Denver Post NBA reporter Benjamin Hochman breaks down the NBA Finals, which start tonight:
Backcourt: LeBron James is the NBA’s MVP, but Lakers star Kobe Bryant is the NBA’s best winner. Kobe has carried his club during the postseason, winning with his classic jumper and with his passing. (He went Magic Johnson on the Suns at times.) Celtics guard Ray Allen, who is expected to start tonight’s series opener defending Bryant, is shooting 42.3 percent from 3-point range in the postseason. And point guard Rajon Rondo has emerged as an elite player.
Advantage: Even
Frontcourt: Boston’s Paul Pierce has been clutch in the postseason once again (the overtime loss to Orlando notwithstanding). But Ron Artest, the Lakers’ defensive blanket, will try to counter Pierce with his aggressiveness and grit.
Advantage: Celtics
Low post: Every time Boston’s Kevin Garnett is reminded he has lost a step — yes, his stats are down of late — he comes up with a huge game. He has been the defensive catalyst down low against Miami, Cleveland and Orlando during the playoffs. The Celtics’ Kendrick Perkins is a sturdy, one-on-one defender. Meanwhile, the Lakers are stacked down low, with 20-10 (points-rebounds) star Pau Gasol and 10-10 guy Andrew Bynum, though Bynum is battling a sore right knee. Bynum went through a limited practice Wednesday and his knee refilled with fluid after being drained Monday.
Advantage: Lakers
Bench: Boston’s Glen “Big Baby” Davis can alter a game with his physical presence at both ends of the court. So can veteran Rasheed Wallace. But the Lakers probably have the best bench player in the series — Lamar Odom, who can change the course of a game with his scoring and with his length on defense.
Advantage: Lakers
Coaching: Many believe Boston’s Doc Rivers outcoached the Lakers’ Phil Jackson during the 2008 Finals, but Jackson has the defending NBA champion and a title ring on every finger. Sure, Boston has defensive specialist Tom Thibodeau on its staff. But we’re talking about arguably the best head coach in the history of professional sports, and that’s Jackson.
Advantage: Lakers
Hochman’s pick: Lakers in six
