It all comes down to this. After tonight, the Celtics will either have their 18th title, or a disappointing second-place finish. Here’s what you’ll see from L.A.:
The inside game
The loss of Kendrick Perkins is huge in terms of toughness in the paint. While Perkins isn’t much of an offensive threat, his size, aggressiveness and low-post defense make him crucial to the C’s success.
Rasheed Wallace and Glen Davis have shown they can score, but if the Celtics are going to bring home the trophy, they’re going to have to play some physical ‘D’ on Paul Gasol and Andrew Bynum.
Fight to the finish
Don’t expect a blowout by either team. They’re both too good. The Big Three and Co., are hungry for a second ring, while Kobe Bryant wants to add a fifth. They all know what’s at stake.
More history made
The Celtics and Lakers are first and second in league history in overall Game 7 appearances.
The C’s have played in 26 Game 7s, dating back to their double-overtime thriller over the St. Louis Hawks in the 1957 Finals. Boston is 20-6 in those appearances, including 7-0 in the Finals — four against the Lakers.
The Lakers are 14-8 in Game 7s, including 3-5 in the Finals. The last time these teams met in a Game 7 of the Finals, Larry Bird’s Celtics bested Magic Johnson’s Lakers 111-102 to win it all in 1984.
