Opening Finals Thoughts
With Game 1 slow approaching, it's left a lot of time for discussion on strategy. Personally, I've always been a proponent of the "No Folk Hero" method. Let the star be the star and don't let some little known guy or role player rise up and beat you. In the case of the Lakers, I'd let Kobe get his and try to turn the Lakers into the Kobe Show. Rondo can't leave Derek Fisher or Sasha Vujacuc and allow him to nail some key three pointers. Ditto for whoever is guarding Vlad Rad.
I'm happy with Garnett locking down Odom with the P-Unit (Perkins, Powe, PJ) beating up Pau Gasol so I think there's a good shot that the C's could shut down Kobe's teammates enough that, if his shot isn't falling, he'll get frustrated. Kobe is going to put a TON of pressure on himself in these playoffs and I really think the odds of a Mamba Implosion are fairly good, especially if his teammates aren't helping him out. Also, if Kobe does beat his man, I wouldn't be afraid to make him earn his points on the line. I'm not above beating up the MVP with Perkins, Powe, and Big Baby. Basketball is a non-contact sport but PLAYOFF basketball is a street fight with refeees.
As for the offense, I'd run it through Pierce but if we do that he HAS to make better decisions. For every game that reminds you why he's called the Truth, he has a couple in which he makes lazy passes and some very questinable decisions. Also, whoever is guarded by Kobe has to try to take it to the rack. Force Bean to work on defense and perhaps get him in foul trouble. KG might also want to float away from the post. Lamar Odom is an underrated defender especially when it comes to big games and even Gasol can help out. I'd start out by opening the floor up and giving Pierce, Rondo, and Ray some lanes to the hoop. (Hopefully Ray's shooting woes in the playoffs have reminded him that he is indeed allowed to put the ball on the floor and go hard to the hoop.)
The final issue is the point guard spot and I think Doc has to improvise with it. I'd open with Eddie House as the primary backup since he does a better job opening up the floor with his shooting ability but if the Lakers seem to be pressuring him or if Pierce isn't able to run the offense, it could be time to turn to Sam Cassell.
RIght now, I'm loving that the C's are the underdogs and that everyone is looking past them. It's exactly what this team needs to kill the nerves and get them to just go out and play their game. Forget about rings, legacies, history, what have you. Dont' even worry about beating L.A. Go out and play the type of ball that got the Celtics the best record in the league and I think things will sort themselves out.
