Tonight at approximately 9pm we will be witnessing one of the greatest sports rivalries of all time. The teams with a combined 32 NBA titles between them will square off once again. Being just minutes away from game 1 of the 2010 NBA Finals, sports nation seems to be on the fence about a clear cut winner. On one hand you have the red hot Boston Celtics, who have been on a roll ever since round 2 where they de-thrown LeBron James, and destroyed the clear favorite Orlando Magic in round 3. And on the other hand you have “the assassin” in Kobe Bryant leading his LA Lakers to their 31st finals appearance all time, he himself winning 4 of those titles. And the “Zen Master” Phil Jackson who is tied for the most rings as a head coach in NBA history with 9 (the other is Red Auerbach with the Boston Celtics). Both of these teams have changed since they last met in the 2008 NBA Finals. The most noticeable change is the recent evolution of Celtics guard Rajon Rondo who has become one of the premier point guards in the NBA, and the addition of “Mighty Mouse” Nate Robinson, and Rasheed Wallace. While the Lakers have added some much needed toughness by acquiring Ron Artest. The last time these two teams met in 2008 the Lakers were pushed around in the paint and out-hustled. The key for the Lakers to turn things around this time is depending on how good of a job Ron Artest can do guarding Paul Pierce, the type of impact the Laker bench will have on the game, and how well will Andrew Bynum’s knee will hold up. For the Celtics, can their star stopping defense hold against the star of stars Kobe Bryant, can the big three get off to a good start, and can their bench outplay the Laker bench. The Lakers are the ultimate franchise in all of basketball, but tonight begins the ultimate test on will, perseverance, and determination for neither Kobe Bryant or Phil Jackson have defeated the Boston Celtics in an NBA final…EVER! However, Phil Jackson is a STELLAR, an IMPECCABLE, and an OUTSTANDING 47-0 when his team wins game one of any series. Cause for concern for the Celtics? We’ll soon find out as game the countdown for game one of the 2010 NBA Finals begins in 5…4…3…2…1…
