Turn back the NBA clock

By BRANDON FINLEY

It's been twenty one years since the NBA's biggest rivalry has squared off on its biggest stage. This Thursday the rivalry will resume as the Boston Celtics put it up against the LA Lakers for the game's biggest prize.

The Celtics were the darlings of the regular season as they compiled the sports' best record. However, the Lakers have looked almost unbeatable during the playoffs behind the excellent play of the NBA's Most Valuable Player, Kobe Bryant.

This time it won't be Bird versus Magic, but the Celtics trio versus the game's most dominant player. The series could do more to put the NBA back on the board than Michael Jordan's most recent comeback.

Fans have been screaming for a series of interest in the last few years as defensive borefest have plagued the finals over the last few seasons. Nothing against Detroit or San Antonio, but did anyone really feel like hitting the snooze but during the finals once again?

This year we are promised to see flash. Let's face it, these two teams don't like each other. There's too much history, too many lost championships, and just the simple fact that another one will be on the line. Both teams are desperate to win it.

For the Lakers the storyline will be if Kobe can win his first championship post Shaq. Everyone wants to proclaim Kobe to be the chosen one. They want to make the Jordan comparisons. Some say he's better. For that to even be a consideration Kobe will have to find a way to win a championship without his big buddy.

On the Celtics side it's all about getting the big three their first championship. If you talk about three players who have been consistently great throughout their career, but have been stuck on lack luster teams then you'd have to be talking about Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Now with the three together in Boston it may finally be time for each of them to get a championship in only their first season together as a team.

There will be big shots, they'll be controversial fouls, and they'll be plenty of passion. However, there will only be one champion. Who will that be when the NBA Finals begin this Thursday night?