EA SPORTS NBA LIVE 09 has predicted that the Lakers will capture their 15th NBA Championship by defeating the Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals simulation. In a historic match-up that was last seen 21 years ago, the series lived up to its billing in a seven game thriller. It was NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant who led the charge, averaging 29 points and 6 assists per game throughout the series. With this victory, Phil Jackson set a new record by winning 10 NBA Championships as a coach. The Finals tip off this Thursday at 9PM EST on ABC. NBA LIVE 09 will be in stores on October 7, 2008.

Game 1
Celtics strike first over Lakers 105-99

Point Leaders
Kevin Garnett – 20 Points, 9 Rebounds, 4 Blocks
Kobe Bryant – 25 Points, 10 Rebounds, 7 Assists
Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 47%
LA – 45%

Recap – The Fleet Center erupts after an exciting Game 1 of the NBA playoffs. Kevin Garnett leads his team in scoring and offensive rebounds. Also a monster on the defensive side of the ball, Garnett’s blocking rampage is reminiscent of the Bill Russell era.
Game 2
Lakers quiet Celtic fans at Fleet Center winning 96-90

Point Leaders
Paul Pierce – 24 Points, 9 Assists
Kobe Bryant – 30 Points, 4 Three-pointers
Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 47%
LA – 47%

Recap – An uncontested Kobe Bryant slam dunk sets the tone early in the first quarter. Kobe and the Lakers never relinquish the lead resulting in a 6-point victory and more importantly, a split of the first two games in Boston.
Game 3
Lakers dominate at home Game 3, 109-101

Point Leaders
Paul Pierce – 23 Points, 4 steals
Kobe Bryant – 36 Points, 9 Rebounds, 10 Assists
Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 46%
LA – 49%

Recap – Paul Pierce has a big game but didn’t match up to Kobe’s near triple-double performance. Kobe’s dazzling dunk rejuvenates the Lakers and the fans at the Staples Center. The momentum shifts towards the Lakers after taking Game 3.
Game 4

Celtics come back to win 91-88 victory over Lakers

Point Leaders
Ray Allen – 29 Points, 6 three-pointers, 4 Assists
Pau Gasol – 19 Points, 14 Rebounds, 3 Blocks
Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 49%
LA – 44%

Recap – Ray Allen leads the Celtics to an important victory in the Staples Center. Allen’s strong perimeter play gave the Celtics a strong lead early in the 4th quarter and ties up the series.
Game 5

LA leads series by winning Game 5, 95-92

Point Leaders
Kevin Garnett – 21 Points, 10 Rebounds, 4 Blocks
Pau Gasol – 25 Points, 12 Rebounds, 5 Blocks
Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 47%
LA – 50%

Recap – The battle in the paint was the focus for much of Game 5. Rebounding was the key to the Lakers victory. Gasol outrebounded Celtic muscle-man Kendrick Perkins. Gasol also took a page from Garnett’s Game 1 performance by blocking five shots, and kept his number one rank as the leading shot blocker in the 2008 NBA Playoffs.
Game 6

Celtics force Game 7, 98-97

Point Leaders
Paul Pierce – 28 Points, 6 Steals, 8 Assists
Kobe Bryant – 28 Points, 8 Rebounds, 6 Assists
Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 46%
LA – 44%

Recap – The Celtics, led by a strong performance from Paul Pierce, overcame the Lakers to force a Game 7. Pierce went shot for shot with Bryant, tying him in points, and rounded out his game with four defensive steals.

Game 7
Lakers win NBA Championship, 106-101

Point Leaders
Kevin Garnett – 29 Points, 7 Blocks, 10 Rebounds
Kobe Bryant – 38 Points, 10 Rebounds, 11 Assists
Field Goal Percentage
Bos – 48%
LA – 51%

Recap –The Lakers win their 15th NBA Finals Championship. After a quiet first half, Kobe scored 29 of his 38 points in the second half in an astounding triple-double performance cementing himself as this year’s NBA Finals MVP. The Lakers beat the Celtics in the NBA Finals for the third time in a row. The life-long rivalry now stands at 10 – 3 in Boston’s favor.