Phil touched on a variety of topics and even gave Shaq a new nickname calling him “America’s symbol of salesmanship.”

There is no doubt this a huge game for both clubs and you have the sense that it is killing Jackson to give the Celtics any sort of recognition. Both the Celtics and the Lakers have been playing inconsistent basketball over the last few weeks and will each need to bring their “A” game if they hope to escape today’s sure to be slugfest with a victory.

Said Jackson: “I personally don’t think they (the Heat) can get by Boston, I think Boston is too good a team … Boston is older and they have to go through the rest of the schedule without having some kind of breakdown of players. They (the Celtics) are just really a good team.”

Should not be a total shock to most, the Miami Heat may have a collection of three great players, but they are not built for a seven game series. James, Wade and Bosh are capable of taking over a game, but what if James or Wade gets in foul trouble or turns an ankle? I think we are getting a glimpse of this now with the Heat in the midst of a losing streak.

The Celtics have shown that they can withstand a number of injuries and still remain competitive. Should be fun to watch.

Extra Credit Time: Can you name two Miami Heat players not named Bosh, Wade or James?