Curse of the Kobe

Nostalgia is good, I'll always remember the 80's fondly, but reality is better... and baby we're baaaack. With a brand new Big 3, and a brand new emotional leader. Oh...and it ain't Garnett folks.

Let me back up and say I am thrilled to announce that the old rivalry is alive and well. It's the third quarter and I still don't know what the result of this game will be, but I know that we finally have a series that is chock full 'o storylines and passion and drama. No clotheslines yet, but a girl can hope - the potential is there.

There are at least two players that this series means something to on a deeper level than just being in a championship game. Two guys who want to win more than they want food, drink, and maybe even women. Paul Pierce and Kobe Bryant.

Bryant has a lot to prove - like that he can win without Shaq. (Personally, I think it's hard to win anything when you have the added burden of such a heavy chip on your shoulder, but that's just me.) Pierce on the other hand remembers the old rivalry and although he was on the other side of the fence as a kid, he knows the chants, he loves what it all means, and he is committed to the Celtics. Never through the "ugly years" did he try to get traded. And he wants to win in a bad way. It's his time.

Kobe Bryant has all the finesse and "magic" of a certain old Laker leader complete with his new-fangled version of the Showtime Lakers. Speed, finesse, athleticism and offense. They've got 'em in spades. But there's something they don't have...and the Celtics do...

Larry Bird is back on the pseudo-parquet in the form of Paul Pierce. I'm sure many of you are shaking your heads and crying out "sacrilege," but stick with me as I illustrate my point. Paul aka Lary has:

1. Clutch, improbable shots. Anyone notice the shot he made in the beginning of the third quarter? The one he threw up like a prayer from the 3 point line as he was knocked to the ground? The one he BANKED in? On the playground you have to call that. In the garden, it's part of the lore. Celtics fans...believe. Again.

2. Strength of mind and body married with sheer determination to win. He got knocked to the ground and sprained his knee. He had to be carried off the floor and wheeled in to the back. The mood shifted to despair--the same as it would have in the old days if Bird was carted off. There goes hope - there goes the dream. Several minutes later with a brace on his knee Pierce comes jogging back on the floor. The place ERUPTS. That "feeling"--the one that goes with the leprechaun is suddenly back. Everyone knows what is about to happen - a lot of scoring. Bird was a work horse who really, truly cared about the game and laid it on the line in every single game. So is Pierce. When it counts in the playoffs, he's been there.

3. Clutch, consistent shots. Shortly after he comes back on the court from his knee injury, and to prove the Truth can't be repressed, he hits back to back 3's, and while he's shooting, there is NO doubt in anyone's mind that those shots are dropping. They do.

As a side note, and by the way, I noticed something interesting that has been reversed--the Celtics used to have all the white guys starting. Not the case any more. The Lakers are the whiter team, and I'm not saying this necessarily means anything. Just saying - it's different.

1:23 left in the game. Celtics up by 6--Garnett just dunked on Gasol's head. Forget posterized--you got served Pau. That's hardcore.

1:20 in the game and Kobe is dribbling left, dribbling right, he can't find anywhere to go and you KNOW he isn't giving anyone else the ball. This is where the Lakers will lose. Kobe won't trust anyone else to get HIS win.

It's over. Game one goes to the Celtics!!!!

Look, win or lose (the win doesn't hurt) this is the very best game I have seen all season, and throughout the playoffs. People are going to care about the NBA again. This wasn't a blowout and this won't be a sweep. It's east coast/ west coast back again. I'm sold hook line and sinker and I can't wait to see my boys get another banner for the garden.

This is how I know the Celtics will take it in seven: You've heard of the curse of the Bambino? Here's the real curse the Lakers are going to have to recognize--The Curse of the Kobe. When a criminal goes free, well justice has to be served in some way. Doesn't it? Don't worry if you're a Laker fan--you can get a win in 86 years. I hear that's about how long it takes these curses to work themselves out. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy the rivalry.