On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in a sloppy, back and forth 83-79 victory in the seventh and final game of the series to win their 16th NBA title in franchise history. LA trailed as many as eleven points and many factors went against them (Bryant went 6 for 24, bad turnovers, etc.), but they still found a way to do so. And you know what, I'm glad for two reasons:
1. Since this was the Lakers' 16th NBA championship, it brings them one title away from tying the Celtics for the most titles by a team in NBA history. Personally, I like the idea of two teams sharing the claim for most titles, kind of like the NFL from 2006-2009 when threes team (Dallas, San Fransico and Pittsburgh) held claim to the most Super Bowl titles. With two or more teams holding that claim, that means that no city can claim themselves to having the all-time dominant franchise, and everyone wins.
2. We got to see two of the most memorable moments in NBA finals post-game history.
a. Kobe Bryant mentioning that he has one more title than Shaq. Don't you think for a second that he has forgotten what happened from '04-'08, people!
b. One of the greatest post-game interviews ever, courtesy of Ron Artest, who was actually one of the biggest difference makers in that pivotal game seven. Take it away, Ron Ron!
So let's recap. In a fifty-five second span, Artest managed to:
- Thank his doctor, Dr. Sandeep (?)
- Thank everyone from his hood (which I think is Queens,. NY)
- Thank his wife, kids, and family
- Thank something called a World Wide Warriors
- Thank his psychiatrist, which is kind of interesting. While there are many other athletes that have psychiatrist to help them relaxed and stay calm, never have I actually heard someone thank them. So that's rare what he did.
- Promote his new single coming out
- Hug and thank Doris Burke while not answering her initial question at any point in those fifty five seconds.
- Make Kevin Garnett's "Anything is Possibleeeeeeeeeee!" moment after the '08 Finals seem like a speech from a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
What was also great about it was how much redemption Artest felt while giving that interview. Remember, Artest for years was regarded as one of the biggest thugs and most hateful players among teammates and the media. Now, after all that, he is finally an NBA champion, and he showed how grateful he was for it. Also, considering how much of a dud this seven game series was (no memorable games despite the fact that the Lakers-Celtics rivalry being renewed, at least five future Hall of Famers playing and it went all seven games. Well, maybe game seven. But even that can be argued against because of the fact that both teams played sloppy, the many turnovers and it feeling more like a regular season college game as you watched it), that may have been the best thing to come out of these Finals. So, thank you, Ron Artest, for the great soundbyte! And congrats on the title, by the way.
Now, how about a quick "End of the Week" to finish?
Video of the Week: Ron Artest's post-game interview (already shown)
Goat of the Week: Soccer WAGs, specifically the ex-girlfriend of 'Hand of Clod' goal-keeper Robert Green and the girlfriend of Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Can you women do anything right?
Story of the Week: The World Cup
Person of the Week: Everyone on the LA Lakers. Or future NBA free agents now the season is over. Either way.
Like I said earlier, I'll be back in three weeks. Try not to mess things up entirely while I'm gone.
Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15
If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you want to suggest anything to mj15 for his next blog entry (tips, perhaps?), e-mail him at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mails are greatly appreciated.
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