While the 2010 NBA Finals between the Lakers and Celtics was yet another chapter in the two franchises’ storied rivalry, it was a series that we won’t soon forget. With so many fantastic moments in the series, which one will stick with you the longest?
Click through to see our nominees and to vote for yourself.
“We ain’t coming back to L.A.” - Paul Pierce got a bit too cocky in Game 2, as he was caught on camera saying “We ain’t coming back to L.A.” to some Lakers fans in the crowd. Indeed, the Celtics would come back to L.A., and they wouldn’t like the outcome.
Ray Allen sets a record – After a disappointing 12 points on 3-8 shooting in Game 1, Ray Allen bounces back in Game 2 to sink an NBA Finals record eight three-pointers on his way to 32 points and a Celtics win.
Derek Fisher comes through in the clutch – again – The only reason Derek Fisher’s clutch performance in Game 3 wouldn’t be memorable is only because it’s hard to keep all of his big-game heroics straight. It’s what his legacy rests upon. Fisher poured in 11 of the Lakers’ 24 fourth-quarter points to lead L.A. to a come-from-behind win in their first game in Boston.
The Big Baby drool - The high-energy Boston bench, led by Glen Davis and Nate Robinson, outscored the Lakers by 10 in the fourth quarter of Game 4 to lead the Celtics to victory. While their play was superb, it was outdone by one especially heated moment where Robinson jumped on Davis’ back in celebration while Davis proceeded to uncontrollably drool in the midst of his jubilation.
Shrek and Donkey press conference - High off of their Game 4 win, Davis and Robinson turn into a comic duo at the post-game press conference, and end up comparing their relationship to that of “Shrek and Donkey”.
Lakers bounce back in a big way – On the verge of elimination, the Lakers returned home and delivered a crushing blow to Boston with a 89-67 rout of the Celtics. The Lakers also received strong play from Pau Gasol and Ron Artest (something that had been sorely lacking in the previous two games), which helped build their momentum and confidence heading into game 7.
Kobe struggles, but Lakers win the title - It didn’t look good for the Lakers through three quarters as Kobe Bryant was putting together a historically bad Finals shooting performance. Still, Bryant managed to contribute at the free-throw line, on the boards, and by getting his teammates involved as the Lakers prevailed in a Game 7 slugfest.
Ron Artest has people to thank – In Ron Artest’s postgame interview, he delivers yet another gem, thanking (among others) his hood, his doctor, his psychiatrist and finishes with a finale of promoting his upcoming rap single. Even more entertaining than that was his postgame press-briefing…he was very excited to go to the club that night.
What was your favorite moment of the 2010 NBA Finals? Vote below and let us know. If we left out your favorite moment of the Finals, let us know what it is in the comments field!
