My observation of the finals

I've been thinking of this for a while, but too lazy to write it down. In short:

1. Celtics are a better team
2. Defense still wins playoffs
3. The loss is on Kobe
4. Paul Pierce is the final MVP
5. PJ is no longer PJ after the loss to Pistons or started from that year
6. Post presence and pick n' roll are the lethal weapons for any system

Although I don't like Celtics that much, the over-excited KG always turns me off, I have to admit that they are a better team. Boston plays hard-nosed defense, and everyone is very disciplined in their own assignment. Offense is streaky and so are shooters, but defensive effort will never fail you. You don't see Celtics players give up on a play, and they threw their bodies for the balls. You can say they sometimes play rough, but they are rough to themselves. They stick to their guns, penetrating and pick n' roll, crushing the boards, rotating on perimeter, and working hard to earn wins.

I agree with JVG that albeit a good defender, it's still a joke to have Kobe on the first defensive team. He didn't do nearly as much defending Pierce, while nobody else could do that. That's not the ultimate leader should do, and there is no easy way out. On the offensive end, Kobe had a very poor series, so far. Except for some contested jump shots, he didn't get his driving game going. Paul on the other hand, took Kobe when the time is critical, challenge every single move of Kobe, while driving the lane like there is no tomorrow, that's what MVP of the finals looks like. Except for JVG, other commentators were riding Kobe's joystick so hard. He's the regular season MVP, and deservedly so. They criticized Gasol a lot, so did I. But it went overboard when you blame him for passing mid-ranger jumpers, simply because he's not a doing everything dominate big man. Gasol played hard and well last night. He's never known for strong defense or post moves, but he did competed hard, while Kobe disappeared quickly, yet again, except for 4 made 3 pointers. This is Kobe's team, and this is his stage, he can't expect Gasol and Odom to get it done. Next

Ever after the crushing loss, or even during that finals against Pistons, PJ has not been the old PJ any more. The big Zen Master went for more style than substance, and he seemed to lost interest. There really has been any remarkable moves from him to show his genius, except for bunch of very questionable moves. I don't why, I guess the winning just gets him bored, he doesn't want it as hard as other good coaches any more. He needs more challenge.

Lakers don't seem to be that scary any more. They are big, but they don't have a post presence. I am not sold that Bynum would change all that, besides, it's still a big question mark whether both Bynum and Gasol can play well together in extended minutes. I pretty much doubt it. With guys like Vujacic and Rodomanovic, you have good shooters, but their defense sucks big time, especially their defensive mindset. I guess your leader leads with example. Kobe is more AI like gambling now in defense, instead of his usual old tough one-on-one, like his man-o-man-o against Tracy in their hey days.

I guess next game would just be formality, and it would be very interesting to see how Lakers adjust in the off-season. I can see the Spurs with some tweaks bouncing back faster than Lakers going on a tier to dominate. I could be wrong though, as always.

Just some random thoughts of the finals.

BTW, I agree with the other poster, too much promoting of individualism is hurting NBA more and more. MJ brought the league to a new level, but he drove the league to a different path, away from the traditional basketball team game. I also agree, that the league should shut up about playing style and everything. Bulls was never an exciting team, they are just efficient, and they have MJ. The league should support different style, and may the best win. It's not a beauty-contest, besides if every one is running up and down shooting 3s, I am pretty sure the fan base will just dry up.