2010 NBA Finals: Who's Got the Most at Stake?
Felger and Massarotti opened Tuesday's show asking the question: Who's got the most at stake in this series? Is it Kobe Bryant who could solidify himself as one of the greatest to ever play? Or is it Paul Pierce who could assert himself as one of the greatest Celtics of all-time?
Massarotti: "Kobe's 1 title without Shaq came against Orlando. Does that even count?"
Felger: "Does that even count? Listen to us. I love how full of ourselves we are in Boston. I love it. I'm not even being sarcastic, I love it. It doesn't count. What's a Magic? You beat Mickey Mouse. Congratulations".
Massarotti: "I think Kobe's got more at stake in this thing than any other guy involved even Pierce. So Pierce wins 1 title instead of 2 we won't put him in the same breath as Bird. I don't know about you, I wasn't going to do that anyway. I was never putting him in Bird's class or Russell's class unless he won 4 or 5. 1 or 2? What's the difference"?
So who has the most at stake? Kobe? Pierce? Even Phil Jackson's got a lot at stake in this series. Some might say 'How could losing the NBA Finals be devastating to a guy's career who already has 10 championship rings?'. Losing to the Celtics twice in the Finals would definitely be a blemish in Phil's resume. Don't kid yourself.
Somewhere, Red Auerbach would be smiling knowing that Phil Jackson may have more rings than him, but never beat his beloved Celtics in the Finals.
Game 6 is tonight in Los Angeles. Tip off is at 9 p.m. ET.
