Here's how the series plays out in my head. Celtics take 1 of the first 2 games in LA, win 2 of 3 at home, and then win 1 of the final 2 in LA. Makes sense, right?
But if you are a believer in statistics and NBA history, the Celtics will NEED to take Game 1. Here's why:
When a Phil Jackson coached team wins Game 1 of a series, they are 47-0.
''Staggering,'' said Kobe Bryant
''Mind-boggling,'' said Luke Walton.
''Huh?'' said Rasheed Wallace. 'That's just media stuff,'' he said. ''That don't mean nothing to me.''
"I know when I go to the free-throw line, the odds of me missing one grow if I haven't missed one in a while,'' Boston's Ray Allen said with a grin. ''So I'll think of it like that.''
''Mind-boggling,'' said Luke Walton.
''Huh?'' said Rasheed Wallace. 'That's just media stuff,'' he said. ''That don't mean nothing to me.''
"I know when I go to the free-throw line, the odds of me missing one grow if I haven't missed one in a while,'' Boston's Ray Allen said with a grin. ''So I'll think of it like that.''
As much as Sheed and Ray want to dismiss Jackson's stat, NBA history shows that Game 1 winners take the series 79% of the time. Not quite 100%, but still a strong number.
For those curious, Jackson is 7-8 when his team loses the opening game.
For those curious, Jackson is 7-8 when his team loses the opening game.
