Lakers vs. Celtics:Rivalry Renewed?

Saturday, May 31 2008

Russell vs. Chamberlain. Magic vs. Bird. Garnett vs. Kobe? Does that seem to fit? Or perhaps Pierce vs. Kobe? Or just the Big Three vs. Kobe? How does this Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals stack up with those of the past?

Starting with the 1969 NBA Finals, Bill Russell and the Boston Celtics were at the end of their large dynasty. On the flip side, the Los Angeles Lakers had the newly acquired Wilt Chamberlain along with Hall-of-Fame players Jerry West and Elgin Baylor.

The Lakers were the heavy favorite with the younger, more athletic team, and Russell was at the tail end of his career. However, the Celtics managed to make it all the way to the finals after being seeded fourth in the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers took the first two games at home, then the Celtics bounced back to win games three and four. The Celtics and Lakers then split games five and six, leading up to the always dramatic game seven.

A huge third quarter and a game-ending injury to...
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