The stage for the two biggest rivals in sports was set. The two most successful franchises in NBA history were once again going to battle for the crown as champions of the world.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics were on a collision course after each team had taken care of their respective opponents in the earlier rounds of the playoffs. The Lakers took out the Oklahoma City Thunder (4-2), the Utah Jazz (4-0) and the Phoenix Suns (4-2). The Celtics handled their own business by knocking out the Miami Heat (4-1), the Cleveland Cavaliers (4-2) and the Orlando Magic (4-2).
Game 1
After being embarrassed in the finals of 2008, the Lakers had one thing in mind: revenge. They came out in game 1 and showed the Celtics and the rest of the world that this year was not going to be a disappointment like the 2008 finals were. From the opening tip off the Lakers came out with a chip on their shoulder and never looked back. Behind a 30 point, 6 assist and 7 rebound performance by Kobe Bryant the Lakers cruised to a 102-89 victory. Taking a 1-0 lead in best-of-seven series.
Game 2
The Celtics were the dominant team for game 2 of the series. With a hot shooting night from Ray Allen, who set an NBA finals record 8 three pointers in a game and a triple double by Rajon Rondo the Celtics were able to steal home court with a 103-94 victory and even up the series at 1-1. Right from the beginning of the game, the Celtics looked like the hungrier team. They looked determined to even the series and not fall to a 2-0 hole.
Game 3
The third game was set up to be a dogfight. Two teams that were going to do whatever it takes to get control of the series and be in the drivers seat. After game 2 Paul Pierce of the Celtics had said, “we ain’t coming back to LA!” Meaning the Celtics were going to win the next three games in Boston and finish the series off without having to go back to the Staples Center.
The Lakers, in particular Derek Fisher, had different plans. With a clutch performance in the fourth-quarter, scoring 11 points, Fisher willed the Lakers to a 91-84 victory and stole home-court right back from the Celtics. The Lakers went up 2-1
Game 4 & 5
With their backs against the wall the Celtics had one thing on their mind. Take the next two games and avoid going back to LA with a 3-1 deficit. With a strong performance by their bench in game 4 and a team effort in game 5 the Celtics took the next games pretty easily and took a 3-2 lead in the series.
The Celtics were just one win away from once again beating the Lakers and becoming champions for the second time in three years. The only problem was, the next two games were going to be played in LA where the Lakers had a 10-1 record this playoff season.
Game 6
Facing elimination, the Lakers played the best basketball game defensively of the season. Holding the Celtics to a franchise low 67 points the Lakers tied the series at 3-3 with an 89-67 victory. Setting the stage for an epic game 7 between the two teams who have 32 championships in the 64.
Game 7
With the buzz in the Staples Center building, the two teams took the court and delivered what will go down as an instant classic. The Celtics came out of the gate rolling and took an early lead. The lead grew to 13 points midway through the third quarter. But the Lakers did not give up.
They battled their way back, and cut the lead to just 4 points entering the fourth and final quarter of the NBA season. With a dominating defensive performance and clutch play by Ron Artest, the Lakers took the lead midway through the quarter and never looked back. Defeating the Celtics 83-79 and becoming back-to-back champions once again.
The Lakers were able to capture another title in their storied history, making it the 16th overall and fifth in the last 10 years. The city of Los Angeles was thrown in a frenzy and the Lakers were once again at a familiar location, on top of the basketball world.
