FanNation - The Republic of Sport

   My first reaction when Boston beat my Cavaliers in the second round of these playoffs was, "I cannot wait to see them get taken down!". It made sense at the time -that a team that had a total of one training camp together, and that struggled so mightily against the Atlanta Hawks and a Cavaliers team that was basically reconstructed mid season- would not be able to overcome the championship experience and poise of the Detroit Pistons. After all, until the Detroit series, Boston had not won a single playoff game on the road. Surely the Pistons would capitalize on what had to be a mountain of insecurity for the Celtics. Right? Wrong! Somehow, Boston found the ability to go to Detroit (Detroit of all places!) and win some tough road games.

   So here we are in the NBA Finals. An impressive Celtics team vs. Kobe's Los Angelos Lakers. Forget the temptation to dismiss this series as David Sterns "dream scenario", this series actually has it's own modern day intrigue. First, there is Kobe Bryant, the league's MVP who so desperately wants to win a title at the peak of his greatness. Then in Boston you have the much famed big three of Garnett, Pierce, and Ray Allen. All undisputably great veteran NBA players, but none of whom had ever been to Finals until now- near the twilight of each player's career. This series offers compelling questions: can Boston's big three finally add a ring to their impresive resume's? Can Kobe win a championship without Shaq in the middle, and with a very young team that will desperately need Kobe's championship experience and killer instinct? Can one superstar overcome three? Or is this really a question of which team is better as a collective unit, regardless of the caliber of their stars?

   If games 1 and 2 suggest anything, it is that this series will not be a quick sweep by either team. Boston was impressive and dominant in the first two games, but then again, that has been their M.O. at home all year. If Kobe still has anything to say about it, and I believe he does, Games 3, 4, and 5 will all be tough down to the last drop. I see this series lasting 6 or 7 games, and my hunch is that the Lakers will win game 3. As much history and voodoo as you can find in the Celtic's gym, you also will see in Los Angelos tomorrow. Jack Nicholson will be there in all his purple and gold flamboyancy. You'll see Magic, Kareem, James Worthy, and of course- The Logo.

   At this point, I am going to admit that I have absolutely no idea who is going to win this series. I'm also going to suspend my anger over my Cavaliers not playing in the Finals, because unlike last years championship round, the 2008 NBA Finals is shaping into an exciting, must see event for any and all basketball junkies. Set aside your grudges and conspiracy theories, and just kick back and enjoy the ride. With every impressive play by Paul Pierce, Kobe, or KG, just remember that we have not see an NBA Finals this unpredictable in years... who knows how long it will be till we see another like this? So from one bitter Cavaliers fan to anyone who will listen: let's just enjoy the show.