True, Celtics have beaten the Pistons (6 times Eastern finalists), at their own court, in 6 games. But Lakers have beaten the Spurs (reigning NBA champion) in 5.
Celtics have the Big Three (2.0), featuring Kevin Garnett (Defensive Player of the Year). But Lakers have MJ (2.0), featuring Kobe Bryant (MVP). Celtics have Paul (Pierce) and Ray. Lakers have Pau (Gasol) and Odom ... big men who can pass and shoot.
Celtics has the best defensive efficiency, even Lebron James could not crack through majority of that series . But Lakers play the triangle-post offence, in such efficiency even the Spurs repeatedly sees their double-digits lead evaporate.
Celtics' Red Auerbach is no longer watching from courtside. The successor, Doc Rivers and Tom Thibodeau, have been battle tested after three grilling series. But Lakers has the know-it-all Phil Jackson.
Rivers is known as quick learner and learning on the fly. Jaskon is better known as his laid-back style and letting players to figure out the game.
Celtics' bench has a nicely mix of youth with experience. Lakers' bench is catching-up fast because their coach allows them to play through mistake.
Celtics has the urgency to win, knowing how precious this opportunity is. Lakers has the savvy to win, having won it before.
Celtics has the home-court advantage. Lakers play game 3, 4 and 5 at home (2-3-2 format).
Celtics believes in Ubuntu. Lakers believes in Kobe Jackson.
Conclusion:
Celtics is now facing a better team for the first time in the playoff. They will need to fight every single game in this series, like it's game 7, keeping the Lakers off-balance and thus taking away some of their edges. They need to have their defence-offence game in sync in order to win game ... they need Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to score.
This battle will be won by the team with stronger will and character.
