Finals Preview: Lakers vs. Celtics
- Posted by Anthony Bass on June 5th, 2008 filed in Lakers Game Preview
Lakers Offensive/Celtics Defensive Strategy
The Laker offense is an open secret. Los Angeles will run the triangle most of the time. In the second quarter, the bench mob will run, run and run. If they can’t run, they will set the triangle. In the fourth quarter’s final minutes, Kobe will create scoring opportunities and will run the triangle from time to time. If they lead by two digits in the fourth, the triangle will be a staple. Otherwise, Kobe will mostly be isolated - look for Odom or Pau to dive while Kobe penetrates though.
The Celtics will want Kobe to score a lot so his teammates can’t find a groove. Kobe has the tendency to be a “space cadet” too especially when his health is 100% (which allegedly is, excluding the most famous pinkie in the world).
The text above is actually a copy of the Lakers offensive strategy in the Spurs series, hehe.
Now, let’s go to some custom Celtic defensive strategy. I’m sure the Celtics have seen how the Spurs have failed to contain Kobe’s jumpshot. They also know that they don’t have a Bruce Bowen in their team, even if Bowen is a step slower.
So how do they defend Kobe? They will let Kobe shoot from afar. They can do this by having Allen guard Kobe. They will hope Kobe will get overconfident with his jumpshot knowing he is facing Allen who’s not really known for his defensive prowess. If Kobe is hot from outside, they will try to make him drive in hopes that Kobe will wear out and fatigued to deliver at crunchtime. They don’t need to foul him - they have Garnett, who is an exceptional defensive presence in this Celtic team, and they have Perkins, who is better than Oberto defensively (and offensively).
Again, Kobe needs to be the ultimate playmaker. He will surely get by his man and go straight to a waiting Garnett or Perkins or both. He will react to the Celtics defensive play by either forcing the issue or passing out.
If all else fails, this is the finals and Perkins (or whoever) might want to get rough with Kobe to make him think twice before bringing the ball to the hoop. (Watch that bad back, Kobe!) The famous pinkie? Watch it - it’s the finals baby!
Perkins will probably guard Gasol and try to bother him physically. The more mobile Garnett will stay with Odom.
Celtics Defensive Matchups
Perkins vs. Gasol
Garnett vs. Odom
Pierce vs. Radmanovic
Rondo vs. Fisher
Allen vs. Bryant
Lakers Defensive/Celtics Offensive Strategy
The Lakers probably wants Garnett to look to score more than Pierce. They will give Garnett some looks like Duncan had. This will hopefully limit the touches of Pierce. The Celtics offense is more potent going through Pierce just like the Spurs is when going through Parker. Essentially, the Lakers will defend the Celtics just like they did the Spurs - give Garnett and Pierce different looks and hope that Garnett look to score more. Also, if they can force Allen to pull a Ginobili, Los Angeles will be in good shape.
Pierce is a good low post player and has the outside touch. He will mix it up and will probably make plays for Ray Allen who will be itching to launch the three. Garnett is a high post player and has good range. He has a longer range than Duncan and, with all due respect to Tim, might be the harder forward that Gasol is guarding.
Rondo is young and streaky so Fisher might have an easier time guarding him than Tony Parker. The Lakers will not want to forget Perkins as he is effective but only when left open.
Lakers Defensive Matchups
Gasol/Turiaf vs. Garnet
Odom vs. Perkins
Radmanovic/Vujacic/Walton/Bryant vs. Pierce
Fisher vs. Rondo
Radmanovic/Vujacic/Walton/Bryant vs. Allen
Bench Tacticians
I underestimated Phil Jackson in the Spurs series. It turned out he was as capable of adjusting as Greg Poppovich. Phil, of course, is clearly the veteran here but Rivers has good assistant coaches. Also, Rivers is not exactly dumb - I’m sure he’s a better coach than you ever will be. He said that he would rather listen to his coaching staff than a bunch of writers, or worse, bloggers - most of whom haven’t played and coached in the NBA. Way to go coach! I hope that shuts up the so-called experts, hehe.
X-Factors
The Lakers’ bench mob hasn’t been that consistent but is playing good enough in the playoffs. It will be interesting how the Celics bench handle the notorious Lakers bench. Ray Allen hasn’t been performing well in the playoffs but is improving. The Celtics can’t afford Allen to slack against a good team like the Lakers. Conversely, Odom needs to be an efficient third option. When Odom plays good, the Lakers win.
Prediction
If no injuries happen to any of the major players from both teams, Lakers in 6.
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