The Celtics have proven that they are stronger, quicker and tougher than the Lakers. Considering the up and down season they have had, the Celtics are also more resilient and certainly more energized.
I’m not saying this because I’m some kind of Boston homer. I’m not. But I do enjoy watching them play this game, sadly enough against the Lakers. Nevertheless, I love how the Celtics play.
And even more, I love how Doc Rivers strategizes this game and coaches his players. In fact, he has out-coached Phil Jackson in every game except Game One.
There! I have dared to say it. It’s anathema to the ears of all Lakers fans to say that someone coaches better than Mister Ten-Rings.
But it’s true.
I don’t know how many of you are boxing aficionados. But the fact is Doc Rivers in a way reminds me of little Ivan Calderon, the World Junior Flyweight Champion.
Every time the five-foot tall Calderon goes into the ring, his opponent usually has a huge height and reach advantage. Yet, Calderon still manages to get inside those long reaches of his opponents and deliver winning blows. Just like the Celtics’ smaller big men are doing to the taller Lakers.
When asked how he does it, Calderon replies that it is the angles. He outmaneuvers his opponents, finds an angle and punishes them inside.
That is exactly what Doc Rivers has taught his smaller big men, both starters and reserves, to do—find the angle and get inside Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum.
And the Celtics' little big men have simply schooled their taller Laker adversaries.
The other thing about Ivan Calderon, unlike all of his opponents, who go into a fight with just one plan, Calderon goes into the r...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
