the strongest in Games 1 and 7. 19 and 18 in a very physical Game 7, including a huge bucket to put them up six with 1:30 left. The nine offensive rebounds were a major factor, especially with :30 seconds left, which set up two Kobe free throws to put them up five.18.6 ppg, 11.6 reb, 2.5 blk, 3.1 ast, 47.8% fg.

Phil Jackson: The Zen Master was as calm as ever during this series, and the whole playoffs. He didn't even get loose in the pressers much this year. Probably because he wasn't asked if he was embarrassed. The in-game interviews with Sager were classic. But more importantly, Phil was once again able to juggle personalities and make adjustments as the series went forward. There were games that the offense looked like crap, and credit Boston's defense, but Phil went to the film and got it back on track. And the Lakers were playing its best defense the last two games of the season.

Derek Fisher:  If you're a casual fan you would wonder why the Lakers keep Derek Fisher around. But those who follow know his shot-making ability is second to none. He's not going to be there every game. He's going to be in foul trouble some games. But once or twice a series, he's going to win a game with clutch shots. Game 3 was a classic Derek Fisher game. He took over in the fourth quarter when Kobe was struggling and sealed the game with a tough coast-to-coast lay-in. And there he was in Game 7. Hadn't made a three all series and goes 2 for 2 including one to tie the game at 64 with 6:12 left. The Lakers never trailed after that three.

Ron Artest: You can't possibly describe Ron Ron. The guy has been taking heat much of the series for his offensive production, and even for his defense, which Paul Pierce took advantage of in Game 5. But as out there as Ron is, he came up huge in the biggest game of the year. His 20 points and defense kept the struggling Lakers in the game. The post game press conference and interviews were as impressive as anything he did on the court. Ron Ron being Ron Ron. And now no one can say the Ariza/Artest trade was a bad move. They each won one, and they both deserved it. Let's all thank Ron's psychiatrist.

Andrew Bynum: Shout out to Bynum for battling through a knee injury that limited his mobility. He had it drained twice during the series, and a couple more times during the playoffs. His presence was missed in 2008, and having him in the middle helped tremendously versus Boston this year. It allowed Gasol to not be covered by Perkins, who can physically push Gasol around. Bynum's inside game proved pivotal throughout this championship run. Despite the trick knee, he was able contribute in every game, including 21 points in 39 minutes in a tough Game 2 loss.

Lamar Odom: Lamar didn't have a great series. He was splitting time with Bynum so, at times, he didn't get much going. He did play well in a critical Game 3 win on the road, scoring 12 points without missing a shot. In some games in didn't even play 15 minutes, so his numbers aren't going to be there, but he did enough for the Lakers to get it done.

Bench: Not a ton of production from the Lakers bench, but some spectacular plays and clutch free throws. The bench play was a major factor in the Lakers ability to blow out the Celtics in Game 6. Shannon Brown threw down the two most spectacular dunks of the series. Sasha Vujacic came into Game 7 to hit two free throws with 11.7 seconds left to make it a two-possession game. Could have used more production from them, but again, they gave just enough to get another ring.

Congratulations to the 2009-10 Lakers on a great year, great playoffs and great Finals. The repeat title is always harder than the first. Kobe also said it was the hardest one. And that makes it all the more sweet.

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.

Brown Couldn't Make Adjustments

The Cavs finally pulled the trigger on Mike Brown's head coaching career. Cleveland canned 2009's coach of the year after another disappointing playoff series. It wasn't a matter of if, but when. The day after Boston eliminated Cleveland reports surfaced that Brown would be fired.

The Cavs and its fans expected a championship this year. They've expected one since 2007 when LeBron and Brown first made the NBA Finals. After three years of earlier-than-expected exits, they had to fire Brown.

Brown is catching the bulk of the heat after this year's loss. Mainly because no one wants to criticize LeBron James, who was MIA in Game 5 and turned the ball over 9 times in Game 6. James deserves blame, but he can't win or lose a playoff series by himself. He didn't play well most of the series and neither did the "supporting cast." But how much of that was not being put in a good position to win? Mike Brown and his staff continued a trend of not making the proper adjustments throughout tough playoff series.

Brown and the Cavs are able to cruise to 66 and 61 regular season wins because the style they play is set up to play one game. The Playoffs are a different situation and that approach doesn't work. Teams get a couple games in a row against the Cavs and they prepare for them differently. In a playoff series, a good team with a good coach can scheme on the Cavs and out adjust them. Happened last year with Orlando, and this year with Boston.

In the playoffs, play is more physical. A team like Boston knows how to use that better than anybody. Boston is playing at a very high level defensively. Doc Rivers and his staff were able to make adjustments to stop LeBron from having big nights and limiting the other players. Boston frustrated Cleveland into not playing like they had all year.

When Cleveland won Game 3 124-95 in Boston and LeBron had 38-8-7, the Celtics were embarrassed. Rivers went to the drawing board and adjusted the game plan. Mike Brown just tried to do the exact same thing. He couldn't counter Boston's adjustments. He couldn't devise a plan to get LeBron going and spark the offense. That's why he's taking blame and why he was fired.

In a half-court game like Boston and Cleveland play in the playoffs, you must be able to execute. Boston's defense out executed Cleveland's O. Boston made the adjustments and Cleveland did nothing. Brown tried force-feeding Shaq, which slowed the pace to a crawl and got no one else involved. Brown went to Ilgauskas for the first time in weeks, which slowed things down even more. LeBron needs tempo and pace. Throwing it in to Shaq for the entire 24 seconds stifled the Cavs' offense and had prolonged effects.

Brown isn't a bad coach. He had a certain degree of success, but he underachieved. Brown could never make the proper adjustments and it cost him his job. Not returning to the Finals in the last three years is the ax that swung down on Brown. It branded him as a coach who can't get over the hump with capable teams. The East has been up for grabs the last two years and it was the Cavs for the taking.

Cleveland wants to prove to LeBron that it's all about winning a championship right now. Mike Brown has proven he's not ready yet. And this did not help his case at all: worst press conference moment of the year.

The NBA Coach of the Year trend continues. Next up, Scott Brooks. (If you win that award you're out of a job within two years.)

Playoff Update

Cavs v Celtics

The Celtics have been in control of this whole series. Fortunately the Cavs were able to pull out Game 1 after a miraculous dunk by Mo Williams got them going in the second half. The Cavs have no answer for Rondo. He is able to get into the lane and get open looks for teammates.

The media is having a field day with LeBron's elbow. I haven't bought into this hype at all. Does it cause him some discomfort from time to time? I'm sure. But it can't be serious enough to prevent him from beating the Celtics. If the Cavs lose, it will not because of his elbow.

But the Cavs won't lose this series. They'll win tonight (game 3) to regain home court and then wear down the Celtics the rest of the way. The repercussions from a Cavs loss in this round would be catastrophic. A series loss to Boston means: goodbye LeBron, good riddance Mike Brown, thanks-for-nothing Shaq and don't-let-the-door-hit-you Danny Ferry. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. All that's coming in two weeks after they lose to the Magic again.....

Spurs v Suns

Pop is digging deep into his bag of tricks this round. Lulling everyone to sleep by playing like crap for the first two games. This series is far from over. I base that on past series, personnel, and coaching.

The Spurs can't stop the Suns right now. Suns have scored 111 and 110. I guarantee that doesn't happen in San Antonio. I also guarantee the Spurs win Game 3. Manu needs to get back to playing at the GINOBILI!!! level. The Spurs are officially over if they can't get back in this series.

I'll have to see Los Suns in the conference finals before I believe it.

Lakers v Jazz

The Jazz will fight to the end. They will never give in. Jerry Sloan is the best at getting teams to play that way. But they are just overmatched by the Lakers. The Jazz won't get swept because of the fight they have, but this one is probably over in 5.

Magic v Hawks

Go away, Hawks. They lost by 43 points in Game 1. You shouldn't be allowed to play again in the playoffs if you lose that badly.

They have no leadership on the court or on the bench. Mike Woodson lets the inmates run the asylum. He appears to have no control. Josh Smith gets an unintentional smack to the face and can't run back on defense. Joe Johnson should be leading, but I've never seen him speak during a game.

I just hope the Magic sweep and put the Hawks out of their misery. Congrats on getting steamrolled in the playoffs again, Hawks. I'll be expecting the same thing next year.

Even though the Hawks are awful, Orlando and StanVan deserve a lot of credit. They look great in these first rounds, but the competition has been questionable. But you can only beat who you play. I'm looking forward to seeing them in the conference finals again.

Jazz Working Over Dantley, Nuggets

If you don't think coaching matters in the NBA, you've haven't noticed the Denver/Utah series. (And you have a bad take on the value of an NBA coach.) Both teams have identical records. Denver lost its coach, Utah lost two starters. Utah is dominating this series.

With George Karl undergoing treatment for neck and throat cancer, Denver has been in disarray for the last couple of months. Adrian Dantley has looked overwhelmed since stepping into the interim head coaching position. The Nuggets are 11-10 (including playoffs) since he has taken the helm with an incredibly talented team. Jerry Sloan, and his 196 playoff games coached, has worked over Dantley and the Nuggets in the last three games.

I thought Denver could win a close, intense series in 7 without Karl. I didn't think Utah would have the manpower to advance without home-court advantage. Kirilenko was out for the series and then Okur went down in Game 1. Denver should have smelled blood in the water and taken advantage of the situation.

Instead, Utah's motivation increased, and Denver's leadership set sail. Dantley is not ready for this stage, and certainly not with this group of players. The personalities in the Denver locker room must be managed. Dantley just doesn't have the experience.

Utah deserves a lot of credit for this series, it's not just because Dantley doesn't know what he's doing. Deron Williams is the best point guard in the league. I'll take him over a healthy Chris Paul anytime. The Jazz are going to fight you as hard as any team in the league, credit goes to Sloan and the players he picks up. The next-man-up philosophy is in full effect in Utah.

The series is not over, but it really looks like it right now. If Denver looks good in Game 5 and gets a win, they set themselves up to get one in Utah, which sets up an anything-goes Game 7. But that's a long way off. A long way. I doubt Denver can even see it under the amount of crap it's buried under right now.

Bad Play by ESPN: Why the hell did ESPN need to send Rick Reilly over to Karl's house and grill him about how many pills he has to take and film him getting shots in the stomach? Karl's been dealing with chemo for months and ESPN busts in to shove a camera in his face, while he watches his team lose. Just leave him alone, Reilly. And get off the air. Stick to writing, please.

First Round Predictions

NBA Playoffs are here. My favorite time of year. This is better than the NFL Playoffs because this is an every night grind. The first two weeks consist of multiple games each night. All the NBA action you can possibly handle.

Some quick predictions for the highly-anticipated first round. I don't see any upsets this round:

West

Lakers vs. Thunder: Lakers 4-1. Experience is the big factor here. Durant will be hard to stop. I love where this OKC team is going. It's just not in the cards this year drawing the Lakers in the first round. Bynum needs to get back out there and start contributing.

Mavericks vs. Spurs: Mavs 4-2. I want to go Mavs in five but will give the Spurs the benefit of the doubt. This is a repeat of last year's first round, except last year's was a 3-6 match-up, with the Spurs having the 3-seed. The Mavs have upgraded much better this year than the Spurs. The Mavs handled them last year in five, and they will handle them again.

Suns vs. Blazers: Suns 4-3. I would have taken the Blazers if Roy hadn't been injured. I'm still not real confident in the Suns. Never have been. Don't trust Gentry, but really like Nash and Amare. Should be a competitive series, but the one I'll probably watch the least of in the Western Conference.

Nuggets vs. Jazz: Nuggets 4-3. George Karl missing this series is going to play a factor. I'd like to take the Jazz, but all of the sudden they caught the injury bug. Kirilenko is out for two weeks and Boozer is a game-time decision for Game 1. The Nuggets have Kenyon Martin back. This should be a good battle, but Denver gets out alive.

East

Cavs vs. Bulls: Cavs 4-0. It's a wrap. Things I'm interested in for this series: How Shaq is used and if Vinny Del Negro tries to fight anymore front office executives.

Magic vs. Bobcats: Magic 4-2. Skip Bayless will have you believe the Bobcats have a legitimate shot. I think they'll put up a fight, but Orlando has its eye on the Finals again. They won't slip up against the Bobcats.

Hawks vs. Bucks: Hawks 4-1. Atlanta will make quick work of the Bucks, who are happy to be here, but are now missing a major piece (Bogut.)

Celtics vs. Heat: Boston 4-3. The Celtics will be able to squeak by somehow. I'm not sure how, but they have so many vets and so much experience that will fight there way into the second round, where they will get killed by the Cavs. Boston is 3-0 against Miami during the regular season.

There you have it. Out on a limb with all the favorites. The best chances for "upsets" are the Heat, Blazers and Jazz. However, in a 7-game series, and this is another reason I love the NBA, the best team almost always wins.

That's why this year's playoffs are so compelling. There are so many great match-ups, it's hard to tell if it would be an upset or not. A 7-game series will tell us who is the better team.