The 2008-2009 NBA season began with great anticipation and excitement. The Boston Celtics, led by Finals MVP Paul Pierce, were fresh off a 2008 championship and ready to defend it. At one point, they had a winning streak that reached 19 games, but an injury to all-star forward Kevin Garnett hurt the team late in the year. Boston would enter the playoffs as the number 2 seed in the East. Ahead of them was LeBron James, the 2009 MVP, and his Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron’s outstanding numbers all year long pushed his team to capture the best record in the NBA. Also in the East, Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic appeared ready for a long playoff run as the 3 seed. In order, the Hawks, Heat, 76ers, Bulls, and Pistons represented the East in the postseason.
In the West, the popular favorite was simple to distinguish. The Los Angeles Lakers, the 2008 Western Conference Champions, were desperate following a humiliating, eliminating 131-92 defeat in game 6 of the 08 Finals. With a healthy Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza in 09, the Lakers, led by last year’s MVP Kobe Bryant, eased through the season to get the number 1 seed. The 2 through 8 seeds were up for grabs for the majority of the season. Teams expected to excel and challenge the Lakers like the Rockets, Jazz, Hornets, and Spurs were quite disappointing. Houston once again saw Tracy Mcgrady sustain an injury and be diagnosed out for the year. Carlos Boozer of the Jazz was out for an extended period of time. For the Hornets, Stojakovic and Chandler sat out for a large number of games, and the Spurs lost Manu Ginobili for what seemed to be all season long due to injury. Age was also a key factor in the Spurs’ downfall late in the year as it seemed to catch up with them. After all the injuries and drama in the West, the Nuggets broke through thanks to a trade that landed them Chauncey Billups. They obtained the 2 seed in the Conference with the Spurs, Blazers, Rockets, Mavs, Hornets, and Jazz following in order.
At last, it was time to begin the 2009 Playoffs with the favorites being the Lakers and the Cavs, Kobe vs. LeBron. In the East, the Cavs breezed by the Pistons with a sweep, the Celtics beat Chicago in a grueling 7 game series, Orlando beat the pesky Sixers in 6 games, and Atlanta beat Miami in 7. In round 2, Cleveland had no problems sweeping the Hawks who were somewhat plagued by injuries, and the Magic pushed through Boston with a game 7 win on the road, making the Magic the only team in history to beat the Celtics after being down 3-2 in the series. KG’s absence proved to be far too detrimental for Boston to overcome. The Cavs and Magic would meet in the Eastern Conference Finals. Orlando made a statement in game 1 with a big road win. In game 2, Orlando made a shot with 1 second left and seemed to have a 2-0 series lead in the bag. However, a heroic 3 point shot by LeBron James at the buzzer gave the Cavs the win and new hope. In Orlando, the Magic were sparked by their crowd and won games 3 and 4 to get a 3-1 series lead. Cleveland would win game 5 at home, but Howard could not be stopped in game 6 as he led the Magic to the Finals for the first time since 1995, a team that featured Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway.
The Western Conference brought much excitement in the postseason as well. The Lakers had little resistance from Utah and won the series in 5 games. The Nuggets blew by the Hornets in 5 games as well, the Mavs upset the Spurs in 5, and the Rockets got passed Portland in game 6. Round 2 featured much tension and clutch play as the Nuggets beat the Mavs in 5 games. Carmelo Anthony of Denver made a 3 point shot with a second left to win game 3 and go up 3-0. The Lakers on the other hand, had much more trouble with Houston than they would have liked and were truly tested. The series went to the maximum 7th game despite Yao Ming being out for the final 4 games. Nonetheless, LA would win but now seemed very vulnerable. The Western Finals began in Los Angeles with LA winning a tough game 1. Game 2 featured a comeback victory for the Nuggets to equal the series at 1-1. In Denver, the fans were ready for a celebration, but Kobe Bryant’s unstoppable clutch play down the stretch lifted the Lakers to take the 2-1 advantage. The Nuggets responded with a 120-101 blowout win in game 4, but in game 5, LA protected their home court and won after falling behind late in third quarter. Game 6 was controlled throughout by the Lakers as they spoiled what was supposed to be the game that sent the series to game 7. Kobe Bryant had 35 points and 10 assists as the LA Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year. From 2000 to 2002, LA won 3 straight titles. Could this be the year Kobe Bryant and coach Phil Jackson win their first title since the departure of Shaq? The Finals begin on Thursday June 7th at 9pm in LA. Will you be watching?