This Is War: The NBA Finals 2010: Lakers Vs Celtics

The NBA's most successful franchises meet in the NBA finals again for the second time in three years, and the 12th time overall, starting tomorrow night at Staples Center. Apparently the 2010 NBA Finals won't look anything like the 2008 NBA Finals, just look at Kobe, or Gasol or Boston's Big Four. This  rematch could become  more classic and competitive series that will define the  Lakers-Celtics rivalry. With that in mind allow me to examine the key matchups in the upcoming series.


POINT GUARD: Rajon Rondo Vs Derek Fisher
Rondo has definitely the advantage here in terms of quickness, prowess and skillset in general. He has stepped up and carried the Celtics most notably in the series against Cavs and the Magic. But don't underestimate Fisher, from time to time has always come up with super clutch jumpers. I think this is the key match-up of the series, expect Kobe to guard Rondo from time to time (remember the OKC-LA in the first round  when Kobe guarded Westbrook). Rondo is effective when he can display his creativity in the paint, so expect the Lakers to allow him to just make jump shots.



SHOOTING GUARD: Ray Allen Vs Kobe Bryant
Not really a Kobe fan but definitely he is the best player in the game today. Just ask the Grant Hill and Jared Dudley how he scored all the clutch basket in Game 6 of WCF. For the Celtics to have at least a fight, Ray-Ray must find a way to tire Kobe in screens and shoot the lights out ala Rip Hamilton during the LA-Detroit NBA Finals. Kobe isn't very good at chasing around screens.This will in a way hamper Kobe's offensive explosion.

SMALL FORWARD: Paul Pierce  Vs Ron Artest
Another title for The Truth will definitely place him among the Celtics great. The bad news is Radmanovic is no longer in LA's rotation. Ron Artest is one of the strongest and best perimeter defensive in the league this means Pierce top of the key clear-out play during the Magic series won't yield the same dividend in the series. Good thing though about Pierce, he is very good in fishing for fouls. The C's will be in big trouble if Artest can repeat his performance in Game 6 in the WCF.

POWER FORWARD: Kevin Garnett Vs Pau Gasol
Due to his balky knee, KG has lost his step and now reduced to a jump shooter. With the notable emergence of Rondo, KG hasn't been the focus of C's offense. On the other hand Gasol has a wide array of offensive skills in the paint and an excellent passer. Gasol will likely take his revenge in the 2008 NBA Finals loss, to shed the "soft" reputation.

CENTER: Kendrick Perkins Vs Andrew Bynum
Perkins is definitely a big factor in the series, a rough and tough guy. A great interior defender and shot blocker who lacks footwork, setting screens and boxing out are his primary task. On the other hand Bynum is more gifted offensively but his knee and foul trouble hasn't been rewarding for the Lakers. An even match-up I must say.


BATTLE OF THE BENCH
Another factor in the series will be the contribution of the bench players, the Celtics bench has been very solid in the playoffs. If Glen Davis and Rasheed will be healthy and for some reason Krypto-Nate will repeat his Game 6 ECF performance, this will be a big help for the Celtics. The Lakers bench on the other hand hasn't been that consistent, just look at the disparity of the bench contribution during the PHX-LA series. Another key factor to the series will be Lamar Odom, who has a lot of upsides in terms of 3-point range,rebounding,assist and scoring.

Do these Celtics own this rivalry, or will these Lakers avenge 2008? Will it be banner 18 for the Celtics or Kobe's drive for five narrow down the gap of championship the Boston have? These question are well within the next two weeks.