NBA Finals Recap with Noted NBA Expert CashOD

You know, a lot of hockey fans think if you like any other sport that you're playing down your true love for the fastest game on ice. Not sure if I believe that, but it does seem to be that way for me. Anyway, I was once a card-carrying Celtics fan and while I am happy that they won the NBA Title this week, I have to admit that I saw very little of it.

In the interests of being topical, we here at NYIFORLIFE.com turned to Vic Favara, Mr. CashOD himself, to shine a little light on the Celtics for us after they've won #17; just as we had him preview the series for us before it happened.

Subject: Recap

Boston beats LA! A familiar sound for Celtics fans except for 2 seasons against Magic and crew thats what happens in the finals. The Celtics are now 9 – 2 versus the Lakers in the finals. These Celtics came together as a team and played team defense which all starts with Garnett. That's all about work and maintaining the energy level night after night. A well defended shot doesn't get you a highlight on SportsCenter. All 5 guys on the floor helped guarding Kobe Bryant and it showed. Kobe doesn't have the supporting cast to make the shots when he has to pass the ball.

When you can put on the floor Paul Pierce (.392% from 3 for the season), Ray Allen (.398% from 3), James Posey (.380% from 3) and Eddie House (.393% from 3) along with Kevin Garnett at the same time and get that crew to play stifling defense? Hello? Add to that Rondo's play at home and meaningful contributions from Perkins, Powe, PJ Brown and Cassell. When you can play 10 deep that's impressive. Yes they had some bumps along the way with Atlanta and Cleveland series. It was their first real test because of how easy they walked through the season. They got through those 2 rounds by taking care of the games at home and were ready for a championship when they played the Pistons.

This championship did everything for the Celtics. Pierce solidified himself as a star on both ends and not just a scorer. Ray Allen was able to put away the "softie" tag with his play in the Finals. Garnett got his "certification" as he called it. Led the way on defense and removed his name, with the Allen and Pierce, from the great players who never 'won one' list.

I watched this Celtic team somewhere between 45 – 50 Celtics games including the playoffs this year. That is more than I have watched of the NBA in the last 5+ years combined. Is this the old Lakers – Celtics rivalry? No. The crowds aren't the same. They're isn't the same hatred from the players. However, I have to say that all is right in my NBA world. The Celtics are champs. We beat the Lakers in the finals. You know somewhere Red Auerbach has got that victory cigar lit and is smiling.