Celtics vs Lakers

In a few days, the Lakers and the Celtics will meet in the NBA Finals. This has not happened since the 80s, back when I was still working in the Manila Bulletin.

It is also a battle between Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach, who used to coach the Celtics. According to a story in Yahoo Sports Auerbach by Adrian Wojnarowski, Red “shaped and reshaped the Celtics for three different title eras. There were the Russell-Cousy Celtics and the Havlicek-Cowens Celtics and the Bird-McHale-Parish Celtics.”

In interviews, Red has these words about Jackson. “He’s never tried building a team and teaching the fundamentals,”


Photo of Phil Jackson with the Lakers from Getty Images.
Jackson will make his coaching presence in pursuit of his 10th title and pass Red for the most championships in coaching history. If 2008 is the year for Jackson, the battle between Red and Phil comes to an end.

Alongside, people are also comparing Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who is this year’s MVP. I think the comparisons can be made as both played under different teams and environment. Plus, I do think MJ is still the best basketball player of all time, although not necessarily the brightest due to his move to come out of retirement and play for the Wizards. He should have really quit while he was ahead and on top.

Can’t wait to watch this championship series!