NBA Finals 2008: Lakers v Celtics

The big three for Boston definitely showed up today, combining for 65 points and 25 rebounds. The Celtics will need similar production from Pierce, Allen, and Garnett to continue to win games. The two teams were very even in game 1. I think that the difference was home court advantage for the C's. The crowd energized the Celtics in the 3rd and 4th quarters and helped them take game 1.

I have the Lakers in 6 games. From what I have seen so far in the playoffs, the Lakers have rolled through an incredibly tough Western Conference, while the Celtics have stumbled along through a rather weak conference.

On the offensive end, the Lakers have so many scoring threats. Obviously, the best player in the League, Kobe Bryant, but also Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom and Sasha Vujacic. The Celtics defense has been good in the playoffs, but not quite as good as was expected.

On the defensive end, the Lakers have been solid throughout the playoffs even though they don't rely on their defense to win. The Celtics have been good at times on offense, but terribly inconsistent. The Celtics need the big 3 of Garnett, Pierce, and Allen to step up and score 60-70 points a night if they want to take one from the Lakers.

Although I strongly believe that the Lakers will win the series, I would not be completely shocked if the Celtics end up winning. If the Celtics big 3 score big every night and if their defense plays like they did in the regular season, then the Lakers are in for a battle.

I am not a huge Lakers fan or Celtics Fan. I am a huge Suns fan and I was crushed when they blew their 2 huge leads to the Spurs. Any other Suns fans out there?

he Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy is awarded to the National Basketball Association team who wins the NBA Finals at the conclusion of every basketball season. The current NBA Championship Trophy was created for the 1978 NBA Finals, replacing the previous trophy design . Originally named after Walter A. Brown, it was renamed in 1984 in honor of former NBA commissioner Larry O'Brien.

The trophy is made of approximately sixteen pounds of sterling silver and vermeil, with a 24 karat gold overlap, and stands about two feet tall. It is designed to look like a basketball about to enter a basketball net. The basketball itself is the same size as a regulation size NBA basketball. The trophy is created each year in the Tiffany & Co. Silver Shop.

A new Larry O'Brien Trophy is made every year, and the winning team maintains permanent possession of that trophy. The trophy is engraved with the year and team name, and the trophies are often prominently displayed in the team's arena.

1998- Chicago Bulls

1999- San Antonio Spurs

2000-Los Angeles Lakers

2001-Los Angeles Lakers

2002-Los Angeles Lakers

2003-San Antonio Spurs

2004-Detroit Pistons

2005-San Antonio Spurs

2006-Miami Heat

2007-San Antonio Spurs