Jun 12 2008
Defense Wins Championships
Yes, it is a cliché, but it is proving to be true again in 2008. The vaunted Patriots lost in the Superbowl because their offense was stymied by the Giants defense. The Celtics are one win away from the NBA championship. They were the league’s best defense and a heroic defensive effort in the 2nd half of game four will likely give them the final push they need to put the Lakers away.
The Celtics went back to their old standby, and it paid dividends. The thing about defense is that even when the shots aren’t falling, as long as you are physically healthy you can play defense.
Defense is about intelligence, hard work and perseverance. Stars have to check their egos at the door, and put their team first. While a player may win awards for defense, he doesn’t receive much love from fans (ever see anyone in a Bruce Bowen jersey?). You won’t get on Sportscenter by bodying up a cutter in the paint or fighting through weak side screens. Paul Pierce typifies this spirit by not shying away from playing man to man against the best offensive player in the world.
Kobe Bryant will likely take the brunt of criticism if the Lakers go onto lose this series, and that really is the burden you carry for being the MVP and best player in the league. He played the game the best he could, sure he missed some shots, but the real key was the defense the Celtics played, particularly in the second half (wait with 16 seconds left, Ray Allen just toasted Sasha Vujacic and stuck the dagger in their hearts, poor on ball defense by Vujacic and zero help with the game and possibly the series on the line).
The Lakers secondary players crumbled in the second half when Paul Pierce played Kobe tough. Kobe made the passes he’s supposed to and the role players came up weak. Put the blame on Kobe if you like, but I for one am going to give the credit to the Celtics and their defense.
I said before that great basketball is all about moments, and you’ll always remember when stars have these special moments in classic games. Neither Garnett, Pierce or Allen had a “great” game, but they were put together for this very reason, that each had unique skills when put together could become a champion. Garnett’s interior defense, excellent shot for a big man and rebounding. Pierce’s junkyard dog mentality on both ends of the court. Allen’s ability to shoot and his fearlessness in wanting the ball late in games. For two quarters tonight it all came together when the Celtics needed it most. In 20 years, when the Celtics play the Lakers in the Finals for the 40th or whatever time, game four will be replayed on ESPN Classic, as the legend of the big three will be revered in basketball lure forever.
