Mojo's Finals Pick

The NBA Finals are here, after a 9 day wait. At least it felt like 9 days.

Here's how I see the matchups between the Celtics & Lakers. 

PG - Rajon Rondo v. Derek Fisher

Rondo is younger, faster and possibly even stronger. He's a better defender than Fisher and a better rebounder. He's also a real PG who can create and distribute. Fisher has more experience, but Rondo has become one of the best point guards since he beat Fisher on the way to his ring in 08. Advantage Celtics.

SG - Ray Allen v. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant continues to be the best 2-guard in the NBA. He's dominated the Thunder, Jazz and Suns in the playoffs so far. Ray Allen has improved his defense and is still a good shooter, but Kobe is a killer on the court and the best player in this series. Advantage Lakers.

SF - Paul Pierce v. Ron Artest

The Lakers did well to acquire Ron Artest in the off-season as he makes this matchup far more interesting than if LA still had Trevor Ariza. Paul Pierce is a difficult cover for all but the best defenders in the league. Artest's defense was effective against Durant and he will make life tough for Pierce. Yet Pierce should still get buckets and provide good defense as well. Advantage Celtics (barely).

PF - Kevin Garnett v. Pau Gasol

Garnett owned Gasol in the 2008 Finals with stronger physical play. Gasol has improved since then and Garnett's balky knee has slowed him. Regardless, Garnett's physicality already has Phil Jackson begging for calls from the refs and more toughness from his own team, mainly Gasol. Advantage Celtics.

C - Kendrick Perkins v. Andrew Bynum?

The Lakers plan to push the limit 4-7 more times and play Andrew Bynum on his injured knee. Kendrick Perkins will have a tougher time dealing with the refs than he will battling a gimpy Bynum. Perkins is stronger than Bynum and is a better defender than Bynum has seen in these playoffs. Advantage Celtics.

Coach - Doc Rivers v. Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson has won 10 championships as a coach. Doc Rivers won once, but that was over Phil Jackson. Jackson's 2 finals losses have come against defensively superior teams in the 04 Pistons and Doc's 08 Celtics. These Celtics are also defensively better than the Lakers. Doc has already found ways to eliminate Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Dwight Howard. Next in line is Kobe. Advantage Celtics.

Bench - The Lakers have the best player off the bench in Lamar Odom. The Celtics have the better bench with Rasheed Wallace, Glen "Big Baby" Davis, Tony Allen and Nate Robinson. The Lakers will counter with Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic. Advantage Celtics.

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Kobe is a fantastic player and Artest is a strong defender. Yet the Lakers don't have the depth to match the Celtics and they have no answer for Rondo.

Pick - Celtics in 5.