The Globe's Bob Ryan talks about some keys to the NBA Finals. He says "the team that wins will be the team that consistently imposes its will on the other team." Accoriding to Ryan, the Celtics' biggest challenge will be containing Bryant, while the Lakers will need to find a way to guard Kevin Garnett.
The Globe's Dan Shaughnessy provides some historical perspective on the Celtics-Lakers series.
Ryan and Shaughnessy discuss the 2-3-2 format (two games in Boston, then three in LA, then the last two in Boston) in the NBA Finals:
Bob stop acting like youre this big celtics fan. you didnt care about them last year. In fact, you wrote them off the second they made the KG trade, saying that Chicago was a better team. Enough said.
Posted by JimmyJune 4, 08 05:07 PM
"the team that wins will be the team that consistently imposes its will on the other team." Accoriding to Bob Ryan.... thanks a lot Bob, great insight, that's why you get paid the big bucks. i personally think it will be the team that scores the most points...
Posted by southie81June 4, 08 05:17 PM
It's always special to hear Bob Ryan's take on the Celtics!
Posted by Andrew C StichJune 4, 08 05:22 PM
Good analysis from the doyen of basketball journalists, Mr Ryan. Celtics in 6. With all this Kobe is unstoppable talk, all these Faker trolls are ignorning their team's glaring defensive deficinicies, especially against messers Garnett and Pierce. I look for a big series from both those gentlemen, Ray Allen to step up huge in a couple of games, and the Cs to win in 6.
Posted by MattJune 4, 08 05:22 PM
these idiots have forgotten more about basketball than your city ever knew...
Posted by THEBIG3June 4, 08 05:42 PM
Hey Laker fans, why dont you go put another car flag in the window of your SUV, buy another Rapist jersey and then leave in the 3rd quarter so you can get home early and sip some wine coolers as you watch the Celtics reserves close out the victory, you big phonies.
Youre about to learn how defense is played. That's something you havent seen all season except for the two Celtics double digit victories. What's that? Those were before you stole Pau Gasol from Memphis? Oh yeah, Im scared now that you guys added the softest, ugliest big man in basketball. Pau is going down hard and if he knows what's good for him he'll stay down. The Rapist will have to do it by himself if you have a chance (HINT: You dont).
Posted by Purple and Gold are girl's colorsJune 4, 08 05:47 PM
Luva...If you don't know who Bob Ryan is you are new to basketball fandom. He is only a FOH writer. Please get a clue
Posted by LakerLuvaHaterJune 4, 08 05:50 PM
Thank you Ryan and Shaughnessy for finally bringing some logic to the L.A. and Boston debate. No one on the Lakers can stop Pierce or KG and the Celtics have gone through too much as a team to lose now.
The Truth, Jesus Shuttleworth and the Big Ticket have been waiting their whole careers for this. They won't let us down. Celtics in 6!!!
BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA
Posted by Celtic Pride trapped in L.A.June 4, 08 06:01 PM
Now that Ryan has thrown the Pats under the bus I have no need to listen to his perpective on the Celtics. As far asI a ncerned he and Tomass ca go towork in another town.
Posted by Tom TaylorJune 4, 08 06:08 PM
Celtics in four straight!
Posted by TimJune 4, 08 06:12 PM
I think the analysis is pretty accurate. Couple points though...
1. I agree Fisher/Rondo is a key matchup but perhaps the real two x-factors are odom for LA and Perkins for Boston. Whoever averages a double double out of those two may very well determine the winner.
2. "no one able to guard KG or Pierce"... KG is not a dominant offensive force. Odom and Gasol better defenders than are being credited here too. But no matter who it is KG will average roughly 20 points which LA can live with. Pierce can erupt for a lot more than that and if he does not average over 25 points I think LA takes the series. Kobe can cover Pierce and he will be on him in the 4th quarter if not more often than that. Kobe is an excellent defender (all NBA ~6 yrs) and can cover him.
Posted by BrianJune 4, 08 06:14 PM
The only perspective Shaughnessy can offer is the asshole's perspective. I suppose they have to compete with the Herald...
Posted by Make MeJune 4, 08 06:16 PM
I like Bob's take. But Rondo is key to series, has biggest upside/downside.
When unleashed, he can get to the hoop like Tony Parker (and make back door cuts better than Parker), which puts the Celts at Big 4, spaces things for everyone.
When hesitant (misses a few J's, and/or feels like he has to pass to Big 3), then Derek Fisher will double the ball, jam the Celts.
And to unleash him, RR has to play 37 minutes, not 42. Takes a lot more energy to take it to the hoop and get hit. Which means Doc has to stop putting Gagne/Cassell out there. Eddie House needs those minutes.
Posted by Gold ShammGoldJune 4, 08 06:42 PM
Are you on drugs? The Lakers are SO overrated. Kobe and nobody vs. the well-rounded Celtics? No contest. Celtics in 6.
Posted by DanJune 4, 08 06:47 PM
These guys are among the best sports writers in the country. Ask the sports columnists around the country. They will tell you the Ryan who the deepest hoops knowledge of all the writers out there.
Go back to your 8th grade classroom. Recess is over.
Posted by Mark LeJune 4, 08 06:53 PM
The Lakers and the western conference play not defense. The Celtics have the best defense. Defense wins championships. Pau Gasol is not a great player, Garnet is. Series goes 7, anyone could win.
Posted by SheprikaJune 4, 08 06:54 PM
They actually have names and they say their names at the end of the segment. The question is: Who are you idiot? And I love your logic LakerLuva(?) thanks for breaking the game down for us.
I agree with Ryan - I think rondo is an interesting match up - it seems like he is over his jitters and should be able to take advantage of his speed over fisher. Celts in 7.
Go celts. Beat LA
Posted by BrianJune 4, 08 06:56 PM
Aha, LA fan invasion of Boston sites. Classy.
Posted by Andy AnonymousJune 4, 08 07:04 PM
Celtics will sweep Lakers. Easily. 4-0.
Posted by RuJune 4, 08 07:30 PM
nice to hear analysts who know their stuff
Posted by samJune 4, 08 07:31 PM
Celtics in 6 no question...lets get prepared for a parade Boson
Posted by RichJune 4, 08 07:32 PM
umm, they are two of the best sports writers in the country moron. Also, when does youth have anything to do with being a good sportswriter? Name one good "oung" sportwriter?? I thought so. Lakers in 5??? You make me laugh, Celtics will win because they have more heart.
Why dont you go get your tummy tucked fat boy!
Posted by GoGreenorgohomeJune 4, 08 07:48 PM
Put these two geezers out to pasture already.
Posted by celts4lifeJune 4, 08 07:54 PM
hey idiots, These guyes are long time sports jounalist in the boston meda, You know no nothing! So slug your beers or suck down the pot! assholes!
Posted by ErnestJune 4, 08 08:04 PM
LISTEN ALL YOU STUPID LAKERS FAN GET A FREAKIN LIFE!
GO CELTICS GO CELTICS GO CELTICS GO CELTICS GO CELTICS GO CELTICS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by RED'S CELTSJune 4, 08 08:23 PM
The Lakers are going to put a good fight but in the end they will end up on their backs ala Kurt Rambis after Kevin Mchale hit him with the "clothsline heard round the world".
--Celtics in 4
Posted by JoMamaJune 4, 08 08:31 PM
i
Posted by Thmos Aquinas June 4, 08 09:12 PM
i love these geezers and i love my grammie
Posted by ried barkmulchJune 4, 08 09:15 PM
Bob Ryan is not longer to be New England Sport Fan like us we are hard core and support good time and bad times for celtics and patriots and bruins. Bob's head is too big of full of rubbish. You have to go GO to work for Espn. we do not need you.
Posted by jackJune 4, 08 09:15 PM
i think the celtics are going to go 7 strait and win the world bowl of baseketbal
Posted by ried barkmulchJune 4, 08 09:17 PM
Celts4Life couldn't be more correct if he tried. These 2 guys are so bored to tears by their jobs and it shows. I'm surprised Bob Ryan didn't preview the Celtics and the Spurs, considering he did essentially the same thing during the 2006 Final Four, lecturing us all to watch a George Mason-LSU game that wasn't happening. Good thing the Globe flew him out there for that kind of insight.
The Globe desperately needs some new blood in their sports section. These guys have been recycling the same tired opinions for 25 years.
Posted by internet_kingJune 4, 08 09:28 PM
Curt S., don't waste your energy visiting this if you don't care about the series. Go watch your Sox and let us CELTIC fans, we of the 16 championships enjoy this epic battle.
Posted by TruthWillSetUsFreeJune 4, 08 10:00 PM
Time to make up for past sins and this time there is no magic; Celts in 6.
Posted by Rich WJune 4, 08 10:03 PM
Celtics in two
Posted by ifailedmathJune 4, 08 10:04 PM
All you Celtic cheaters, you no longer have the garden helping you!
Choke on your chowder as the Lakers are going to make Allen &
Garnett loose like they have career long! No way do you win this
series with all the brick shooters and hacks you got! Long Live
Phil Jackson...Red will have the best view..God Bless Him!
I miss Red on Roundball (classic).All smack aside Lakers in 7.
You have enough winners Boston..Red Sox & DVD Patriots.
Gawdy Purple & Gold over Irish Green
Posted by Chick (I eat most at dinner ) HearnJune 4, 08 11:20 PM
Sorry, the truth hurts:
Vegas Loves the Lakers and has installed them as almost a 2 to 1 favorite (Lakers are presently -190). The money folks usually know what they are talking about...
Posted by Craig K.June 4, 08 11:20 PM
Sorry Boston but your team has seen its best days............in the 60s. Its showtime, the Lakers are rolling right now. If the Lakers dont sweep, they will win in 5 games. Kobe is a force of nature that never stops. He will OWN the celtics. Too bad for Boston, they are a strong team but they cant match up with the Lake-show.
By they way Angels will win the American league this year, bet on it.
Posted by ZeusATPJune 4, 08 11:22 PM
This is a great time in New England sports history. The Celtics are the third most important team here. I think they will beat L.A. in 6 game. I'm tired of hearing how great the Western Conference is. They're overrated!! I am looking forward to this since I have tixs to every playoff games. BEAT LA! I will be yelling that along with 18K other faithful. Oh, I'm actually a Sixers fan, but I've lived here a long time.
I love watching Kevin Garnett at the start of a game.
Posted by David BostonJune 4, 08 11:25 PM
Curt S., don't waste your energy visiting this if you don't care about the series. Go watch your Sox and let us CELTIC fans, we of the 16 championships enjoy this epic battle.
Posted by TruthWillSetUsFreeJune 4, 08 11:31 PM
You know, we all get older every day. When someone has some perspetive from being around for quite a while, that does not mean they have nothing to add.
For all of you dopes who think getting older means becoming irrelevant...just you wait. Your turn is coming. Unless of course you are unlucky enought to die young.
And being cool and smart doesn't come with an expiration date. The only thing that does is being young and stupid.
Ryan and Shaughnessy have been around for a long time for a very good reason.
Posted by KTDJune 5, 08 12:13 AM
Can't stop Pierce, can't stop Garnott, are you kidding, who has stopped Kobe the entire playoffs, no one. Is Garnott quick enough to keep up with Odom, doubt it. Pierce is too inconsistent, yes Garnott will get his, but the keys are Ray Allen and how the Laker bench plays on the road. Boston native for LA, Go Lakers!!!
Posted by Lake ShowJune 5, 08 01:34 AM
Redsox, Patriots and now the Celtics! We will never have enough winners! Celtics in 6. KG and Paul Pierce could take a high school basketball team to the finals. GO CELTICS
Posted by Star1June 5, 08 02:10 AM
LAKERS RULE!! Win in sweep!!!!
Posted by Tom BradyJune 5, 08 02:42 AM
southie81, I agree 100 percent:
"the team that wins will be the team that consistently imposes its will on the other team."
Doesn't this oh-so insightful tidbit pretty much cover it generically in any match-up, any sport?? WOW, thanks for that keen observation, Bob. Keep earning that paycheck!
Tom Taylor, your comment is the most germane of all: "Now that Ryan has thrown the Pats under the bus I have no need to listen to his perpective on the Celtics. As far asI a ncerned he and Tomass ca go towork in another town."
Couldn't agree more. I was disgusted by his Pats column, and don't much care for his take on anything anymore. These clowns are going to drive the best coach in Pats' history, let alone the NFL, right out of town - because they don't like his low-key style. He doesn't pander to them enough or provide the good quote, so 'screw him'. He's going to decide one day he's had enough BS and disrespect from the local media and pack it in. And the rest of the league will LINE UP in a heartbeat and take numbers for the chance to bring him in as their new coach (INCLUDING those that publicly dissed his 'cheating')!
Posted by joe maffeiJune 5, 08 03:28 AM
Phil jackson has never won ANYTHING without Superstars on his team, he's the most over rated coach in history. I match him at best with KC Jones, with one exception KC admitted that the talent was on the floor, Phil Jackson is not what they think he is! GO DOC!
Posted by Go CelticsJune 5, 08 11:53 AM
Sure defense is important but so if offense. Last I checked the team with the most points wins. Lakers have alreay shown they can handle good defenses with decisive victories over Utah and San Antonio. The Lakers have enought offense to OUTSCORE Boston. By the way Bob, who is going to gard Kobe?
OH an one more thing DOC, exactly who has won without supestars? I believe the Celtics have quite of few players in Springfield and some who may be on the all time team.
You guys are just bunch of Homers, doh!
Posted by Sky Hook SteveJune 5, 08 01:24 PM
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WHO ARE THESE IDIOTS? LAKERS IN 5
these guys are older than dirt...
Bob stop acting like youre this big celtics fan. you didnt care about them last year. In fact, you wrote them off the second they made the KG trade, saying that Chicago was a better team. Enough said.
"the team that wins will be the team that consistently imposes its will on the other team." Accoriding to Bob Ryan.... thanks a lot Bob, great insight, that's why you get paid the big bucks. i personally think it will be the team that scores the most points...
It's always special to hear Bob Ryan's take on the Celtics!
Good analysis from the doyen of basketball journalists, Mr Ryan. Celtics in 6. With all this Kobe is unstoppable talk, all these Faker trolls are ignorning their team's glaring defensive deficinicies, especially against messers Garnett and Pierce. I look for a big series from both those gentlemen, Ray Allen to step up huge in a couple of games, and the Cs to win in 6.
these idiots have forgotten more about basketball than your city ever knew...
Hey Laker fans, why dont you go put another car flag in the window of your SUV, buy another Rapist jersey and then leave in the 3rd quarter so you can get home early and sip some wine coolers as you watch the Celtics reserves close out the victory, you big phonies.
Youre about to learn how defense is played. That's something you havent seen all season except for the two Celtics double digit victories. What's that? Those were before you stole Pau Gasol from Memphis? Oh yeah, Im scared now that you guys added the softest, ugliest big man in basketball. Pau is going down hard and if he knows what's good for him he'll stay down. The Rapist will have to do it by himself if you have a chance (HINT: You dont).
Luva...If you don't know who Bob Ryan is you are new to basketball fandom. He is only a FOH writer. Please get a clue
Thank you Ryan and Shaughnessy for finally bringing some logic to the L.A. and Boston debate. No one on the Lakers can stop Pierce or KG and the Celtics have gone through too much as a team to lose now.
The Truth, Jesus Shuttleworth and the Big Ticket have been waiting their whole careers for this. They won't let us down. Celtics in 6!!!
BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA
Now that Ryan has thrown the Pats under the bus I have no need to listen to his perpective on the Celtics. As far asI a ncerned he and Tomass ca go towork in another town.
Celtics in four straight!
I think the analysis is pretty accurate. Couple points though...
1. I agree Fisher/Rondo is a key matchup but perhaps the real two x-factors are odom for LA and Perkins for Boston. Whoever averages a double double out of those two may very well determine the winner.
2. "no one able to guard KG or Pierce"... KG is not a dominant offensive force. Odom and Gasol better defenders than are being credited here too. But no matter who it is KG will average roughly 20 points which LA can live with. Pierce can erupt for a lot more than that and if he does not average over 25 points I think LA takes the series. Kobe can cover Pierce and he will be on him in the 4th quarter if not more often than that. Kobe is an excellent defender (all NBA ~6 yrs) and can cover him.
The only perspective Shaughnessy can offer is the asshole's perspective. I suppose they have to compete with the Herald...
I like Bob's take. But Rondo is key to series, has biggest upside/downside.
When unleashed, he can get to the hoop like Tony Parker (and make back door cuts better than Parker), which puts the Celts at Big 4, spaces things for everyone.
When hesitant (misses a few J's, and/or feels like he has to pass to Big 3), then Derek Fisher will double the ball, jam the Celts.
And to unleash him, RR has to play 37 minutes, not 42. Takes a lot more energy to take it to the hoop and get hit. Which means Doc has to stop putting Gagne/Cassell out there. Eddie House needs those minutes.
Are you on drugs? The Lakers are SO overrated. Kobe and nobody vs. the well-rounded Celtics? No contest. Celtics in 6.
These guys are among the best sports writers in the country. Ask the sports columnists around the country. They will tell you the Ryan who the deepest hoops knowledge of all the writers out there.
Go back to your 8th grade classroom. Recess is over.
The Lakers and the western conference play not defense. The Celtics have the best defense. Defense wins championships. Pau Gasol is not a great player, Garnet is. Series goes 7, anyone could win.
They actually have names and they say their names at the end of the segment. The question is: Who are you idiot? And I love your logic LakerLuva(?) thanks for breaking the game down for us.
I agree with Ryan - I think rondo is an interesting match up - it seems like he is over his jitters and should be able to take advantage of his speed over fisher. Celts in 7.
Go celts. Beat LA
Aha, LA fan invasion of Boston sites. Classy.
Celtics will sweep Lakers. Easily. 4-0.
nice to hear analysts who know their stuff
Celtics in 6 no question...lets get prepared for a parade Boson
umm, they are two of the best sports writers in the country moron. Also, when does youth have anything to do with being a good sportswriter? Name one good "oung" sportwriter?? I thought so. Lakers in 5??? You make me laugh, Celtics will win because they have more heart.
Why dont you go get your tummy tucked fat boy!
Put these two geezers out to pasture already.
hey idiots, These guyes are long time sports jounalist in the boston meda, You know no nothing! So slug your beers or suck down the pot! assholes!
LISTEN ALL YOU STUPID LAKERS FAN GET A FREAKIN LIFE!
GO CELTICS GO CELTICS GO CELTICS GO CELTICS GO CELTICS GO CELTICS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Lakers are going to put a good fight but in the end they will end up on their backs ala Kurt Rambis after Kevin Mchale hit him with the "clothsline heard round the world".
--Celtics in 4
i
i love these geezers and i love my grammie
Bob Ryan is not longer to be New England Sport Fan like us we are hard core and support good time and bad times for celtics and patriots and bruins. Bob's head is too big of full of rubbish. You have to go GO to work for Espn. we do not need you.
i think the celtics are going to go 7 strait and win the world bowl of baseketbal
Celts4Life couldn't be more correct if he tried. These 2 guys are so bored to tears by their jobs and it shows. I'm surprised Bob Ryan didn't preview the Celtics and the Spurs, considering he did essentially the same thing during the 2006 Final Four, lecturing us all to watch a George Mason-LSU game that wasn't happening. Good thing the Globe flew him out there for that kind of insight.
The Globe desperately needs some new blood in their sports section. These guys have been recycling the same tired opinions for 25 years.
Curt S., don't waste your energy visiting this if you don't care about the series. Go watch your Sox and let us CELTIC fans, we of the 16 championships enjoy this epic battle.
Time to make up for past sins and this time there is no magic; Celts in 6.
Celtics in two
All you Celtic cheaters, you no longer have the garden helping you!
Choke on your chowder as the Lakers are going to make Allen &
Garnett loose like they have career long! No way do you win this
series with all the brick shooters and hacks you got! Long Live
Phil Jackson...Red will have the best view..God Bless Him!
I miss Red on Roundball (classic).All smack aside Lakers in 7.
You have enough winners Boston..Red Sox & DVD Patriots.
Gawdy Purple & Gold over Irish Green
Sorry, the truth hurts:
Vegas Loves the Lakers and has installed them as almost a 2 to 1 favorite (Lakers are presently -190). The money folks usually know what they are talking about...
Sorry Boston but your team has seen its best days............in the 60s. Its showtime, the Lakers are rolling right now. If the Lakers dont sweep, they will win in 5 games. Kobe is a force of nature that never stops. He will OWN the celtics. Too bad for Boston, they are a strong team but they cant match up with the Lake-show.
By they way Angels will win the American league this year, bet on it.
This is a great time in New England sports history. The Celtics are the third most important team here. I think they will beat L.A. in 6 game. I'm tired of hearing how great the Western Conference is. They're overrated!! I am looking forward to this since I have tixs to every playoff games. BEAT LA! I will be yelling that along with 18K other faithful. Oh, I'm actually a Sixers fan, but I've lived here a long time.
I love watching Kevin Garnett at the start of a game.
Curt S., don't waste your energy visiting this if you don't care about the series. Go watch your Sox and let us CELTIC fans, we of the 16 championships enjoy this epic battle.
You know, we all get older every day. When someone has some perspetive from being around for quite a while, that does not mean they have nothing to add.
For all of you dopes who think getting older means becoming irrelevant...just you wait. Your turn is coming. Unless of course you are unlucky enought to die young.
And being cool and smart doesn't come with an expiration date. The only thing that does is being young and stupid.
Ryan and Shaughnessy have been around for a long time for a very good reason.
Can't stop Pierce, can't stop Garnott, are you kidding, who has stopped Kobe the entire playoffs, no one. Is Garnott quick enough to keep up with Odom, doubt it. Pierce is too inconsistent, yes Garnott will get his, but the keys are Ray Allen and how the Laker bench plays on the road. Boston native for LA, Go Lakers!!!
Redsox, Patriots and now the Celtics! We will never have enough winners! Celtics in 6. KG and Paul Pierce could take a high school basketball team to the finals. GO CELTICS
LAKERS RULE!! Win in sweep!!!!
southie81, I agree 100 percent:
"the team that wins will be the team that consistently imposes its will on the other team."
Doesn't this oh-so insightful tidbit pretty much cover it generically in any match-up, any sport?? WOW, thanks for that keen observation, Bob. Keep earning that paycheck!
Tom Taylor, your comment is the most germane of all: "Now that Ryan has thrown the Pats under the bus I have no need to listen to his perpective on the Celtics. As far asI a ncerned he and Tomass ca go towork in another town."
Couldn't agree more. I was disgusted by his Pats column, and don't much care for his take on anything anymore. These clowns are going to drive the best coach in Pats' history, let alone the NFL, right out of town - because they don't like his low-key style. He doesn't pander to them enough or provide the good quote, so 'screw him'. He's going to decide one day he's had enough BS and disrespect from the local media and pack it in. And the rest of the league will LINE UP in a heartbeat and take numbers for the chance to bring him in as their new coach (INCLUDING those that publicly dissed his 'cheating')!
Phil jackson has never won ANYTHING without Superstars on his team, he's the most over rated coach in history. I match him at best with KC Jones, with one exception KC admitted that the talent was on the floor, Phil Jackson is not what they think he is! GO DOC!
Sure defense is important but so if offense. Last I checked the team with the most points wins. Lakers have alreay shown they can handle good defenses with decisive victories over Utah and San Antonio. The Lakers have enought offense to OUTSCORE Boston. By the way Bob, who is going to gard Kobe?
OH an one more thing DOC, exactly who has won without supestars? I believe the Celtics have quite of few players in Springfield and some who may be on the all time team.
You guys are just bunch of Homers, doh!
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