The Celtics completely dominated the Lakers last night, in winning Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The series shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Tuesday night and, if the Lakers can win that one, a decisive Game 7 on Thursday night.
Anyone who watched the last two games cannot help but think the Celtics are the better team. Aside from the third quarter yesterday, they have smothered Kobe Bryant on their defensive end. The Lakers have been unable to prevent Rajon Rondo from getting into the paint. Paul Pierce has figured out how to score on Ron Artest. And the Lakers bigs--thought to be an advantage at the start of the series--have been pushed around since Game 2 with Pau Gasol reverting to his soft ways and Andrew Bynum turning into a limping non-factor. And even when the Celtics veterans have looked old, the young guys have stepped in to save them. Based on this series, is there any doubt you trust the Boston bench mafia--Glen Davis, Nate Robinson, Rasheed Wallace, Tony Allen--more than you trust the Lakers bench (other than Lamar Odom)?
So here is my question: if the Lakers lose this series, how is Phil Jackson's legacy affected? Is it hurt because he will have never beaten the historic Celtics en route to a championship? Is it just a footnote that, after winning his first nine trips to the Finals, he will have lost three of the last four?
Discussion points only, although I don't think a loss should hurt his legacy. Then again, I'm sure Red Auerbach would disagree.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment