There are many great rivalries in sports. One of the greatest rivalries ever would have to be in the N.B.A. The rivalry is between The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics and Lakers have been dominating the N.B.A. ever since the franchises have begun. Winning a combined total of over half of the Championships ever one. I would have to say the rivalry began when each team had a dominate big man. Those big men were Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. Wilt Chamberlain was a bit better in my opinion but Wilt also was the first and only player ever to score 100 points in a single 48 minute game.
The rivalry continued in the era of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. They battled in the N.B.A. championship many times adding to each franchises total banners. Both teams had hall of fame coaches, Red Aurbach and Pat Riley. Pat Riley just retired a few years ago and Red a few years before him.
The new era began just last summer when the Boston Celtics faced the Lakers in the N.B.A. finals. The Celtics earlier that year added Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to their roster. Making them a force to be reckoned with in the east and earning their spot in the championship. Kobe led the Lakers scoring around 30 a game in the regular season. With the addition of Pau Gasol (a seven foot beast) to the line-up, only made Kobe's job easier.
The seven game series began in the Boston Garden and the fans were not to be disapointed. The Celtics held on to win the game by a score of 98 to 88. The next four games were split and the Celtics were up 3-2 heading back home for game six. The whole game was won by the Celtics and the demolished them by a final score of 131-92. A 39 point victory, the largest in a title clinching game in N.B.A. history.
This year the Lakers are back and with Andrew Bynum back on the roster, and they're ready to get back to the finals, this time to come home with the trophy.
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