Random Observations: NBA Finals Edition

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---Now that was a great NBA Finals game. After a humiliating defeat in the series opener, the Celtics rebounded with a huge win last night in Game 2, thanks in large part to the historic effort of Ray Allen. Jesus Shuttlesworth was draining threes with the ease and skill of Jay-Z rapping a verse from "99 Problems". In other words, it was an amazing performance.

---For me, Ray Allen most resembles Steve Kerr as an NBA player. Like Kerr, Allen is a superb clutch player who can always be counted on in pressure situations. Also like Kerr, Allen is a consummate professional, a true class act.

---Rajon Rondo and Nate Robinson also deserve heaps of praise for their excellent play in Game 2. Rondo is a pure joy to watch, and as awesome as Deron Williams, Steve Nash, and Chris Paul are, a strong case can be made that Rondo is the best point guard in the league. And Lil' Nate Robinson continues to provide a much-needed spark off the bench. The Lakers had no answer for the energy and productivity of Robinson.

---However, while I am brimming with confidence and optimism as the series shifts to Beantown, I am concerned about the ineffectiveness of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. If Boston is to win the championship, KG and Pierce are going to have to deliver.

---The lackluster play of Garnett is especially striking. Even after Pau Gasol called out KG in a very public fashion, Garnett still seemed to be in a helpless daze in Game 2. Lets go KG, pick up the pace!

---As for the Lakers, well, the difference between Games 1 and 2 were startling. L.A. was unstoppable in Game 1, killing the Celtics with a barrage of second-chance points, a testament to the overwhelming size of Gasol and Andrew Bynum. It was a truly impressive performance, a performance that even had some veteran NBA observers thinking sweep. In Game 2, however, L.A. was out-hustled, out-played, out-everything by the Celtics.

---A fair share of the blame can be placed on the shoulders of the stagnant Lamar Odom, but I'd say the player who has been the most disappointing for the Lakers is Ron Artest. I've always been a fan of Artest's goofy personality, but sadly for the Lakers, Artest's wacky nature has translated into some extremely ugly decisions on the basketball court. Even amidst the L.A. dominance in Game 1, I was struck by the moment in which Artest clumsily botched an easy layup. I was even more shocked in Game 2 when Artest was wandering around helplessly. Wandering around helplessly? Isn't that Sasha Vujacic's job? Hey-ohhhhhh! Thank you, I'll be here all week.

---In the words of Mark Jackson, I say: C'mon Ron Artest, you're better than that!

---Kobe Bryant has played outstanding basketball in these Finals, but I'm sorry, I just can't stand the guy. Case in point: A joyless Bryant acting like he's at a funeral during the festive pregame ceremonies. Look, it is indeed imperative for all great players to have a killer instinct (Are you listening, Dwight Howard?). But it is extraordinarily frustrating to watch one of the greatest players of all-time play the game as if he's having no fun whatsoever. C'mon Kobe, flash a smile every once in a while. Show the world that you actually enjoy what you do for a living.

---I must say, as much as I hate the Lakers, I absolutely love Phil Jackson's hip, diverse collection of glasses. As a glasses aficionado myself, I can relate.

---Alright, here we go. The series shifts to Boston for the next three games, and I am giddy with excitement. The crowds are going to be electric, and hopefully, the Celtics will be victorious. Go Celtics! Beat L.A.!