East Finals

Only hardcore Celtics fans could have predicted the current outcome. The Leprechauns make a return to the final four after dispatching the favored Cleveland Crabs in six games in what some call an upset. Their opponent is undefeated Orlando Magic who have been resting for a few days now and are on a mission to dethrone the Los Angeles Lakers from their pedestal, this is how they got here.

Before the season started they were on a collision course to meet in the the semis, but Boston's season ending slide had them fall to the fourth seed and meet King Crab and company instead. The reigning East Champs swept away playoff debut Charlotte Bobcats in convincing fashion before historically annihilating the 3rd seeded Atlanta Haws beating then with an average of 25 per game. The Hawks were pushed to the limit by the surprising Bucks but after their no show versus the Magic left fans wondering if Buck should have advanced. As mentioned the Magic have yet to taste defeat this post season.

The old slow not as good Boston Celtics silenced their critics as true to their coach's words are playing their best basketball now. Coach Doc Rivers had mentioned that seeding was not important as they feel they can win anywhere and so far look pretty good. They first eliminated the inferior Miami Heat keeping Dwayne Wade in check dropping only 1 game even though their inspirational leader KG sat out a game due to suspension. They next got the much anticipated match versus the chosen one and his crabs. After a close game 1, Celtics stole the 2nd game only to get bitch slapped into the franchise history hall of shame in game 3, they came and tied the series and dished out their own ass kicking in game 5 also rewriting the Crabs hall of shame records. The final game had its close moments but in the end it was the Leprechauns not the Golden child who will get a chance at coveted NBA trophy.

The Celtics have just taken out the "best" team in the league and are playing with renewed confidence and should surprise no one if the return to the Finals, after all they just took out the "best" player on the planet. The Orlando Magic unlike the Crabs are playing with only 2 new faces and a balanced attack which includes deep bench rotation of blue collar workers. I also believe they have a much better coach who will expose mismatches and is trusted by his players. When they met last years KG and reserve energizer Leon Powe were unavailable, still the series went seven games and Boston lost a 3-2 advantage losing the 7th at home. KG is back and while not the same of 2 years ago is playing some of his best ball of the season. Will Rashard still blow by him during the series? Rashard is instrumental to the Magic's success if KG can neutralize him it will be a huge factor for the Leprechauns. At small forward the "Truth" will be checked by feisty Matt Barnes who is an underrated role player and will also be harassed by Pietrus off the bench, Pierce did not have a good series vs. the Crabs but hit timely shots, he will be working for every point again. The center battle should be interesting, Perkins mentioned after the Christmas game that Dwight Howard cannot handle being physical against him, now is the chance for Superman to prove he is not intimidated by the Celtics enforcer, the Magic will get nowhere without Howard on the floor, this is not the Bobcats where they were able to pick up the slack without their big man, Celtics will run them off the floor if Howard gets in foul trouble. Both Carter and Allen can explode for quick points, both have led their teams in scoring, both however have had less than stellar games in the post season, Allen stays healthier but when healthy Vinsanity can create his own shot, we'll see if he has what it takes to shine in the brightest stage he's been so far. Missing in action last year was All-Star Jameer Nelson who has been sensational this post season, this is not Mike Bibby or Raymond Felton though, Rajon Rondo will prove to be a tougher matchup both defensively and will put pressure on him as well, we're gonna find out how good Nelson is. The Celtics bench came up big at times versus the Crabs, Rasheed, Allen, and Big Baby should be on the normal rotation and must be productive to give the C's a chance to also upset the Magic. Don't know if little used Finley, Daniels, and Kryptonite will see playing time. Contrary to popular belief Crabs did not have the deepest bench, Orlando does. Pietrus and the Polish Hammer, Gortat have stepped in and played huge dating back to last year, much improved Reddick is one of many downtown threats the Magic posses and former White Chocolate has matured to be a valuable asset to Orlando. Anderson is another big body who can burn you from the three and has played well enough to make key off season addition Brandon Bass ineffective. The Celtics are on a mission to prove they were undermanned last year and have the talent to take back the East Crown. Orlando have youth and also something to prove, which is that last year was not a fluke and did not get an easy pass by beating a KG less Celtics team. Both teams look very strong even though my senses and Laker fan in me have me pick Orlando, the Leprechauns seem to have hit their stride and may just return to the finals to face their bitter rival yet again. Celtics in six.