It is almost fitting that we’re where we are now. One game for all the marbles. One game for all the glory. In the NBA’s most storied rivalry it is only fair that we get a Game 7 to decide the latest chapter in this epic saga. While the 2010 NBA season will end tomorrow night, the effects from the final game will be felt for years.
When you really consider just what is at stake for both these teams, it is very overwhelming. Countless legacies will be cemented while others break down, legends may be born while goats will live in infamy. For the Lakers, there have been 104 games played in the 2010 season. There have been times when they were destined to repeat, and times where they were doomed to fail. However, none of that matters anymore because the focus now is on one final game.
After the Lakers impressive 89-67 victory over Boston in Game 6 to force the winner-take-all Game 7, many feel the momentum has shifted again. Boston looked dreary and slow on Tuesday night, whereas the Lakers hustled to every loose ball and rebound. This will not be the case on Thursday, as both teams know exactly what is at stake. The team that starts to play with a half-hearted effort will fall behind and fail to catch up. The winner of this game will need to play a complete 48 minutes in order to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy when the final buzzer sounds.