The Celtics look to overcome the Lakers points in the taint advantage and the sniper's smoking gun

The 2010 NBA Finals have been so terribly officiated (and 'wonderfully interficiated') that the Elias Sports Bureau should create a new statistic. It would be called points in the taint. The statistic would measure points given or taken away from teams due to terrible officiating. I personally am getting annoyed by hearing that the team that wins the rebounding battle wins the game. That is a stat that generally goes to the winning team. But we all know this series is not about rebounding. This is the worst officiated series in league history.

The Boston Celtics are clearly better than the Los Angeles Lakers. They go nine deep while the Lakers try to play one on five. That formula (along with the interficials in their corner) may have worked against the inexperienced OKC Thunder, injured Utah Jazz and the soft Phoenix Suns; but they are playing the Boston Celtics now, a championship pedigreed team that takes care of the business on both sides of the ball.

Essentially the inept 2008 Lakers are playing a much improved version of the 2008 Boston Celtics. I am talking about the same 2008 Lakers that lost to the Celtics 131-92 in the final game of that series. I realize that games are not won on paper, but this is not merely a paper argument. The Boston Celtics have looked much better than their counterparts throughout this finals. The league knew that the Lakers did not match-up well with the Celtics going into the series, so they went about circumventing fair play. It's "the ole reach around," as Gob Bluth would call it.

Sadly, the Celtics main nemesis in this series has not been the Lakers, with all due respect to Kobe's masterful individual performances (at times). The Celtics nemesis has been the officials. The league was so desperate to give the Lakers a kick-start in this series that they put Joey Crawford (the greatest interficial of all-time) to work right away (Bob Delaney might argue that). The terrible officiating continued throughout the first three games. But the Celtics overcame it in Game 2 thanks to the hot shooting of Ray Allen. Ironically they did not overcome the interficiating of Game 3 due to the cold shooting of Ray Allen.

After three games, it was infuriating to realize that NBA corruption prohibited the Celtics from being up 2-1 or probably 3-0 in the series. It was just flat out sickening that the Los Angeles Lakers title and their subsequent propensity to draw ratings was valued so greatly that the NBA would dishonor the game and cheat. Yes, I am using the c-word. I have no proof besides my eyes. I do not have the smoking gun, but I do know that where there is smoke there is fire. If I woke up strapped to an electric chair, I would not be overly concerned with wondering who did it and when, I'd just know that it happened.

Game Four was more of the same. Although, with the Celtics down two games to one, the league ratcheted down the bad calls and we probably had about the closest thing to a fair game that we will see this entire series. Referring to the bad officiating in the first three games, Charles Barkley said, "this was the first game (Game 4) that was like a game." Still, Kenny Smith reviewed four Game 4 calls that went against the Celtics that were call incorrectly. Smith called them 'one hundred percent calls,' meaning that there was no excuse for the blown calls. But even his analysis disregarded many other bad calls in that game.

Game Five was a joke. I am not referring to the bad officiating. Although there were plenty of bad calls, it was not nearly as poorly officiated as the first three games in which the league felt compelled to give the Celtics a handicap. What was particularly sad about the game is how it symbolized the NBA's complete and udder disregard for the fans. 

Joey Crawford was the lead interficial. Does David Stern think that the average NBA fan is a peon? Let's assume he does and that he thinks he is getting away with something on that level. He would still have to believe that a certain segment of the audience has some moral fiber and reasonable intelligence and he is basically bitch slapping them. I feel so strongly about this issue that I am willing to use the b-word for the first time in this website's history. Stern has no respect for his audience to be using the most controversial active interficial of all-time in the most pivotal NBA game in years! To counter the protests of fans, he loves to go with the logic that if he has nothing to be ashamed of then he can do what he wants. But we all know that is a boat load of dung and that he thinks we should accept his cheating as long as the smoking gun is nowhere to be found.

In Game 5, Crawford made a large amount of bad calls that went in the Lakers favor. The Lakers went to the free throw line 26 times while the Celtics went to the line 13 times despite the fact that the Celtics were the more aggressive team. Pierce who was the Celtics point man for the attack went to the line all of two times. Derrick Fisher barely touched the ball all night and he went to the line five times. But once a series is tied two to two the interficials generally keeps the interficiating to a relative minimum and Game 5 was still tame compared to the first three games. It is Game 6 that the league will be willing to commit a higher volume of egregious calls in an effort to force a Game 7 and make millions of dollars.

Still, there was a Game 5 call that symbolizes the great lengths that the officials will go to keep a game close and build the drama (and ratings). Ahead 92-83 and with the game in check, the Celtics played wonderful defense on Kobe Bryant. Bryant went around a screen and hoisted a fade away three that had no chance of going in. It was reminiscent of the Lakers chances of winning a fairly officiated series. Crawford called a foul on Ray Allen. The call was made despite the fact that Allen was called for a controversial call on a similar play in Game 4. This time, Allen reigned himself in so that as Jeff Vangundy said, "he did not even appear to foul." But Crawford had no problem just making a call completely up.

So the Boston Celtics head back to Los Angeles to try and close out the series (up 3-2). They must be bitter about the fact that the interficials prevented them from winning the championship in front of their hometown fans. They must lament the fact that were it not for the interficials, they could have stamped their supremacy with a sweep. They must dread the fact that they know they have to play five on eight in a hostile environment to win a trophy that they already should possess.

Mister Stern. You can hide but we know what you are doing. You could not even find the audacity to give one of your patented six figure fines to the Boston Celtics owner when he confronted you after Game 3 and told you how you should be embarrassed by the terrible officiating. 

In the immortal words of 'Animal House,' "Hold my mount mister. Mister hold my mount." I only want to reciprocate your actions.

As for Crawford. He could not pull of the victory. But give him credit. He did his best to get the Lakers a victory on a night in which the Celtics shot 56 percent and the Lakers shot 39 percent (FGs).

The following Tainted Love videos are dedicated to David Stern and his hired goons:

This article is dedicated to Lakers fans that think this series is on the up and up. You are enablers.

The Big Twelve: Celtics Vs. Lakers

Note: This was posted approximately a week ago, while the Lakers were still playing the Phoenix Suns in the conference finals. Due to a technical error, it was not readable at that time Shots Heard is re-posting the the article at this time.

If the Los Angeles Lakers can close out their conference finals with the Phoenix Suns, it will mark the twelfth time that they faced the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Bleacher Report has ranked the previous eleven series.

Picture 1: In the 2008 NBA Finals Game 4, the Boston Celtics were down 24 points before making an epic comeback. James Posey drilled this corner three in Lamar Odom's during Game 4 of that Finals.  In one of the classic moments of the rivalry, he turned around and let Odom know about his achievement. Odom was flustered throughout the entire series.

Picture 2: If it's not known as the shot, it could be. In Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals, Garnett made perhaps the signature shot of the renewed rivalry (Pierce had a great and-on and Ray Allen had a great reverse layup in Game 4 of that series as well). Garnett went across the lane and through a fastball against the backboard from near the free throw line while Odom was draped on him. The ball went in for the and-one.

Picture 3: The names of the Celtics/Lakers rivalry are almost too numerous to mention. Despite the epic battles of the fifties and sixties, the Bird/Magic showdowns remain the most memorable.

Kobe On The Outside: Don't trust the fever pitch of the 'experts'

There is a pathology that invades the minds of fans and 'experts' alike. If the sexy Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees or Montreal Canadiens make it to the championship round in their respective sports, then inevitably just about all of the 'experts' (who are generally financially motivated) and fans are seduced into their fantasy ending and pick. We saw this in 2008 when something like eleven of the twelve 'experts' at ESPN picked the Los Angeles Lakers over the Boston Celtics even though the Celtics were clearly the better team that year. 

And what happened in 2008? The Celtics defense and deeper bench prevailed. Here we are in 2010 with essentially an identical situation and the 'experts' and fans are all too happy to ride the Lakers jocks once again. But just like 2008, it might be the Celtics who will likely deliver the salty goodness. That is they'll be the salt of the NBA. What did you think I meant?

Sure the Lakers could win the series. The Celtics do not have it in the bag. But aside from home court advantage what has changed from two years ago when Kobe tried to beat the Celtics one on five? 

Changes for the Lakers

- Ron Artest was added. He can play the three well on defense. That was a source of frustration from when they depended on Luke Walton or even Slava Medvedenko. Although Medvenko was more of the four usually and was more of a liability guarding the four (though he was still a liability when guarding the three). But Walton saw limited action and Bryant and Trevor Ariza generally guarded the twos and threes. I can't say I see Artest as any major upgrade on defense or offense from 2008. I'd even argue that the Lakers should have resigned a prime Ariza instead of the aging Artest.

- A healthy Andrew Bynum was always going to be an upgrade for the Lakers. However, he is obviously just a big body out there. The mere fact that he has split his playing time with D.J. Benga at times should be a red flag for the Lakers. In my opinion the Lakers should have shut him down. I actually believe that he is a liability and maybe worse they are gambling with his future in a move that is not working anyhow. The Celtics were in a similar situation last season with Kevin Garnett and they did not screw with it. That is why they are back in the championship at full strength this season.

- Lamar Odom has some composure that he did not have two seasons ago. However, he still can be immature at times. He still can be inconsistent. The Lakers still cannot count on him to be that difinitive third guy. In fact, they have counted on the old Derek Fisher to be their number two guy at the end of the Phoenix series despite, Gasol having a size advantage on the Suns.

Changes for the Celtics

- The Celtics bench is completely different. It is difficult to say whether they are better, worse or the same. I believe that comparable is the word and I quite frankly lean towards better despite the greatness of the Celtics bench in 2008. You may remember that in crunch time of the 2008 Finals Game 4 comeback it was bench players Eddie House and James Posey on the floor. In fact, Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo were nowhere to be found in the fourth quarter of that game! Some of that was due to Perkins's shoulder and Rondo's ankle. But it was mainly due to the performance of the the aforementioned bench players.

P.J Brown, Leon Powe and even Sam Cassell all made significant bench contributions during that NBA Finals and the Celtics bench went ten deep. Incidentally do you know who the eleventh and twelfth men were on Doc Rivers bench that series? It was Glenn 'Big Baby' Davis and Tony Allen! Allen's first Finals appearance was in Game 4, partly due to an achilles injury during the conference finals. But late in the seaons, Rivers took him out of the rotation as it was. Glenn Davis was only a rookie and he only became a part of the Celtics winning formula in last year's playoffs when Kevin Garnett was out with his knee injury.

Doc Rivers has been going with a shorter rotation through the playoffs. He has consistently went only eight deep. That is due to Rondo and Perkins progression as players. But also the House trade likely necesitated it, as Nate Robinson was not acclamated to the Celtics system yet. But the bench that has played has been stellar! Davis would be a starter in most rotations. Allen has accepted his role as a defensive stopper and his limitations on offense (and he drives to the basket for scores at key times). 

Rasheed Wallace was going to make or break the Celtics. One ESPN columnist wrote a brutal column about how he was out of shape and selfish. And during the Heat series, Wallace was only validating his words. But he has layed off the fast food (assumedly) and his killer instinct has returned. He was a key component in their series against the Cavaliers. His defense against Dwight Howard in the Orlando series was brilliant and his shot selection (and execution) was much improved. With Wallace (and Davis's progression) improved performance, the Celtics are not feeling a loss when Perkins or Garnett sit on the bench.

Lastly, Nate Robinson did not get enough playing time in the Orlando series (or the playoffs) to be a true x-factor. But after his Game 5 and 6 performances against Orlando, Doc maybe consider a true nine man rotation. Robinson's ability to make threes and his speed to push the tempo could both be big keys for the Celtics. I would even go with Robinson and Rondo on the court at the same time at times if I was Doc Rivers. I would even consider going with a small line-up at times to force the slower Lakers into a running game and to stretch them in the half court. I would consider the use of a Rondo, Robinson, R. Allen, Pierce and Garnett line-up. 

The improved bench play is important since in last season's playoffs, with KG injured, the Celtics were over relying on guys like Brian Scalabrine! Though he played well, the Celts simply had to expect too much out of him.

- Perhaps the biggest change for the Celtics is the development of their young players. Rondo, Perkins, T. Allen and Davis all are bigger parts of the puzzle than in 2008. Rondo was showing signs of being great in that 08 Finals, but the truth is he was like a young Tony Parker. Parker was the starter in 2003 but it was often Speedy Claxton playing the point at the end of games. So was the case in 2008 in which House got more crunchtime minutes than Rondo. We all know how Rondo has blossomed since then. We all are aware that it is not the Big Three anymore (Garnett, Pierce, R. Allen). Rather it is the Big Four (Garnett, Pierce, R. Allen, Rondo) or as Magic Johnson likes to say The Big One and The Little Three. That is how far Rondo has came. There is talk that Rondo is the best point guard in the league. I would still put him behind Chris Paul and Deron Williams. But based on performance in the playoffs over the last two years, the case can be made!

OK Then

So we see that if anything the Celtics have improved more than the Lakers and yet people are once again convinced that Kobe will thrive. But Kobe is not convinced. You will notice how measured his response is when asked about this series. He has essentially said that they will find out whether the status-quo has changed. I am not knocking that either. That is wise. But if Kobe himself is unsure then why would the fans and 'experts' be sure. Do they (you) really think he's masking his true feelings? Because I certainly do not think that is the case. He has a Steve Nash mentality (refering to the last series). He does not know who is better and he hopes whether they are better or not that they can play better at the end of the day.

So to all you bandwagoners

To all you bandwagoners, I have written a parody of Larry Pratt's 'Pants On The Ground.' It was written to the tune of 08, 10 Sharp.

Kobe On The Outside

Kobe on the outside
Kobe on the outside

Lookin' like a fool
With Kobe on the outside
With the bandage on his finger
Bynum's kneed turned sideways
Kobe miss the shot on the outside

Call yourself champs
With Kobe on the outside

Losin' downtown with Kobe on the outside
Celtic Pride!

Hey! Get Kobe to the outside
Lookin like a fool! 
Playin' one on five with Kobe on the outside!

Hey! Kobe missing the shots
Jacking up bricks
With Kobe on the outside
With the bandage on your finger
Bynum's knee turned sideways
Call yourself champs?

Kobe's on the outside!


Picture 1: When Kobe goes into the teeth of the Celtics defense he is often getting blocked. Consequently he will go to the outside shot frequently. If this happens and the Lakers do not get a team effort, the Celtics will likely prevail. 
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