Bill Simmons' Article today is priceless.
A few things I agree with: I don't trust the Lakers to come out and win tonight. I also don't trust the Celtics (especially KG) to come out and close the series.
Tonight will certainly answer a lot of questions:
(assuming the game has not already been fixed by the league and the refs- which I don't believe for a minute by the way, but what the hell-- its fun to conspire).
1. KG is either a big time player or a big time choker.
I really don't care how well he has played in some of the games. I don't care how he changed the culture of the Celtics this season. All I care about is- when it comes time to close a team out and to have a BIG game, can he deliver? He was awful- almost nonexistent in game 5 with a chance to win his first title. He has had so many big chances in big games in the playoffs (usually just round 1 against crappy teams) to make a mark, and he has yet to do it. So, is Kevin a big time- I mean really big time player (one of the greats) ? We will find out.
2. Kobe is either deserving of the 2008 MVP or Not.
I must say I have been surprised by the fact Kobe has not been able to take over at least 2 of these games. Now, his numbers are straight up sick still - but that is expected. I know Lebron and/or Chris Paul would have taken- I mean taken- over one of these games. So the question is, with the season on the line can Kobe be the MVP? If he goes of for 40 + tonight, the Lakers win. And we all know he can do it. And if he is able to do that and force a game 7, wow what a game that will be.
3. Is Gasol either a Sissy or Not
Plain and simple: can Gasol get tough underneath and bang around? If he can, especially without Perkins, the Lakers will win. If he doesn't, he is a sissy.
4. Is Phil Jackson is either a great coach or Not
Will Phil try to over think the game like he did in game 5 and almost lose, or will he go to his bread and butter: calm, confident motivation that keeps basketball simple and the game in flow. Trust your stars- especially Kobe.
If the Lakers are able to win- and they certainly are able to win- a game 7 will push these questions and the answers to them to the brink. Then we will find out who the real legends are. There are great players and there are legends. And Billy, as I commented before, given your analysis of how sick the Celts are and how depleted the Lakers are- IF Kobe is able to put this team on his back and earn a title IN Boston after being down 1-3 (something that has never been done)- THEN he is truly a legend of the game. A tough, tough feat. I don't know if he can, but Jordan could. We shall see.
Tidbits: Ray Allen is Nasty- greatest shooting stroke ever. He should be the series MVP is they close it out. Dear LA, take some charges on Pierce for god sakes! ---- Foul Trouble is WAY too important in these late series must wins: if the refs are going to be so so bad, let NBA players have 7 fouls. ---- Rondo's injury is huge. If Phil has his team pressure old ass Cassell and Eddie House, the Lakers will be fine---- Boston fans are crazy douches: so hard to win in the Fleet Center. ---- I want more basketball, Please go 7!!! -
2 comments:
Bill Simmons' article was great! I especially like two awards he gave out, and they seem even better today.
1. THE C-WEBB AWARD FOR "BEST EXAMPLE WHY YOU SHOULDN'T GIVE UP ON AN ENIGMATIC YOUNG STAR WITH A TON OF TALENT"
As I have been saying, we better not trade Melo.
2.THE KRYPTONITE AWARD FOR "MOST SIMPLE WAY TO FOIL SOMEONE WHO IS ALLEGEDLY SUPERMAN"
Like I said...Pierce plays mean defense and Kobe just can't handle it, or lead his team the right way.
answer to your questions:
1. KG is not a go to guy, he is a glue and a leader, but not a go to guy. He plays his role and plays it better than anyone else can.
2 Kobe still deserves the MVP. I still don't think the Lakers were the best team in the west and he got the team to the top in the regular season.
3.Gasol is a sissy.
4.Jackson is great coach, there is no way around that. He was lucky to have the best of all time, but he brought it out of him, anf he has 9 rings. I will refer to Bill Simmons on this one too...maybe he just doesn't care when it comes to the Lakers, and that is why he puts up with Kobe.
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