Any sports betting fan will remember the thrills brought by the 2008 and 2009 NBA Finals: those were the years when the age-old rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics were revived. Everything was right in the world as Purple and Gold clashed with Green for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Kobe Bryant, one of the game’s main stars and a mainstay on betting websites, hung up his jersey last year. Today, Boston’s Paul Pierce calls it quits on a frustrating loss. The Clippers’ exit weren’t called for by live betting experts when their series against the Jazz started.
Washington Wizards 111-123 Boston Celtics
We need to talk about The Truth’s old team before we get on to talking about his team’s early exit: the Celtics are going strong with a double-digit victory over the Washington Wizards.
Isaiah Thomas lost a tooth but came for the Boston Green with his 33 points and nine assists, followed closely by strong performances from Al Horford, Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder. Their lethal three-point shooting set the lead that eventually won them the game from the third quarter.
However, it wasn’t like the Wizards weren’t doing their part. John Wall, Bradley Beal, Marcin Gortat and Otto Porter had fantastic games that definitely made a lot of the TD Garden fans sweat a bit. Fans of both teams should expect another heated exchange as these two clubs clearly hate each other.
Utah Jazz 104-91 Los Angeles Clippers
This game was the last time we’ll see Paul Pierce in an NBA uniform, but this loss could also spell the end of the Lob City Clippers.
It’s important to say that Blake Griffin’s injury was the nail in the coffin of the Clippers’ season. Without a premier big who can draw attention away from the perimeter, Chris Paul and the rest of the Clippers’ shooters struggled to sink their threes.
Meanwhile, Gordon Hayward and the rest of the Jazz had a solid night in Los Angeles. Seven Utah players scored in double digits compared to LA’s three. While the Warriors will be an entirely different animal, it’s safe to say that the Jazz are more than ready for the challenge.
On the other hand, the Clippers will be facing an uncomfortable and uncertain summer: where will Blake Griffin and Chris Paul go? How will the Clippers look like six months from now? Will they be still able to compete next year?
Paul Pierce wouldn’t care about that anymore, though. The Truth has walked away in his own terms. And his retirement closes another chapter in the Celtics-Lakers rivalry.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more basketball betting options.
