With the first NBA Championship returning to Boston 22 years to the day after Len Bias was drafted, it's time for me to do one final brain dump on the Finals.
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I read a blog post today asking to name 10 better players than Paul Pierce. I could get about 6 that are clearly better, and 3-4 that are about equal, but not more. Name me 10 better players. If I agree I'll send you a dollar. KG is one of the 6.**********************************************************************
Who were the two biggest legends at the game last night? Bill Russell and John Havlicek. #'s 6 &17. Coincidentally, 6/17 was also the date yesterday and the game # and the # of championships the Celtics have. I love this poetic number symmetry. You usually only get this in baseball.
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Speaking of legends, I have been disappointed that there have been so few former Celtic legends at the game. Jo Jo is always there Hondo too, and occasionally Bill Russell. I realize Bird, McHale and Cowens all work for other teams now, but as former Celtics and patrons of the game, they should have come to a few games. You too Robert! You too KC!**********************************************************************
The Reebok Red Auerbach commercial was another bright spot. Reebok has done a nice job of late with Boston ads.**********************************************************************
The picture above is a great one. Sorry Kobe.
Lastly, I have been very critical of Danny Ainge's grand plan in the past. This year he has made all the right moves including dropping his proposed model of trying to build a fast break Dallas Maverick type team and getting guys with a defense first attitude. Great defenses always trump great offenses. Getting Posey as a conciliation prize when Reggie Miller declined was a stroke of luck and genius.
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As much criticism as Kobe will get, Phil Jackson deserves more. This team was tragically flawed and he did very little to adjust to the physical nature of the Celtics, not to mention, he did little to establish his own physical presence. Phil was also critical of the team with the exception of Kobe. This has to drive a further wedge between the star and his back up brick layers.**********************************************************************
My daughter begged to go to game 6. I was originally reluctant to take her preferring to bring someone that was more of a diehard and would appreciate it more. I was wrong, I can not imagine anyone enjoying the game than her. We had a great time.**********************************************************************
I wish the big three talk would go away. The Celtics don't win this series without Posey. Bryant had 11 points when Allen left for treatment on his eye. Posey came in and frustrated him so much that he was off his game for the rest of the night. Posey also had guys like Vujacic and Radmonovic crying over his physical play. I do not think it is a stretch at all to suggest that Posey could have been MVP.**********************************************************************
Just like the Red Sox who won the World Series with a nice collection of vets and young guys, this Celtics team has the potential to build from here despite the age of Allen, Pierce and Garnett. Rondo is a jump shot away from being a GREAT point guard. Tony Allen was hurt muc of the year, with his health, he could be a bigger factor next year. Powe, Perk, ad Baby are all young guys who are going to only get better. And everyone raves about how good Gabe Pruitt could be. **********************************************************************
The sights along the sidelines at the end of the game were priceless. Pierce standing on a chair doing the Geno dance, Pierce hugging Doc (and then dumping Gatorade on him) and Pierce, allen and Garnett embracing eachother were all memorable moments.**********************************************************************
Lastly, I have been very critical of Danny Ainge's grand plan in the past. This year he has made all the right moves including dropping his proposed model of trying to build a fast break Dallas Maverick type team and getting guys with a defense first attitude. Great defenses always trump great offenses. Getting Posey as a conciliation prize when Reggie Miller declined was a stroke of luck and genius.
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