|---THE WARRIOR ZONE---|
2010 NBA Finals Preview: Blazers Vs. Celtics
VS.
June 3, 2010 - The 2010 NBA Finals will tip off tonight. The contrast between the two finalists is quite jarring. The Portland Trailblazers are a young squad led by Brandon Roy, Danny Granger and LaMarcus Aldridge, who use their league-best offense to dominate games. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are an "old" team of veterans, led by Rajon Rondo and the big three. Furthermore, the Celtics have the league's best defense. This clash of styles and eras should yield a great series.
Season Series
12/28/2009: Blazers 82, Celtics 95
2/24/2010: Celtics 100, Blazers 95
The Road To The Finals
The Portland Trailblazers made a pair of big moves in the offseason, shaking up half their roster. The loss of Greg Oden made defense a major problem, and the Blazers had a solid, albeit underwhelming start to the season. However, the Blazers went 38-13 in the calendar year of 2010, and that success translated into the post-season. Portland exorcised their playoff demons from last year by annihilating the Rockets in 5 games. They then advanced to the second round, where they easily dispatched the #6 seeded Nuggets in 5 games. In the conference finals, they faced off against their heated rivals, the heavily favored defending champion Lakers. After dropping the first one, the Blazers shocked LA to win their next 4 games to make their first NBA finals since 1992.Conference Quarterfinals: Blazers 4, Rockets 1
Conference Semifinals: Blazers 4, Nuggets 1
Conference Finals: Blazers 4, Lakers 12009-10 Portland Trailblazers Playoff Roster (57-25 -> 12-3)
PG: Raymond Felton | 13 PPG, 7 APG
SG: Brandon Roy | 21.5 PPG, 5 RPG, 6 APG
SF: Danny Granger | 23 PPG, 5 RPG
PF: Carl Landry | 12 PPG, 64% FG
C: LaMarcus Aldridge | 16.5 PPG, 9 RPG
-Charlie Villanueva | 10 PPG
-Jerryd Bayless | 7 PPG, 3 APG
-Travis Outlaw | 6.5 PPG, 17 MPG
-Ronnie Turiaf | 3 PPG, 4 RPG, 1 BPG
-Chuck Hayes | 4 PPG, 71% FG
-Daequan Cook
-Sergio Rodriguez
The Boston Celtics had a dominant start to the season, looking to have another 65+ win season a la 2008. Midway through the season however, they cooled down, despite Rajon Rondo establishing himself as the premier point guard in the league. They would end up being edged out by the Lakers for the top record in the league, but still finish with an excellent 60-22 record, good for #1 in the East. They were given quite a scare in the first round however, as the upstart New Jersey Nets took a 3-1 lead in their series. Boston would adjust and take the next three to advance to the conference semis. They then swept the Bobcats, before facing off with the Orlando Magic. In a thrilling seven game series, Boston advanced to their second NBA finals in three years.Conference Quarterfinals: Celtics 4, Nets 3
Conference Semifinals: Celtics 4, Bobcats 0
Conference Finals: Celtics 4, Magic 32009-10 Boston Celtics Playoff Roster (60-22 -> 12-6)
PG: Rajon Rondo | 14 PPG, 11 APG, 6.5 RPG, 3 SPG
SG: Ray Allen | 15.5 PPG
SF: Paul Pierce | 18 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.2 APG
PF: Kevin Garnett | 16 PPG, 8.5 RPG
C: Kendrick Perkins | 12 PPG, 8 RPG
-Glen Davis | 7 PPG
-Ty Lawson | 6 PPG, 4 APG
-Eddie House | 42.5% 3PT
-Leon Powe
-Tony Allen
-Bill Walker
-Brian Scalabrine | 0.7 MPG
All signs technically point to a Blazers victory. They had the far better record towards the end of the season, and dominated the first three rounds of the playoffs. However, the Celtics have been battle tested, playing a pair of seven game series. In addition, they won the season series, match up well and have far more playoff experience. I expect this series to be extremely close, but while I'll be rooting for the Blazers, I gotta give Boston the slight edge due to them having home court advantage.
Prediction: Celtics in 7
NBA.com wrote:Behind Garnett's Double-Double, Celtics Take Game 1
Celtics 96, Blazers 86
June 3, 2010 - Prior to game 1, Celtics forward Kevin Garnett said they (referring to Carl Landry, LaMarcus Aldridge and Charlie Villanueva) could not guard him. With his 21 point, 12 rebound performance, Garnett's words proved to ring true, as the Blazers lamented dealing away Greg Oden in a 96-86 defeat. Portland's dynamic swingman duo of Danny Granger and Brandon Roy combined for 45 points on 17-30 shooting, but they were the only Blazers to finish in double figures. For the Celtics, Ray Allen had 18 and Rajon Rondo flirted with a triple double. The win gives the Celtics a 1-0 series lead.
Celtics lead series 1-0
NBA.com wrote:Roy Scores 37 as Blazers Tie Series
Blazers 103, Celtics 94
June 6, 2010 - Following their game 1 loss, all-star guard Brandon Roy guaranteed a Blazers win in game 2. He certainly delivered on that guarantee. Scoring 37 points on an efficient 14-22 from the field, Roy willed his Blazers back from a 12 point first half deficit to knot the series at one apiece. The former UW guard scored 15 of his 37 points in the third quarter, which proved to turn the tide. With two minutes left in the period, Portland took a 74-73 lead, and never looked back. Kendrick Perkins and Paul Pierce would foul out as the Blazers won it 103-94. Danny Granger had 18 points, while Raymond Felton added 13 and 10 assists. Ray Allen led the losing effort with 24 points.
Series Tied 1-1
NBA.com wrote:Blazers Take Game 3 In OT Thriller
Blazers 115, Celtics 109 [OT]
June 8, 2010 - LaMarcus Aldridge has been a reliable third option for the Trailblazers all season long. His 10.5 points per game in the finals thus far had left something to be desired. I guess you could say has 25 point, 13 rebound game 3 performance was due. Despite the former #2 pick's brilliance, Portland found themselves down 81-71 going into the final period. An inspired fourth quarter concluding with a Brandon Roy field goal with 6.5 seconds left forced overtime. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen combined for 1-7 shooting in the extra period, as Portland went on to win it 115-109. Following the loss, Kevin Garnett said "we're done losing".
Blazers lead series 2-1
NBA.com wrote:Celtics Make Statement, Steal Game 4
Celtics 100, Blazers 85
June 10, 2010 - Unlike Paul Pierce, when Kevin Garnett makes a guarantee, he lives up to it. After guaranteeing a victory, the big ticket put up 23 points and 11 boards on 9-14 shooting, as his Celtics whomped the Blazers, knotting the series. Danny Granger had a good game for Portland with 24 points, but the rest of the team underachieved. That could likely be attributed to the Celtics' vaunted defense. "We lost a heartbreaker the other night. There was no way we were gonna lose this one", remarked Ray Allen, who had 15 points. Boston won the first quarter 31-23, and would not trail for the rest of the game. The two teams will play the pivotal game 5 in Portland, then return to Boston for game 6, and 7 if necessary.
Series Tied 2-2
NBA.com wrote:Rondo Leads Celtics To Game 5 Win
Celtics 91, Blazers 83
June 13, 2010 - After being an MVP candidate in the regular season, Rajon Rondo has taken a relative backseat to Kevin Garnett in this series. In the pivotal game 5, Rondo showed just why he is widely considered to be the premier point guard in the league. The fourth year guard out-shined 2006 classmate Brandon Roy, scoring 22 points, dropping 10 dimes and grabbing six boards en route to a Celtics victory. Portland got the best performance of the series by Raymond Felton (20 points, 7 assists), but the team came out flat on offense, courtesy of the Boston's vaunted D. They managed to stay in the game throughout, but after the second quarter, played from behind. After the game, Danny Granger, oblivious to the NBA Finals' format, guaranteed that his Blazers would "bring the series back to Portland". Game 6 and, if necessary, 7 will be played in Boston.
Celtics Lead Series 3-2.
NBA.com wrote:Celtics Secure Banner #18, Defeat Blazers
Celtics 92, Blazers 87
June 15, 2010 - "I failed", said Blazers guard Brandon Roy, following his Blazers' game 6 defeat in the championship. While his team was defeated, you can't really fault Roy's performance: 35 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists on 14-20 from the field. Roy's contributions would not be enough, as the Celtics received big contributions from Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce, and secured their franchise's eighteenth NBA title. After the first half, it looked like the Blazers would force a game 7. Roy was on, while Danny Granger and Carl Landry were already in double figures, as Portland led 50-39. A trademark defensive shut-down by Boston held Portland to just 12 third quarter points, and finals MVP Kevin Garnett scored 8 of his 19 in the fourth, as the Celtics finished off the Blazers. LaMarcus Aldridge, who exploded for 8 points and 5 rebounds boldly stated "we'll be back", following the game.
Blazers Win Series 4-2
NBA.com wrote:Celtics' Kevin Garnett Wins Finals MVP Award
June 15, 2010 - This season, the general consensus is that Rajon Rondo is the Celtics' best player and leader. While the former may be true, the title of leader must be given to the man who turned the franchise around: Kevin Garnett. After a season which, while solid, was not up to his lofty standards, many pundits labeled Garnett as "done". The 34 year old Garnett looked spry as ever in these NBA Finals. Averaging 16.8 points and 8.5 boards per game on staggeringly efficient 63% shooting, KG led his team to its eighteenth title. Garnett dominated the smaller Carl Landry and defensively challenged LaMarcus Aldridge on offense, and anchored the team's defense. Garnett received excellent support by his teammates, with Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo all averaging double figures. The runner-up for the award was actually Portland's Brandon Roy, who gave it his all, averaging 24.3 points per contest. Upon receiving the award, Garnett dedicated it to his deceased friend, former NBA player Malik Sealy.
Danny Granger, oblivious to the NBA Finals' format, guaranteed that his Blazers would "bring the series back to Portland". Game 6 and, if necessary, 7 will be played in Boston.
LaMarcus Aldridge, who exploded for 8 points and 5 rebounds boldly stated "we'll be back", following the game.
Lamrock wrote:|---THE WARRIOR ZONE---|
NBA Finals Coverage: Part 3NBA.com wrote:Rondo Leads Celtics To Game 5 Win
Celtics 91, Blazers 83
June 13, 2010 - After being an MVP candidate in the regular season, Rajon Rondo has taken a relative backseat to Kevin Garnett in this series. In the pivotal game 5, Rondo showed just why he is widely considered to be the premier point guard in the league. The fourth year guard out-shined 2006 classmate Brandon Roy, scoring 22 points, dropping 10 dimes and grabbing six boards en route to a Celtics victory. Portland got the best performance of the series by Raymond Felton (20 points, 7 assists), but the team came out flat on offense, courtesy of the Boston's vaunted D. They managed to stay in the game throughout, but after the second quarter, played from behind. After the game, Danny Granger, oblivious to the NBA Finals' format, guaranteed that his Blazers would "bring the series back to Portland". Game 6 and, if necessary, 7 will be played in Boston.
Celtics Lead Series 3-2.NBA.com wrote:Celtics Secure Banner #18, Defeat Blazers
Celtics 92, Blazers 87
June 15, 2010 - "I failed", said Blazers guard Brandon Roy, following his Blazers' game 6 defeat in the championship. While his team was defeated, you can't really fault Roy's performance: 35 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists on 14-20 from the field. Roy's contributions would not be enough, as the Celtics received big contributions from Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce, and secured their franchise's eighteenth NBA title. After the first half, it looked like the Blazers would force a game 7. Roy was on, while Danny Granger and Carl Landry were already in double figures, as Portland led 50-39. A trademark defensive shut-down by Boston held Portland to just 12 third quarter points, and finals MVP Kevin Garnett scored 8 of his 19 in the fourth, as the Celtics finished off the Blazers. LaMarcus Aldridge, who exploded for 8 points and 5 rebounds boldly stated "we'll be back", following the game.
Blazers Win Series 4-2NBA.com wrote:Celtics' Kevin Garnett Wins Finals MVP Award
June 15, 2010 - This season, the general consensus is that Rajon Rondo is the Celtics' best player and leader. While the former may be true, the title of leader must be given to the man who turned the franchise around: Kevin Garnett. After a season which, while solid, was not up to his lofty standards, many pundits labeled Garnett as "done". The 34 year old Garnett looked spry as ever in these NBA Finals. Averaging 16.8 points and 8.5 boards per game on staggeringly efficient 63% shooting, KG led his team to its eighteenth title. Garnett dominated the smaller Carl Landry and defensively challenged LaMarcus Aldridge on offense, and anchored the team's defense. Garnett received excellent support by his teammates, with Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo all averaging double figures. The runner-up for the award was actually Portland's Brandon Roy, who gave it his all, averaging 24.3 points per contest. Upon receiving the award, Garnett dedicated it to his deceased friend, former NBA player Malik Sealy.
Nellieball Chronicles
Chapter 7: Things Fall Apart
Don Nelson, Liam Washburn and Darko Milicic were at an Irish pub, watching game 6 of the NBA Finals between Portland and Boston. The Blazers had taken a double-digit lead thanks to a magnificent performance by Roy, but Boston was coming back.
"I like what Portland's doing," said Nelson. "They aren't making them, but in my professional opinion, there is no better way to maintain a lead than by chucking three pointers."
"I wonder why this guy has no rings", Liam mumbled under his breath, before shouting obscenities following a three-point play by Rajon Rondo. Darko supported him by saying "Fucking Rondo! I will fuck your mother's shit!"
The three of them were the only ones in the bar rooting for Portland and were receiving glares. After Ray Allen sunk a jumper to give Boston their first lead of the game, an already upset Liam saw something more upsetting: Monta Ellis and Stephen Jackson had entered the bar.
"There he is!", shouted Monta. Stephen Jackson pulled out his pistol and aimed it at Liam.
"Your alive?!", Darko and Don Nelson shouted in unison.
"Damn straight. Liam here's been keeping me prisoner in da basement for the past month! Well guess what, I got out! And now, you're dead!"
Liam was surprisingly calm. "How did you get out?"
"That room wasn't soundproof dog! I was layin' down some phat rhymes down there, and Stephen heard me, and let me out. You know what they say, revenge is best served hot!", Monta said with a grin. "Shoot him, Captain."
"NO!", Darko and Nellie shouted in unison.
But it was too late, Jackson pulled the trigger.
--------------------
"That's TURRIBLE!", exclaimed Charles Barkley upon hearing the news. "It's a relief that Monta's alive, but I can't believe one of our players tried to kill our GM. He must be doing a turrible job,", before hitting a golf ball.
"Man, thats a crazy story, Chuck", replied Barkley's friend, Michael Jordan, as they drove towards the sand trap to retrieve Charles's ball. "I'm glad we didn't do that Raja and Vladimir for Jax trade. Guy sounds crazy. Gotta give your GM credit though. Replacing all of Stephen's pistols with joke pistols that shoot pieces of paper that say 'pow' was a pretty smart idea."
"Yeah, but think of all the turrible publicity Mike. Plus, if news gets out that Monta's alive, his contract goes back on the books, and we can't get Amar'e," Chuck said, hitting the ball out of the sand trap and into the water hazard.
Jordan scratched his Hitler moustache in thought. "Well, the Bobcats could use a guy like Monta. I'd be willing to give up expirings for him. Just keep him under wraps until after you guys get Amar'e, have Washburn resign when Monta surfaces, then send him here."
"You know Mike, thats not turrible. Now how many strokes am I over par now?"
"16, by my count", replied Jordan.
--------------------
"What the fuck?" This is the second straight year my scouting reports have been leaked on to the internet," complained Warriors scout Travis Schlenk. "Fuckin' Warrior Zone. I'll get 'em this time. Lets see, the IP of that post is... this very building?!"
After two hours, Schlenk discovered that Liam was the blog's author. "He's been running this Warriors blog since his Atlanta days! Ah, the sweet taste of leverage."
Lamrock wrote: joke pistols that shoot pieces of paper that say 'pow'
Lamrock wrote:"Fucking Rondo! I will fuck your mother's shit!"
Return to NBA 2K Stories Hall of Fame
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests