Are You Disappointed By the Finals?
Photo. MannionWe obviously think that this NBA season has been the best ever, and even though this Lakers/Celtics series hasn’t exactly been a thing a of beauty the entire time, we’re still enjoying every second of it.
Apparently not everybody feels the same way. Bob Ryan, for example, wrote a column today for the Boston Globe entitled “It Has to Get Better Than This.” From his column:
Pierce has had his moments. Kobe has had his moments. Ray Allen has had his moments. Pau Gasol has had his moments. Kevin Garnett has had his moments. Even spacey Lamar Odom (I say that with great affection for our Rhody guy) has had his moments. James Posey and Sasha Vujacic, too. But what we need before the 2008 NBA curtain falls is for the Celtics and Lakers to have a collective game in which all these guys are having continual moments together.
Never mind comparing these teams to the Larry-Magic teams. These are the two top-seeded 2008 squads, the ones that clearly ought to be here. How ’bout it, guys? Show us what you got.
This series hasn’t exactly been the best-played Finals we’ve ever seen – you’ll get no argument from me on that – but you can’t deny that it’s been more entertaining than any of the recent Finals matchups. And while I agree with Ryan that we haven’t seen the collective best from the superstars involved (we’re still waiting for KG to dominate an entire game and for Kobe’s Michael Moment … both of which may never come), I’m not complaining about these Finals at all. Really, please tell me what series in recent NBA history has been more fun to watch and to talk about with your friends than this one. Pretty much any series involving the Spurs and Pistons are probably out, which eliminates most of the past 10 years right off the bat. You’d have to go back to one of MJ’s Finals runs.
Honestly, I think the imperfections of the characters involved brings a new level of interest to every game. Key players on both sides are shaky and at best, streaky. Will tonight be the night that KG exorcises the demons that haunt him in the fourth quarter of every big game? Will Lamar show up tonight? Will Rondo rise to the occasion and be the point that Doc needs him to be before it’s too late? Will Kobe ever find the distributor/dominator balance needed to get his team to play at the highest level possible? You have flawed athletes from both teams battling it out, reaching for a ring that looks to be tantalizingly attainable for both teams.
I’ll take that drama over watching robots play ball every night of the week.
What do you think? Are you disappointed by these Finals?
June 17th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
doc says:
Im never dissapointed by the Finals,but Im a true fan.These dudes balling out here.I like the Sixers Laker year better though.
June 17th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Sam I Am says:
I am def a true NBA fan…and these finals have been stay up late EAST Coast good…
Comebacks like WHOA!
June 17th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
fallinup says:
It’s the finals…how could you be disappointed. For the first time in a long time, there is no glaring favorite…and the win has gone to the team that performs better in the 4th and wants the win more. Overall, I’ve been impressed.
Player wise I’ve been disappointed by Kobe, he has effectively been held down pretty well compared to all of the hype he had rolling into the finals. KG has been a sorry SORRY disappointment (nuff said there). And Paul Pierce has once again proven that he’s a bad ass with his defense on Kobe and ability to score (he always had it, I’m just happy that he gets to show everyone on a major stage finally.) And even Doc Rivers won a little respect in my book.
These are two great teams. Almost evenly matched. No glaring weaknesses.
The Boston vs. L.A. thing is secondary. But the icing on top no doubt.
June 17th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Gerard says:
Well considering the writer’s point, that neither team has peaked in the Finals and thus playing the highest level basketball consistently, I would agree with him. Last year’s Spurs played exceptional basketball over a sustained period of time.
June 17th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
rangerjohn says:
i am disapointed that the spurs are not there lmao
but then i am one of the 5 people ever to like the spurs
June 17th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Celts Fan says:
thanks for dropping that turd in the punch bowl Bob. Christ, our team, YOUR team is ONE GAME AWAY FROM THEIR FIRST TITLE IN 21 YEARS, and he’s disappointed?!? This is why I’ve never wanted to work in sports. It’s become a job for him. Sad…
June 17th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
fiyaman says:
Yes I am disappointed (not saying it hasnt been good) but from what I was expecting and the way it was hyped up the only person that has changed my opinion about them in a good way is Pierce, Doc and Posey.. Every single other person associated with these 2 teams has disappointed.. from Kobe, KG, LO, down to Phil have all disappointed
June 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Uhm... says:
dimemag, you guys should use links so that a new window opens, rather than taking ppl out of your website when click on external links.
June 17th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Sam I Am says:
Uhm…
You are simple at best
June 17th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Kudabeen says:
I’m in agreement. IF you are a basketball fan first how can you be disappointed in a Final with so many BBall related sub-plots? KG, Kobe, Pierce, Ray coming to life, What role players will make a name, IS Doc a coach or just a cool guy that some players don’t mind listening to…
That comeback was crazy to watch…
Kobe Jekyll and Hyde leadership style…
KG starting 4th quaters with a basket or two, then staying away from the ball. Although I be the first two games and game 4 KG did hit late baskets and FTs (sub 2:30)…
Pierce one-track mind. He holds the ball too long and kills the offense unless he scores. Ray Allen gets iced out and KG has to work harder for rhythm shots when Pierce has the ball…(Worst passing scorer EVER)
Pau manufacturing passion with the whiny hand gestures and fist pumps…
Jordan Farmar lossing money as he gets worked buy Cassell…
Watching how great a glue guy James Posey really is…
Finally noticing how important Perkins and Rondo is to the best TEAM in the league (rember they were the underdogs in this series? Anyone?)
I can’t say that I’ve ever been more drained after watching games since the Sixers were up and coming and watching AI take on all comers. That game one victory was as close to a Chip I have ever felt a part of as a Philly cat…(sad I know…)
Too many great bball things happening to be disappointed. I don’t need guys children dying and fights to keep me interested. I just need pick and rolls, Defense, Kobe’s mid-range contested J hitting all net, one more KG dunk, Another akward Pierce drive down the lane, watch Ray Allen’s shooting motion, Sasha’s attempt to be reliable, a chuckle as Luke Walton checks in the game with a lead and heads back out with significant damage being done to that lead, and to be able to yell about how inconsistency of the referees…
I’m good…
I did want to see the Spurs play Boston
Only for the KG-Duncan matchup. Duncan makes KG so crazy it’s hilarious to watch them play each other… Maybe next year…?
June 17th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Sam I Am says:
Sorry Kudabeen…I fell zzzzzz for a while
June 17th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
word says:
best season ever, best finals ever.. for me that is.
Celts tonight by 6 ! My guess.
June 17th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
fallinup says:
Holy crap…two posts in the same area where they wish the Spurs were in the Finals??!!! WTF!!! HAHA.
Count me as one that wishes the Spurs could have had a crack at Boston. Too bad Manu was hurt….and it’s there “off” year. LOL
June 17th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Brown says:
The only thing I don’t like is how they haven’t had games on Saturday nights. WTF is up with that?
For those of us on the east coast who have to work early in the morning, it’s not always easy to watch the games. Some of my friends haven’t seen any of the games.
I was on the west coast during last year’s finals, so it wasn’t an issue, but this year hasn’t been so easy.
Other than that, I haven’t seen either team play a full four quarters of inspired basketball. This is the NBA Finals, I expected both teams to bring their “A” games, but have only seen glimpses of it. For some reason, there doesn’t seem to be much excitement surrounding this series, and I can’t figure out why.
June 17th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
weezy f says:
the only way to end the finals is to go to game 7 and have the teams go to double overtime…pierce allen and garnett go off for 25 plus points each and kobe goes for 60 something….wheres that 02 wcf offciating squad when you need em
June 17th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
weezy f says:
oh yea and celtics win…especially after that 1 vs 100 video yall put up
June 17th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Celts Fan says:
@Weezy, one was there on Sun. night (Bavetta) and tonight’s aren’t looking much better (Joey Crawford, Eddie F. Rush, and Bennett Salvatore,) I mean, does ABC even bother having backup programming for Th. night, or do they already know what those clowns are gonna pull?
June 17th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Ross says:
I’m not watching this years finals because there’s no Spurs/Pistons rematch. This is what Stern wanted though.
June 17th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
yallallreadyknow says:
how old is bob ryan? shouldn’t his writing privledges be revoked due to his age?
the game has passed him by. sports writing has passed him by.
does he still go home and play vinyl records after each game?
2008 now. homeboy been writing since 1800 and something…time for this old hag to move on. we’re giving his article NO merit
June 17th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
chaos rob says:
man this series has been the most entertaining, this is the first year in a long time in a long time that the absolutely best teams in the L ser in the finals without the playoffs being totally screwed up by the officials.. ya got a series with 4 superstar with something to prove…3 that have a chance to solidify their greatness…one flawed superstar trying to prove why he is the best in the world…..
and several players are playing their heart out. who knew the truth and jesus had that kind of defensive presence? who thought eddie house and james posey would step up in the series.
only reason san antonio would be a good finals opponent is the because of the duncan-kg match up
June 17th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Big V says:
This is obviously NOT the best playoffs ever. Doesn’t come close to ‘2005-06, which was the best playoffs I’ve ever seen in my life, hands down.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Kudabeen says:
@ Sam I Am
Sorry “Comebacks like Whoa” was taken, so I had to actually write what I like about the finals. Maybe next time…
Keep Black Rob Alive!!!
Funny dudes…
June 17th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
MSkittle says:
It’s true that there are some shaky, inconsistent ballers in this series. Rondo, Perkins, LO, etc.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Big Sia says:
Spurs pistons was NICE AS FUCK…
7 games… ginobili… fuck outta here DIME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1kxZpyREdE
June 17th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Arno says:
Well, the Pistons and Spurs aren’t around. So long multiple screens, patience and passing game. Which means that, on most offenses, the go-to guy (Kobe or Pierce) drives to the hoop, gets a call or tries to pass the ball to someone in the traffic in the most complicated way.
Predictable and boring, IMHO.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
rob stewart says:
I like this years finals, but the fact that Rondo is a starting point guard and Chris Mihm actually got into the game says alot
June 17th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
DaPro says:
I still digging the finals and the playoffs this year. I’m huge bball fan and I love to see the dudes I watched in their college days or in KG’s case high school days ball all out in the twilight of their career for a chip.
To many stories to be disappointed.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
BALLZ says:
I’ll agree that neither team has brought their ‘A’ game for four straight quarters yet, let alone both teams at the same time. Regardless, I’ve enjoyed everything about the series, ESPECIALLY the insane amount of hype in all forms of media (TV, print, podcasts, etc.). I’ve been inundated with NBA ball 24-7. It don’t get no better than that.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:31 am
karan says:
i don’t think anyone perfected the ‘distributer / dominator’ balance better than d-wade. watch as he comes back and destroyes the league again next season
June 18th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Imerial-Mel says:
oom on son, disappointed in any game is irrelavant, you have both teams makin extensive runs, 24, 22, point deficits to win games, scoring in bunches, KG screamin at everybody!!!, kobe smackin his teamates, you have to love it