NBA's Final Four?

by Jeff Clark on Mar 20, 2009 2:07 PM EDT in Boston Celtics Articles

No time for a full length article or anything, but I thought I'd get this up before the game preview hits.

Tonight we face the San Antonio Spurs. With the normal caveats assumed (anything can happen, blah blah blah), we can expect a Final Four of Cleveland, Boston, Los Angeles (Lakers, natch) and the San Antonio Spurs.

I personally think the Celtics and Spurs are the most dangerous teams come playoff time. Both have (recent) Championship experience, both are mentally nails (as in "tough as"), both play magnificent defense (when healthy of course), and both boast unselfish star trios that take turns taking over games.

LeBron is otherworldly I know, but he's still one person and he has to rely on his (admittedly improving) supporting cast on the rare occasion when he can't beat an opponent all by himself. Kobe is in the same boat, except without the unselfish instinct King James possesses).

That is picking nits, of course, and all 4 of these teams could catch a groove at any point this offseason and ride it to a title. I'm just of the opinion that the Celtics and Spurs have just a little more going for them in the playoffs despite trailing in the regular season standings.

Poll

Besides the Celtics, who has the best shot at the title?

Cavs

512 votes

Lakers

592 votes

Spurs

167 votes

Other

54 votes

1325 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

looks like

I might be in the minority! won’t be the last time ;)

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V

by Jeff Clark on Mar 20, 2009 2:35 PM EDT reply actions

minority of two

Celtics/Spurs is my dream matchup for the finals.

by thirstyboots18 on Mar 21, 2009 5:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Had to go with LA

Seeing that we’re going to beat Cleveland ;-)

by Amager Celtic Fan on Mar 20, 2009 2:36 PM EDT reply actions

Spurs have the most experience

I think when they are healthy, they can be the best team in the NBA besides Celtics of course. Cavs and Lakers got star players, but don’t have what it takes to take C’s and Spurs out if it went seven games in a series.

by illestmcsgt on Mar 20, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions

Lakers cast >> Cavs cast.

I still voted Cleveland, because Lebron >> Kobe, and I think Cleveland’s defense would make the difference in a matchup between the two.

Seriously, though, Pau is, at least on offense, miles beyond anyone Cleveland has other than Lebron. (Mo comes closest, but he’s really just a very good shooter in a great situation.) Lamar Odom has issues, but he, too, is, purely on talent, well beyond anyone Cleveland has. Kobe actually has an excellent supporting cast.

by PJ Martinez on Mar 20, 2009 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

Lakers . . .

Gotta believe that they have more to prove to themselves and the world than anyone else after last years humiliation. They have a legacy to live up to too; it isn’t all getting beat by the Celts.

by OldCeltFan on Mar 20, 2009 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

At full strength with borderline competent officiating I like the Spurs

by twinbree on Mar 20, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions

Cheers. I like the Spurs, too. But I’m biased.

My first post here… Congrats on a great blog, guys. And your team’s not bad, either. :)

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Mar 20, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

The Lakers are all about Andrew Bynum’s return right now.

If they get him back, they have a huge margin for error in the West. If not, they’re vulnerable and several teams could knock them off.

by Who on Mar 20, 2009 7:00 PM EDT reply actions

Cavs And LA

These teams depend too much on one player even thought they are surrounded by good players. LA’s defense is still not that good, Bynum or not. SA and the Celtics are similar in that they are totally into TEAM and defense.

"I don't come to play, I come to WIN"--Larry Bird
"Criminally Negligent Officiating"--Tommy Heinsohn

by TrueGreen on Mar 20, 2009 7:40 PM EDT reply actions

i really hate 2 say it..

but i have 2 go with the FAKERZ….they look tough and the west is soft…they have alot 2 prove from last year and are kinda on a mission…( they also looked unbeatable last year )
letz hope 4 the same result-BANNER #18!!

by CELTICZ4LIFE on Mar 20, 2009 9:00 PM EDT reply actions