The Swoosh can give you the advantage

The Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011
(Image courtesy of Nike Philippines)

These kicks dropped a few weeks ago and pretty sure most of you have already seen them up close. Yes, the folks from the Swoosh brand have done it again and this time with the new edition of the Zoom Hyperfuse and Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 models. Aesthetically speaking, it's a major upgrade from the ones that came out last year.

Paul Pierce dunks on two defenders

With the return of Rajon Rondo, the Celtics got back to their winning ways. Paul Pierce made sure he'd make a lasting impression on the Toronto Raptors with a vicious throwdown.

Oh and by the way, The L.A. Lakers lost at home against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Just so you know.

Celtics back in the NBA Finals

Team effort: Paul Pierce and the Celtics booked themselves a ticket back to the NBA Finals.
(Jim Rogash/NBAE/Getty Images)

Beantown has every reason to celebrate as the Boston Celtics finally vanquished the Orlando Magic 96-84, in Game 6 of Eastern Conference Finals. Despite having a few set backs in the last 2 games, the Celtics were able to clinch a spot in the NBA Finals to face their west coast rival, the L.A. Lakers. It will be a rematch of the NBA Finals back in 2008.

Rajon Rondo brought his A-game despite hitting the floor hard during the game with 14 points and 6 assists. Paul Pierce was in usual self as he scored 31 points with 13 boards to his credit. Kevin Garnett chalked up 10 points and sweet shooting Ray Allen also chipped in 20 points. Coach Doc Rivers wasn't at all surprised of his teams performance:

"The first thing we said when we got in the locker room is this is where we thought we would be," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "So, don't be surprised. This is what we talked about before the season started.

"I just believed that I saw what they did and what they had. And we kept saying as a staff, 'It's in us. We've got to try to get it back out of us.'"

The Magic's Vince Carter wasn't much of a factor in game 6 having scored only 17 points. Dwight Howard's 20-10 performance didn't much either albeit his 28 points and 12 rebounds. Orlandos' Superman gave credit to their rivals from Boston of their hard-earned victory:

"[The Celtics] played like they wanted to win the championship the whole series," he added. "That's why they're in the position that they're in now."

An unlikely spark plug in the form of Nate Robinson, came off the bench all fired up -- literally helped his Celtics pull off the win -- that's coming from a player who has only made a few appearances in the playoffs. His teammate Tony Allen gives props to Robinson for his performance:

"Here's a guy that didn't play too much all series and gave us a lift," Tony Allen said. "He was ready for his opportunity and he took clean advantage of it."

A breathe of new life indeed for Nate and now has an opportunity to win his first ever championship. Kendrick Perkins couldn't be more happier of Technical Foul called on him in Game 5 at Orlando. He's got the NBA Commissioner David Stern to thank for -- thus he was able to play in Game 6. The Celtics will have 5 days rest before facing the Lakeshow in June 3 (June 4 in Manila).

Now that the Celtics are back in the finals, fans in Beantown are hoping to win yet another NBA title and perhaps add banner number 18 in the rafters of the TD Garden. With C's starting 5 back in shape, there's no stopping the gang green in taking the NBA Championship back to the east.

On that note, check out this play of Rajon Rondo's dime drop to P-Double for a nice two-handed throwdown.

Championship or Bust for C's

The Celtics would certainly want to forget about their terrible loss in L.A. that should've clinched their 17th NBA title in 22 years. Now, the series shifts back in Boston and stage is set whether the C's will try to capitalize and win it all or let the Lake show take over and spoil their party yet again.

Everything is at stake for both teams. For the Lakers, a win would equalize the series and extend for a Game 7. The Celtics on the other hand, will try to silence their critics and make sure the Larry O' Brien trophy comes home to Boston. Game 6 will be an all important game and neither Boston or L.A. are taking things lightly.

Just ask Kevin Garnett. "Played like garbage" as he would describe his performance in Game 5. Kendrick Perkins could only watch his team from the sidelines as he couldn't do anything to help KG and the rest of the Celtics. Pau Gasol took advantage of it in every way. Sending KG in foul trouble early in 1st quarter of Game 5 gave a huge boost for the Lakers.

It will be a game time decision however for Perk if he's gonna play in Game 6. Ray Allen is ready to play for their huge game in Boston. Allen left the Staples Center right after the game due to a health issue with one of his children. They need his shooting touch to add some firepower to the Celtics offense. Coach Doc Rivers is confident Ray Ray will be playing in Game 6.

At least, that's good news for Paul Pierce. He intends to do whatever it takes to get that ring he so wanted. An NBA Finals MVP candidate, he still managed to score 38 points in a losing effort to Lakers. Pierce should motivate his team mates to be more aggressive not just on the offensive but also defensively.

Rebounding is also another concern coach Rivers. Having Leon Powe to start for Perkins didn't do any good for the Celtics. Veteran forward PJ Brown got extended minutes for his rebounding duties despite being in foul trouble like Garnett. They really need another reserve forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis to step up to the plate in case Perk is not in the rotation. Davis has yet to make an appearance in the championship series.

Still playing with a sprained ankle, Rajon Rondo needs to step up as well despite racking up 16 points in Game 5. They need his quickness to penetrate the Laker defense to create some shots for his team mates.

The Celtics must prevent Kobe Bryant from going one-on-one and get aggressive in the paint. They didn't double or triple team him everytime he drove to the basket. Going back to their usual 2-3 or 3-2 zone should be a good adjustment on the Celtics defense. It should take away the ball movement and the set up of passing lanes in Lakers' triangle offense.

Good ball movement will give the Celtics easy opportunities to score and make runs. The Big 3 must keep themselves out of foul trouble and get their scoring rhythm flowing. Creating second chance opportunities should keep the Celtics offense going. The supporting cast must make an impact that's why they have James Posey and Eddie House to rack up 3-pointers in the clutch.

This is the chance for Garnett, Pierce and Allen to finally earn their championship all season long. Being back in Boston could very well be an advantage for them. They shouldn't let the opportunity slip away again especially on their home floor. expectations will be high and the pressure is definitely on the Celtics. The Lakers will have to steal a win at the parquet in front of a hostile Boston crowd and perhaps upset the opposition.

For 48 minutes, these two teams will endure a physical battle come tip-off in Game 6. A game that could very well be a classic. Emotions will be high, the crowd will be rowdy and loud. Both teams are hungry to win. In the end, when the smoke is cleared, there can only be one.