C's - Lakers: Game 1 - Starter Matchups
Well I just need more than the watered-down analysis provided by ESPN. Moreover, there has yet to be any analysis on Game 1 of the Finals. Rather, all anyone seems to want to talk about is the history between the teams (which don't get me wrong I love but I need some Game 1 analysis). So...how WE feel about the matchups between the 2 starting lineups? Aside from Rondo-Fisher and a more than likely Allen-Radmonovic matchup, I'm intrigued as to the other potential matchups. More than likely, Pierce will matchup w/ Kobe (as he did with Bron) for the majority of the time. I am very intrigued to see who Doc (or um Tom Tib) has Perk cover. I feel that Perk simply cannot cover Gasol b/c of his range and quickness. KG obviosuly matches up better with Gasol. However, with Odom as their 2nd biggest starter, KG and Perk have to match up with Gasol and Odom and cleary Perk cannot cover Although, there is obviously a flipside to that coin - LA's starters are not big enough to cover BOTH Perk and KG on the block. If we can establish a strong post presence, I feel very confident about our chances. If KG asserts himself on the block (not settling for 10' jumpers) and if Perk can establish himself as a semi-decent offensive post/rebounding threat (and believe me I understand and accept his offensive limitations) and give us solid production down low (coming from O-Rebs or post scoring), I think the combination would seriously disrupt the Lakers' play. What do people think? Go C's.

The Truth shall set us free. I've said for years that I'd rather have Paul Pierce, straight up, over Kobe Bryant. Now, the stage is set for Paul to paint his masterpiece. The world shall learn what die-hard C's fans already know: Paul Pierce is one of the grea-*test*-('") players of his generation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QV_HacITGA&feature=related

my bad
sorry for the multiple posts - must be my excitement for game 1

Whatever, man. Believe the hype. Drink down the what the media feeds you. We'll see how it plays out over the next couple of weeks.

I've said it many times as well, I'd rather have Paul Pierce than Kobe Bryant. Without a doubt.

Well, I can see this place is dead as usual, but for the sake of the age old rivalry, I guess I will come here and talk shyt to you beantown bastards and liven up this morgue. All of the matchup suggestions that you mentioned are irrelevant. Kobe is going ot punish whoever guards him. Thats all that really matters. You dont stop Kobe, you dont stop the Lakers. Doc will be outcoached, and our bench will outplay yours. You guys struggled against a bunch of weak teams to get to the finals, while we dominated some of the toughest. Lakers in 5

And none of those "strongest" teams had the best defense in the NBA. It's not about Kobe, it's about what your other players do to step up. I think Perk is the key to the series. If he can stay on the floor, out of foul trouble, he should be able to dominate the boards and get many easy buckets. Gasol can't outmuscle him, and hopefully KG can neutralize Odom on the block.

And none of those "strongest" teams had the best defense in the NBA. It's not about Kobe, it's about what your other players do to step up. I think Perk is the key to the series. If he can stay on the floor, out of foul trouble, he should be able to dominate the boards and get many easy buckets. Gasol can't outmuscle him, and hopefully KG can neutralize Odom on the block.

I think Perk CAN cover Gasol. I think some of Perk's muscle is enough to drive Gasol mad. On the defensive end, Gasol won't be able to handle Perk backing him down. The Gasol/Perkins matchup will be closer than a lot of people think. Pierce/Kobe will be fun to watch. Allen/Vlad is the mismatch we need to exploit. Allen is quicker. He needs to adjust his game and be a slasher. The Lakers front line won't prevent layups defensively.

I agree the Perk/Gasol matchup will be closer than ppl think. I think the national media is going to fall in love with Perk by the end of the series. The only thing I'm worried is Pau's pussy skills. What I mean is Perk is going to out Muscle Pau & he'll get frustrated and start flopping all over the place & I really think the Refs are going to call it in Gasols favor most of the time because of the Bias in that machup.

i think when ray and kg realized they were going to be guarded by vlad and pau/odom respectively they had a quick party in their pants because there is no way in hell any of those three guys can shut down anyone, let alone all star players

I think we are going to see Ray Allen guarded by Derek Fisher.